Guinness World Record

Multi-Guinness World Records

Martin Parnell is a keynote speaker, author, 5 time Guinness World Record holder, world class endurance athlete and philanthropist. In 2014, for his book "MARATHON QUEST", Martin was listed as one of Alberta's top five authors, by CBC Radio. Martin lives in Alberta with his wife Sue. They have three children and three grand children. read more...

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Keynotes and Workshops

Martin's inspirational story will demonstrate how one person, through determination and persistence can affect change. As someone who went from the mining industry to becoming an athlete ambassador for Right To Play, Martin will take you on a journey that will both amaze and inspire. read more...

In Action

Martin has made numerous keynote presentations across Canada and the UK. Clients include Human Resource Institue of Alberta, Contron Construction, NWT Parks and Rec., Avanti Software, Sun Life Financial, Raymond James, Alberta Parks and Rec., Rotary 5360 DisCon, and Scouts Canada.

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Giving Back

Captain Clot Buster is coming out of retirement!!!!!!!

2017 is Canada's 150th birthday and to celebrate the Calgary Marathon is holding a 150 km Ultra on May 27th / 28th. In 2016 Captain Clot Buster ran the Calgary Marathon and at the end said "It was his last race". However never say never for the Captain. He is coming out of retirement for one last race and it's a big one. So please support Right To Play and make a donation.

Recent Photos

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  • Gave a presentation at the Eau Claire Running Room​ on all things running. Have a
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    Gave a presentation at the Eau Claire Running Room​ on all things running. Have a "Finish the Race Attitude" and achieve your goal. Calgary Marathon​ The Secret Marathon Viiz

    Wednesday, August 09, 2017
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  • Looking for a page-turner this summer? Then get
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    Looking for a page-turner this summer? Then get "Running to the Edge" in all good book stores and Amazon.com Canadian Running Magazine RMB | Rocky Mountain Books

    Tuesday, June 27, 2017
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  • An honour to be on the same stage at TEDxYYC with Hayley Wickenheiser, four time Olympic Gold medalist, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and advocate for girls and women hockey.
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    An honour to be on the same stage at TEDxYYC with Hayley Wickenheiser, four time Olympic Gold medalist, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and advocate for girls and women hockey.

    Saturday, June 24, 2017
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  • Rehearsals finished for TEDxYYC. Today it's the big show. Hope to see you there. #ideasworthspreading
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    Rehearsals finished for TEDxYYC. Today it's the big show. Hope to see you there. #ideasworthspreading

    Friday, June 23, 2017
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  • Spending the weekend rehearsing my TEDxYYC talk in front of a very tough crowd. Everyone's a critic. See you there at Arts Commons on Friday June 23rd. CAPS Calgary
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    Spending the weekend rehearsing my TEDxYYC talk in front of a very tough crowd. Everyone's a critic. See you there at Arts Commons on Friday June 23rd. CAPS Calgary

    Sunday, June 18, 2017
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  • A pleasure presenting at the +50 Lecture Series at the Crowfoot Calgary Public Library. The topic
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    A pleasure presenting at the +50 Lecture Series at the Crowfoot Calgary Public Library. The topic "Achieve your Dream - Age is no Barrier". RMB | Rocky Mountain Books

    Friday, June 16, 2017
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  • Last day as the 2016 / 17 Cochrane Public Library Writer-in-Residence. Had a great year meeting prospective authors and presenting four workshops on the Accidental Author; Blog to Book; Getting Published and Promoting your Book. Huge thanks to Jeri and Cochrane Library team. RMB | Rocky Mountain Books
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    Last day as the 2016 / 17 Cochrane Public Library Writer-in-Residence. Had a great year meeting prospective authors and presenting four workshops on the Accidental Author; Blog to Book; Getting Published and Promoting your Book. Huge thanks to Jeri and Cochrane Library team. RMB | Rocky Mountain Books

    Wednesday, June 07, 2017
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  • Had the pleasure of announcing the Timbits Trevor Dickson Memorial Kids Triathlon with Anika, a star in the making. Footstock Race Weekend 2017 Right To Play
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    Had the pleasure of announcing the Timbits Trevor Dickson Memorial Kids Triathlon with Anika, a star in the making. Footstock Race Weekend 2017 Right To Play

    Sunday, June 04, 2017
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  • Gave a presentation to the Cochrane Red Rock Running and Tri Club on all things running. Have a
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    Gave a presentation to the Cochrane Red Rock Running and Tri Club on all things running. Have a "Finish the Race" attitude and achieve your goal.

    Thursday, June 01, 2017
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  • Facilitated two
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    Facilitated two "Unlock You Potential" workshops at Morley as part of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation and Banff and Lake Louise Hospitality Association initiative. Great input from all the participants.

