The actor side of Rob Watson you’ve never seen before is in new Lakota TV ad

One of Canada’s favourite marathon runners has a new side gig: Starring in the latest Lakota commercial.

Rob Watson, a 33-year-old Vancouver resident and 2:13:29 marathon runner, appears in the latest television commercial for Lakota– a herbal medicine used to treat arthritis, back pain and muscle soreness. Considering that Watson is gearing up for the New York City Marathon in November, the muscle relief alternative may prove him well as he puts in high mileage in the weeks leading up to the world’s largest marathon.

RELATED: Rob Watson talks coaching, goals and redefining his running.

The footage, shot this past summer in the Vancouver trails, features Watson striding out, and appearing to treat some calf pain after pushing the pace on an incline. Watson’s Lakota gig is the second such commercial featuring a Canadian runner this year. In the leadup to the Olympics, Andre De Grasse starred in a Pizza Pizza advertisement.

RELATED: Rob Watson set to make marathon return in New York City this fall.

A Facebook user pointed out that the commercial aired in the pre-game show for the Oct. 17 Toronto Blue Jays game. The Lakota commercial featuring Watson, who is listed as a “Canadian World Marathon Runner,” is believed to have aired during Sportsnet’s Tim and Sid segment among other instances.

RELATED: Andre De Grasse’s new Pizza Pizza ad is cheesier than the pizza itself.

The company was founded in 2000 by a father and son tandem in Northern British Columbia. The company is currently headquartered in Dawson Creek, B.C. If you’re unfamiliar with Lakota, you may recognize the below commercial, which aired in the mid-2000s.

Previous commercial