Is Mark Carney sponsored by Tracksmith? – Canadian Running Magazine
David Sweeney (sweeneyimages)
The 650 runners who made the trip to Ontario’s cottage country last weekend for the Haliburton Forest Trail Race got more for their money than just a bib, medal and a tough course.
They got a surprise sighting of Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, indulging one of his favourite pastimes: running.
In the 26K distance, Carney showcased his endurance, finishing in 3:45:39 for 58th overall, sporting what looked like a new pair of trail shoes.
Photo: David Sweeney (sweeneyimages)
And here’s where my gear-nerd radar went off. The PM appeared to be dripped out in Tracksmith.
Most notably, on his feet, Tracksmith’s new Eliot Range trail racer.
The shoe, released in August, is the Boston brand’s first true trail shoe, designed for the growing number of runners now choosing trails over pavement.
This isn’t the first time Carney has been spotted in Tracksmith.
At the 2025 Ottawa International Marathon in May, he wore the Eliot Runner while cheering from Rideau Hall.
A few months later, he was spotted wearing the same shoes at Vancouver Pride weekend.
So why Tracksmith? Is it the Ivy League vibe baked into the brand, and Carney’s Harvard University roots?
Or is the Canadian PM quietly doubling as a running influencer?
To get clarity, I reached out to Tracksmith.
Massimo Alpian, a spokesperson for the brand, said the first time they noticed Carney in Tracksmith was at Vancouver Pride.
“Tracksmith’s mission has always been deeply rooted in the love for our sport, focused on camaraderie and community,” Alpian said.
“We were humbled to know that he was not only drawn to the product we craft, but our brand mission, as well.”
Alpian was quick to clarify that Carney is not a brand ambassador, but just a genuine fan.
“It’s something we’re happy about, and I hope we can see PM Carney at one of our Tracksmith Twilight 5K events in Canada next year,” he added.
Photo: Tracksmith
The new Eliot Range borrows elements from Tracksmith’s everyday trainer, the Eliot Runner, along with touches from its stylish apparel line.
Add in a Vibram outsole for grip and durability, and you’ve got a trail shoe that blends performance with the brand’s traditional preppy flair. You could now even say it is fit for a prime minister.
