2016 Golden Shoe Awards: Community Pillars – Phil and Grace Hiom

Every year, Canadian Running names its Golden Shoe Awards. After a national reader’s survey and round-table conversations with CR‘s regular contributors and experts, we recognize the best and most essential runners, races, clubs and places in the country.

Community Pillar Award: Phil and Grace Hiom

The Hioms moved out to Kamloops, B.C., six years ago and started the Dirty Feet Trail series, which has become a celebrated group of races that have helped foster and grow the running community in the region. Phil also became the chairman of the Ridge Runners Kamloops local running club, and they are regulars at the Kamloops Hash House Harriers.

Elite ultrarunner Ian MacNairn, who has run Dirty Feet races the Hioms have put on, says, “I’ve found that Phil and Grace make an obvious effort to ensure that their events are inclusive to all. They create an environment in which all runners, regardless of experience or performance, share the same space as equals in a communal setting.”