Dec 18, 2025
"Gratitude is what drives me."
This week, we are joined by Jovica Savic (Yatzi) to discuss his
incredible journey from fleeing war in the former Yugoslavia to
becoming a pillar of the Kitchener-Waterloo running community.
What makes you lace up your shoes? For Yatzi, the answer went far
beyond fitness—it became about survival for his neighbors.
On this week's episode of the Athletics Ontario Running Podcast, we
explore how one runner’s deep sense of gratitude for his life in
Canada sparked a movement in Kitchener-Waterloo. Disturbed by the
sight of individuals suffering through severe winter cold, Yatzi
rallied the local running community to tackle the rising issue of
homelessness head-on.
Join us as we break down his incredible 51.9km fundraising run for
Ray of Hope KW and discover why the most powerful fuel for any
runner isn't carbohydrates—it’s a purpose. Whether you are an
ultra-marathoner or a 5K fun-runner, Yatzi’s story will challenge
you to find your own "strong charitable why."
Learn more about Yatzi at: https://www.instagram.com/yatziruns/
Register to be an Athletics Ontario member: https://athleticsreg.ca/#!/memberships/athletics-ontario-2025-membership
Check out Hammer Nutrition Canada (and use our special discount code AORP15 at checkout): https://hammernutrition.ca/