On May 5th, while heading to an appointment at the Ottawa General Hospital, Bob Hardy — The Walker Runner — collapsed with what was thought to be a stroke. It wasn’t. Tests continue, but one thing became clear: all racing is cancelled for now.
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The Walker Runner: Life After May 5th
The setback deepened on July 28th with a second collapse. Bob now trains differently — pushing forward, sometimes with noisy scraping steps that wear down his shoes faster than ever. It isn’t pretty, but it’s progress.
This isn’t the first time. In 2021, sciatica left him with a “flappy foot,” and he simply kept walking until the feeling came back. Months later, he was on the start line at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
Now, in 2025, he’s once again learning to adapt. Tests continue at the Stroke & Thrombosis Centre in Cornwall. He remains cancer-free after colon surgery, 10 years clear on kidney tumors, and almost 28 years post–bone marrow transplant for leukemia. Daily acupuncture, physiotherapy, and that black belt mindset keep him moving.
The sound of scraping feet isn’t defeat — it’s determination. The Walker Runner keeps going, because giving up has never been an option.