    Tuesday, May 30, 2017
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  • An incredible afternoon at the
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    An incredible afternoon at the "7 Steps to Promote your Book" workshop at Cochrane Public Library . Thanks to everyone who participated. RMB | Rocky Mountain Books

    Saturday, May 20, 2017
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  • Only 10 days to go for the Crowfoot Running Room half marathon and marathon clinics. Presentation on
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    Only 10 days to go for the Crowfoot Running Room half marathon and marathon clinics. Presentation on "Tapering and Race Day prep". Calgary Marathon

    Friday, May 19, 2017
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  • This Saturday, May 20th from 1.00pm to 2.30pm
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    This Saturday, May 20th from 1.00pm to 2.30pm "7 Steps to Promote Your Book" workshop at the Cochrane Public Library. Register online, everyone welcome. RMB | Rocky Mountain Books

    Tuesday, May 16, 2017
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  • Come on out to YYCfitexpo on May 13 / 14 at the Big Four Building, Stampede Grounds. Drop by booth #409 and let's talk running and The Secret Marathon. #YYCfitexpo
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    Come on out to YYCfitexpo on May 13 / 14 at the Big Four Building, Stampede Grounds. Drop by booth #409 and let's talk running and The Secret Marathon. #YYCfitexpo

    Thursday, May 11, 2017
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  • A pleasure talking to The Cochrane Business Network. Topic
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    A pleasure talking to The Cochrane Business Network. Topic "Cochrane to Afghanistan - Setting Goals and Overcoming Obstacles". RMB | Rocky Mountain Books

    Tuesday, May 09, 2017
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  • Great chatting with the running clinic at Lolë Calgary 17th Ave. Running for fitness, running for life. Cowgirl Runs Lole Women Free to Run
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    Great chatting with the running clinic at Lolë Calgary 17th Ave. Running for fitness, running for life. Cowgirl Runs Lole Women Free to Run

    Wednesday, May 03, 2017
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  • Shared lots of great stories at the signing of RUNNING TO THE EDGE at Chapters Crowfoot. Thanks to everyone who dropped by for a chat. RMB | Rocky Mountain Books
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    Shared lots of great stories at the signing of RUNNING TO THE EDGE at Chapters Crowfoot. Thanks to everyone who dropped by for a chat. RMB | Rocky Mountain Books

    Sunday, April 30, 2017
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  • Come on out to Chapters Crowfoot on Saturday April 29th from 11.00am to 4.00pm for a signing of RUNNING TO THE EDGE. Enjoy a coffee and a chat. Everyone welcome. RMB | Rocky Mountain Books Calgary Marathon
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    Come on out to Chapters Crowfoot on Saturday April 29th from 11.00am to 4.00pm for a signing of RUNNING TO THE EDGE. Enjoy a coffee and a chat. Everyone welcome. RMB | Rocky Mountain Books Calgary Marathon

    Friday, April 28, 2017
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  • On November 5th 2016 I was visiting the British Cemetery (Kabre Gora or graveyard of foreigners) in Kabul, Afghanistan. During the visit I noticed the plaques dedicated to the Canadian Armed Forces men and women killed in service were propped against a wall. This wasn't right. Returning home I sent an email to the Canadian Embassy in Kabul and today James Johnson replied that the plaques had been re-installed and sent this photo. Thank you.
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    On November 5th 2016 I was visiting the British Cemetery (Kabre Gora or graveyard of foreigners) in Kabul, Afghanistan. During the visit I noticed the plaques dedicated to the Canadian Armed Forces men and women killed in service were propped against a wall. This wasn't right. Returning home I sent an email to the Canadian Embassy in Kabul and today James Johnson replied that the plaques had been re-installed and sent this photo. Thank you.

    Sunday, April 23, 2017
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  • Had a great time hanging out with RMB | Rocky Mountain Books author Jocey Asnong at Cafe Books in Canmore.
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    Had a great time hanging out with RMB | Rocky Mountain Books author Jocey Asnong at Cafe Books in Canmore.

    Sunday, April 16, 2017
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  • Only 7 weeks to go to the Calgary Marathon for the Crowfoot Running Room half marathon group. Always fun sharing running stories and tips.
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    Only 7 weeks to go to the Calgary Marathon for the Crowfoot Running Room half marathon group. Always fun sharing running stories and tips.

    Saturday, April 08, 2017
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  • Lots of great discussion at the Kensington Running Room with the half and marathon clinics. There a distance for everyone! Calgary Marathon
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    Lots of great discussion at the Kensington Running Room with the half and marathon clinics. There a distance for everyone! Calgary Marathon

    Wednesday, April 05, 2017
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  • Great sharing stories with members of the Running Room marathon, half and 10km clinics.
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    Great sharing stories with members of the Running Room marathon, half and 10km clinics.

    Friday, March 31, 2017
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  • Great to share stories with the Marathon Clinic at the Crowfoot Running Room. Good luck to the first time marathoners. Calgary Marathon
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    Great to share stories with the Marathon Clinic at the Crowfoot Running Room. Good luck to the first time marathoners. Calgary Marathon

    Thursday, March 23, 2017
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