Quebec’s Pablo Espinosa has shared that he’s been diagnosed with cancer after a medical emergency that began earlier this month. Originally from Argentina, 46-year-old Espinosa now lives in St. Polycarpe and is known for his extreme ultrarunning accomplishments, often achieved without a crew or official support.
“Since my birthday on January 6, my life has changed completely,” he wrote on Instagram. He said he went for a colonoscopy, was then hospitalized, and learned he had colon cancer. “At that time, I was extremely weak because food was no longer able to pass properly through my intestines.”
A multi-day specialist and entrepreneur
Since his first road race in 2008 at the Montreal Marathon, Espinosa has built an impressive running resume, featuring wins and top finishes at many road, track and treadmill ultras. In 2025, Espinosa was 10th overall at the Jackpot Ultras (48-hour) in Henderson, Nev.; in 2024, he finished 14th at Across the Years 6-day race in Arizona, and was first at the Hainesport Endurance 48-hour race in New Jersey.
Espinosa is also the founder of GO juice, a hydration product for athletes that he developed when he couldn’t find one that produced consistent results.
Pablo Espinosa breaks 30-day treadmill record
“Too advanced for standard treatment”
On Instagram, Espinosa said additional testing brought more difficult news. “Further testing revealed that I also had advanced cancer in my stomach, as well as cancer in my kidneys and abdomen,” he wrote. “Due to how far the disease had progressed, the oncology board initially determined that my case was too advanced for standard treatment, and I was placed under palliative care only.”
A new option: experimental clinical trials
Espinosa said that after “weeks of uncertainty, prayer, and the incredible support of my friends, family, and community,” he has now been accepted into experimental clinical trial treatments, writing that doctors will try new therapies and monitor how his body responds. “This gives me renewed hope and strength to keep going, one step at a time,” he wrote.
A GoFundMe, organized by friends, asks supporters to help cover the financial strain around treatment and recovery, including time away from work and costs not covered by the health system, such as travel and complementary care.
To contribute to the GoFundMe for Espinosa, head here.