Rise Run Retreat
Helping women gain confidence, find strength and make authentic connections through running.
Rise Run Retreat was founded in 2015 on the idea that when women come together something special happens. It all began with a conversation between two friends, Sarah Canney and Jesica D’Avanza in the car on the way back from a big blogging conference: that was fun they thought, but it could be better. They brainstormed about what makes gatherings special: something small enough so you could get to know everyone, swag bags that made you feel like a VIP, expert guest speakers who made you feel like you could tackle anything, amazing food, and a deep connection of lasting friendships. And with that conversation the idea for Rise Run Retreat was born.
WHO WE ARE
Since then. Sarah has grown the retreat to encompass a wide variety of events, including multi-day retreats, clinics, online experiences, and a vibrant community in the RISE + RUN Collective all with the aim of giving women the tools they need to thrive.
We believe that you belong and know that once you experience Rise Run Retreat. you’ll not only feel that but feel empowered to show up in your world with confidence, strength, and authenticity.
Meet the Founder
Sarah Canney is an athlete, coach, entrepreneur and mom with a passion for running. After battling an eating disorder for nearly ten years in her teens and early 20's, Sarah found freedom and healing. Running proved a catalyst in her transformation as she learned to rewrite the negative narrative in her head and find a unique strength within herself. As Sarah became more involved in the running community she was inspired by the connections she made to create Rise.Run.Retreat in 2015.
Sarah's mission is to help women gain confidence, find strength and make authentic connections through running. As the host, she creates a place for women to be inspired and experience personal growth through running.
Sarah is also an RRCA and USATF Running Coach and since starting running has become a competitive mountain and runner snowshoe runner. She has racked up top finishes at the national and world level in snowshoeing, including a third-place finish at the 2018 National Snowshoe Championships and a Bronze Medal at the 2020 World Snowshoe Championships. You can find more from Sarah at sarahcanney.com.
Meet the Team
Rebecca Stansfield-McCown
Retreat Guide
Rebecca is a runner, mother, and full-time professional with the National Parks Service. Working in Woodstock, Vermont, Rebecca spends most of her lunch breaks running the roads and trails of this little corner of the Green Mountain State. Since having found running in her late 20’s, Rebecca has used running as a way to explore our beautiful parks all over as she travels the country for work. Rebecca looks for ways to connect communities to their public lands and support the great people stewarding our national parks. Rebecca loves to explore parks across New England with her husband and seven son. She also teaches Inferno Hot Pilates, a high-intensity interval training style class based on Pilates principles and breathing. Rebecca has been helping at Rise.Run.Retreat. since 2018.
Carolyn Su
Retreat Guide
Carolyn Su is the creator of the Instagram platform, @DiverseWeRun, where she writes weekly features to amplify BIPOC runners and advocate for racial representation, equity, and inclusion in the running community. As a daughter of Chinese-immigrant parents, Carolyn grew up straddling the expectations of two different cultures, while navigating the socio-racial impact of the Model Minority Myth. She now lives in Boston, MA, where she continues her advocacy through ministry with her church, activism in her children’s school, and collaboration with local running brands, BIPOC-led running groups and individuals. Her ultimate mission is to equip and empower others to be able to show up fully as themselves, in all aspects of life.
