🐼 Valérie Gagné – The Running Panda
Valérie Gagné, affectionately known as “The Running Panda,” is a Canadian endurance athlete renowned for her self-supported expeditions and trail running achievements. Balancing her roles as an air traffic controller and an adventure travel guide, Valérie exemplifies resilience and a passion for exploration.
🏃♀️ Athletic Achievements
In July 2024, Valérie set a Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the East Coast Trail Integral in Newfoundland, completing the 302 km route with 12,643 meters of elevation gain in 5 days, 13 hours, and 5 minutes. This self-supported endeavor showcased her determination and endurance.
Earlier in 2024, she became the first woman to complete a solo, self-supported 200 km winter expedition around the Réservoir Manicouagan, demonstrating her versatility and courage in extreme conditions.
🌍 Expeditions & Background
Valérie’s journey into endurance sports began with a 2014 expedition in Chile’s Atacama Desert, where she participated in a youth program running a marathon daily for six consecutive days. This experience ignited her passion for adventure and set the foundation for her future endeavors.
Professionally, she serves as an air traffic controller at NAV CANADA and contributes as an adventure travel guide for KAPIK1 Expeditions, leading and facilitating challenging outdoor adventures.
📷 Online Presence
Valérie shares her adventures and insights through her Instagram account, @_therunningpanda, where she connects with a community of outdoor enthusiasts and fellow athletes.
📚 Learn More
For detailed accounts of her expeditions and achievements, visit her FKT profile: Valérie Gagné – East Coast Trail FKT.