8-year-old runner wins 2025 Groovy Granite 7K

Eight-year-old Samuel Chiupka from Shilo has made headlines after outrunning dozens of adults to win the 2025 Groovy Granite seven-kilometre race in Lac du Bonnet.

The Grade 3 student at École La Source claimed first place overall — in both the adult and youth categories — during the Thanksgiving weekend event on Oct. 12, which drew runners from across Manitoba, including Brandon, Winnipeg, Blumenort, Beausejour, Richer, and Teulon.

The Groovy Granite 7K, a highlight of Lac du Bonnet’s annual fall racing series, challenges participants with mixed terrain and unpredictable weather.

Runners battled light rain, cool wind and slick surfaces, but none of it slowed him down from crossing the finish line ahead of more than 30 adults and three other kids, Chiupka told the Sun on Saturday.

“I finished the Groovy Granite race,” he said, proudly holding his medal. “I planned to stay in second, third, or fourth place until I could see the finish line — then go in front of everybody.”

The course began on gravel, shifted to dirt and wound through patches of grass and rock before returning to gravel paths. For Samuel, the biggest challenge was following the route in the rain. “Some of the spray paint and arrows got washed away,” he said. “But there were yellow dots and flags on the trees, so I followed those.”

Despite the slippery patches and puddles, he never lost focus. “I went as quickly as I could to get into second or third,” he said. “Then I started jogging there until I saw the finish line.” Two minutes before the end, he sprinted ahead and crossed the line first — a feat that left spectators cheering.

His father, Jonathan Chiupka, said Samuel’s calm confidence was not new. “He’s not intimidated by adults,” Jonathan said. “He figures he can beat them.”

Samuel’s love for running began unexpectedly. According to Jonathan, it all started last winter after his son told his mother during a car ride, “I just need to run.” The family soon signed him up for his first race in Brandon.

“That first run, he left me completely in the dust,” Jonathan laughed. “I told him, if you need to go faster, just pick a shirt ahead of you and catch up. Next thing I know, he’s gone .”

Since then, Samuel has run in Brandon, Minnedosa and Riding Mountain. His placements have steadily improved — from 21st in his debut to 10th, then fourth, and now first overall at the Groovy Granite.

For Samuel’s grandmother, Linda Chiupka, the win was a moment of deep pride. “It means a lot because of the running conditions,” she said. “It was cold, raining and the trail markings were fading. When you’re eight and surrounded by adults, you’re just trying not to get trampled.”

Linda recalled how Samuel once ran six kilometres on gravel with just sandals on his feet, showing his determination.

“His feet were full of blisters and dirt, but he didn’t complain once,” she said. “He just kept going. That’s the kind of grit he brings to every run.”

Samuel’s victory, she added, reflects not just speed but perseverance. “He knows when to hold back, when to push and how to stay focused — that’s rare for someone his age.”

For now, Samuel says he’s taking his dad’s advice to keep running for fun, not pressure. “I want to win two more races that are under 10 kilometres,” he said. “Then I’ll move up to 10 kilometres.”

Jonathan and his wife plan to support both their sons’ athletic interests, with Samuel focused on running and his older brother, Gabriel, competing in racquetball. “We’re just trying to show them that sometimes kids can outgrow their parents,” Jonathan said. “It’s about finding what they love and helping them reach for it.”

As Samuel looks ahead to new challenges, his medals serve as both a reminder and a motivation. “It means I can actually achieve anything I set my mind to,” he said with a smile.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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