Entering her eleventh season with the Vikes in 2026–2027, Marilyn Arsenault brings over 15 years of coaching experience.
Marilyn is a certified NCCP Level 3 Performance Coach and Chartered Professional Coach, with coaching apprenticeships completed under ALTIS, and current mentorship from world-renowned coach Dan Pfaff.
Alongside her work with varsity athletes, Marilyn has extensive experience teaching technical running skills to athletes of all levels from recreational runners to Olympic and national team competitors. She has collaborated with organizations including Triathlon Canada, Hong Kong Triathlon, and Rowing Canada.
In 2010, Marilyn launched her signature program Mindful Strides, a series of courses teaching runners of all levels how to move efficiently and reduce injury risk through proper run technique. Her teaching draws from diverse disciplines, including music; she holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from McGill University, and often parallels the nuance of musical performance with the skill of running.
Marilyn loves working with the varsity team and hopes to inspire the next generation of athletes at the University of Victoria. She is proud to be part of the supportive environment the staff and team have created.
As a competitive athlete, Marilyn has established multiple Canadian Masters records across a range of distances. Marilyn is also a four-time National Team member, making international teams as a Masters athlete.
As a varsity athlete, Marilyn earned All-Canadian status in both cross-country and track.
Race Highlights
Masters Champion Carlsbad 5000 in Carlsbad California (2011 and 2015)
Masters Champion Bloomsday 12km in Spokane Washington (2008 and 2012)
Third Master at the New York City Marathon (2016)
National Team Member Chiba Ekiden; Chiba, Japan and World Cross Country; Aman, Jordan (2009)
