Ray Zahab

Winner of some of the world's most difficult and challenging ultra distance foot races, Ray Zahab is motivated by challenge, distance, and discovery. Having made the life changing decision to leave a pack-a-day smoking habit, unhealthy life choices, and sedentary existence behind him, Zahab is now a record breaking ultramarathon runner, adventurer, and inspirational keynote speaker.

In 2007, Zahab made history by running 7500 kms across the entire Sahara Desert to raise awareness for clean water initiatives in Africa. Covering an average of 70 km per day, he ran for 111 days in extreme desert conditions, through six countries, without a single day of rest. The documentary film, Running the Sahara, narrated and produced by Matt Damon, chronicles the historic journey – and raises the bar for all that we think possible.

On January 7, 2009 Zahab and two other Canadians, broke the world speed record for unsupported expedition from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole. Zahab became the first person to trek to the South Pole on this traditional 1130 km route solely on foot using snowshoes. The inspirational journey utilized an interactive website that allowed schools and students to become active team members during this arduous 33-day expedition.

Zahab is a member of the board of directors of the Ryan’s Well Foundation, is the official Athletic Ambassador to the ONExONE organization, is a representative of SpreadTheNet, and is the founder of Impossible2Possible, an organization that aims to inspire and educate youth through adventure learning, various youth initiatives, and inclusion and participation in expeditions.

In addition to his running adventures, Zahab speaks worldwide, spreading the message that the impossible is possible and we all have the ability to achieve anything we set our minds to.