Claudia Wagner: Running on Resilience

Claudia Wagner speaks about her story the way one recounts their day to a friend. Born in Mascouche to German parents, she started running young—barefoot and determined to beat girls who had the advantage of shoes. Listening to her story, your eyes widen as you realize her journey could fill a memoir more compelling than just “Live and Run.” Claudia Wagner turns heads on the track at Centre Multisports—not just with her speed, but her sheer willpower.

(I tried filming her during a training session—my right thigh still remembers who she is.)

Barefoot in the potato fields

She long dreamed of the Olympics and once stood among the contenders. Introduced to running by her father, she entered her first race in a skirt and trained barefoot on farmland trails and forest paths with her dog. Always solo. No team. But she never lost the drive. Running is her life:

“My whole schedule revolves around running,” she says with disarming ease. “Training comes first—work comes second.”

And with good reason: her goal is to become Canadian champion in the pentathlon at next year’s World Masters Championships in Toronto. With multiple provincial and national titles in her age group (45–49) in the 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 1500 m, and 3000 m, she has every reason to believe it’s possible.

In memory of Bryan Liew

But beyond the medals and finish times, Claudia runs for people. Returning from Germany in the early 2010s, she settled in Saint-Lazare just as the Centre Multisports was opening its doors.

“It’s a miracle to have a 200 m indoor track so close. It’s the perfect training space,” she says.

Her momentum hit a tragic pause when her coach, Bryan Liew, passed away suddenly. To honor him, she created the Bryan Liew Foundation, which aims to build an outdoor synthetic track bearing his name. Every September, the Bryan Liew Race attracts dozens of runners, with proceeds going to the foundation.

Claudia, true to her nature, also took over coaching Bryan’s group—voluntarily:

“I do it because I love running and sharing my experience,” she explains.

You’ll find her every Tuesday and Thursday morning training and coaching—at the same time:

“I can answer questions while doing my own workout. I’m a woman—I multitask!”

Half German, Half Québécoise

She credits her discipline to her German roots, and her warmth to her Québécois spirit. At 49, Claudia shows elite-level dedication, but remains grounded and passionate about helping others get moving. Her advice for beginners?

“Find an activity you love. Start once a week and build from there until it becomes part of your life. It’s the first five minutes that are hard—but after that, the sun comes out.”

For Claudia, the sun rises with every stride. Time—once an opponent—is now her partner in chasing podium finishes.