Trailblazer of Resilience: Tanya Joy’s Journey of Strength, Mental Health Advocacy, and Triumph on Newfoundland’s Trails | Women’s Day Newfoundland Edition | Spotlight Mental Health Awareness
- Tales from The Rock
- Mar 9
- 4 min read
We saved the best for last! The final instalment of our International Women’s Day 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador edition, is a special one and it brings us to a woman of incredible strength, resilience, and passion.
We’d love to celebrate Tanya Joy, a dedicated long-distance trail runner and mental health advocate. She’s turned her love for the sport into a powerful tool for healing - not only for herself, but for so many others who have struggled with loss and mental health challenges. Running isn't just about endurance for Tanya - it's about connection, reflection, and finding peace.
After the heartbreaking loss of her brother, Jody, to suicide in July 2019, Tanya found solace in trail running. The rhythmic pounding of her feet on the rugged Newfoundland terrain became her therapy - her way of processing the grief that threatened to consume her. Out on the trails, surrounded by the vast, untamed beauty of nature, she feels closest to Jody. It's in those quiet moments, with the wind at her back and the endless horizon stretching before her, that she senses his presence the most - whispering encouragement, pushing her forward, and reminding her to keep going... no matter how difficult the journey.
Tanya’s achievements as a trail runner are nothing short of extraordinary. She has tackled some of the toughest races, including the grueling 50-kilometre East Coast Trail (ECT) Ultra Marathon, where she placed as the first female finisher in 2024. But beyond the accolades and finish lines, what truly defines her is the way she uses her platform to inspire and uplift others.
Tanya is the founder of Joy Run 50, an annual 50-kilometre marathon along Newfoundland's iconic East Coast Trail. The event was created in memory of her brother, Jody, aiming to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. She leads group trail running sessions through Joy Run, encouraging physical activity and personal growth. Her work in the community, whether through speaking engagements or organizing running groups, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to breaking the stigma around mental health.
Tanya's Key Accomplishments:
Featured in various media outlets, including CBC Radio and VOCM, where she discussed how trail running has been a form of therapy in her healing process.
Has spoken at the Kinesiology Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Move Talks, sharing her insights on mental health, movement, and healing.
Most recently, she has traveled to high schools across Newfoundland and Labrador to speak with youth. She connects with students on their level, discussing her own struggles and how they might relate.
In a world of uncertainty and economic instability, Tanya inspires young people to slow down, embrace vulnerability, and foster real connections. By showing your heart, you build bridges of understanding and create space for growth - because transformation only happens in those vulnerable moments. We can't wait to learn more about the success in her Girl's Workshop & Hike (for girls aged 11-17).
On a more personal level, I recently had the privilege of meeting Tanya and quickly learned that part of her strength is in her vulnerability and selflessness. When it comes to helping others to grow and learn, she's an open book – willing to talk about anything in her life in order to try to help you to not feel alone in your own story.
Saying that I was impressed by her perseverance and dedication to her sport would be an understatement. I couldn’t get over the hard work and training that went into the lifestyle of an ultra-marathon runner – from resting your body to fuelling your body, and beyond.
We were blessed to be able to watch Tanya cross the finish line of the 50k ECT Ultra Marathon, on a chilly, late October day, last fall. We had spent the morning touring around the bay and playing tourist, while Tanya and her spouse, Dave, were racing. While Dave wasn't on the trail this time, his day was filled with monitoring Tanya’s progress and meeting her at various check-points along the route. During the almost six hours that she raced, Dave provided nourishment - nourishment for her body, mind, and soul. The kind of nourishment that only your 'person' can provide!
As we waited at Quidi Vidi for the racers to cross the finish line, the cold started to settle into our chilly bones. I felt weak to think about the bitter wind and how chilly my fingers and toes were, though we were only there about 30 minutes. It was our first finish line... Was she okay? Was she cold? Had she fallen? What does it take to run for almost six hours? While we woke up late, had a slow breakfast, and toured around the bay, Tanya had been racing – mind blown!
We were so excited to cheer for Tanya, as she was the first female to cross the finish line – running 50kms in 5h48m, and 7th overall. Her determination and strength are like nothing I've ever seen before!
Tanya Joy is proof that pain can be transformed into purpose. Through her advocacy, athleticism, and unwavering spirit, she continues to uplift others and create a lasting impact in the world of mental health awareness. Her story is not just one of survival - it’s one of triumph, love, and an unbreakable bond that continues to push her forward, one step at a time.
Check out our other posts to celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador International Women's Day 2025. There are so many wonderful NL women to highlight but we managed to narrow it down to 5 - check out our Mary Walsh Tribute as well.
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Key words: Mental Health Awareness, Suicide Prevention Awareness, Ultra Marathon Runner, Trail Running Newfoundland, Tanya Joy, JoyRun50, JoyRun, Newfoundland trail running, East Coast Trail marathon, Trail Running, JoyRun, JoyRun50, Ultra Marathon, Tanya Joy, Newfoundland, East Coast Trail, ECT UltraMarathon
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