Meet 2026 series ambassador Austin Koevoets

My name is Austin Koevoets, and I’m the founder of PAACE Magazine, a leader with Sunday Social Run Club in Nanaimo, and, as many friends would say, an “all-around vibes guy.” My passion sits at the intersection of sport, wellness, and human connection, and I try to carry that energy into every space I’m part of — whether it’s on the trail, at a race, or simply grabbing coffee after a run.

My journey into the endurance and racing community has been both personal and transformative. I once weighed 250 pounds and was leading a very unhealthy lifestyle. While fitness felt far away, it was the people I surrounded myself with—runners, cyclists, and outdoor adventurers—who helped shift that narrative. Through their support and example, I learned not only to take better care of myself but also to lift those around me. That sense of accountability and shared growth continues to fuel everything I do.

Today, I’m most at home when I’m moving outdoors—among large rocks, trees, and wide open trails—and when I’m building spaces that bring people together. Endurance sports are about more than performance; they’re about community, resilience, and joy. That’s the spirit I aim to amplify every day.