Ihor Verys - Embracing the Challenge

Ihor Verys, a graduate of the Business Administration program at Assiniboine, has always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. From his roots in Ukraine to his new home in Chilliwack, BC, Ihor’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence, both in his career and as an ultra-marathoner.

After arriving in Canada as an International student, Ihor found his stride in Brandon. His dedication to his studies set him on a path to become a Commercial Insurance Account Manager at HUB International, where he provides insurance services to commercial and farm clients—a job that he finds both challenging and rewarding.

Ihor’s passion extends beyond the workplace though. Shortly after moving to Canada, he discovered running as a way to maintain his mental health. Running evolved into something much larger when the COVID-19 pandemic led Ihor to explore trail running. This led him into the world of ultra marathons, a discipline known for its grueling physical and mental challenges, and he went on to compete in his first race in September, 2021.

Ihor’s first big goal as an ultra-runner was to compete at an international level, which he achieved in 2023 at the Backyard World Championships. His journey as a runner has been fueled by curiosity about the limits of the human body and mind, which has driven him to explore the potential of both.

“Every race is important and challenging,” Ihor stated. “At the end of the day, it’s an ultra, and many things can go wrong during it, no matter how strong you are.”

One of the most significant milestones in Ihor’s running career to date was his attempt at the infamous Barkley Marathons. Known as one of the most difficult ultramarathons in the world with a high failure rate, the Barkley Marathons is a 160 km race through Tennessee woodlands with an elevation gain of 17,000 metres. For context, the course elevation is the equivalent of ascending and descending Mount Everest twice, and then some. In the nearly four decades the race has been held, only 20 people have completed the course.

Ihor chuckles. “They say one can’t win Barkley, one can only finish it because Barkley always wins.”

For Ihor, the Barkley Marathons was not just a race, but a culmination of years of physical and mental preparation, which rewarded him in the end―he not only completed the race, he won! Ihor was the first runner across the finish line, and became the first Canadian to complete the race with a time of 58 hours, 44 minutes and 59 seconds.

“The fact that there’s only a few people who completed the Barkley Marathons over the last 40 years piqued my interest,” said Ihor. “The inhumane challenge and ridiculous failure rate enticed me.”

Ihor’s approach to this challenge was shaped by a lifetime of experiences—from the long walks to school as a child in Ukraine, to the harsh conditions he endured while running in -40°C temperatures while studying at Assiniboine. Balancing his career with the rigorous training required for ultra marathons is no small feat, but Ihor is driven by the challenge. He trains after work and on weekends, often pushing his limits on the rugged, steep, and technical terrain found right in his new backyard of Chilliwack.

Although ultra running is a solitary endeavour, Ihor finds solace in the supportive and inclusive ultra-running community. He cherishes the camaraderie among runners, where everyone, regardless of speed, is respected and encouraged for their personal battles against the elements and their own limits.

As Ihor looks to the future, his goals remain ambitious. He’s taking time to recover after a grueling three years of racing, but his sights are set on continuing to explore and redefine what’s possible—both on the trails and in life. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of mental strength, and the belief that we can always go further than we ever imagined.

For Ihor Verys, ultra-running isn’t just a sport, it’s a way to continuously challenge himself, to grow stronger with each step, and to inspire others to discover their own potential.

To hear more from Ihor and the Barkley Marathon, check out this podcast episode.