Erlinda was born in 1940 in the Philippines during the early days of World War II – a period marked by global turmoil and personal hardship. Raised by her widowed mother alongside an adopted older brother, she grew up in poverty. Despite the challenges, Erlinda’s mother was determined to give her a chance at a better life. In a profound act of sacrifice, she gave up taking her own medication to fund Erlinda’s education. That selflessness became the foundation of Erlinda’s lifelong commitment to perseverance and service.
After her mother’s passing, Erlinda continued her studies and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Alone but undeterred, in 1965 she moved to Galveston, Texas, where she worked as an Exchange Visitor Nurse. In 1967, she immigrated to Toronto, Canada, and began working immediately at Wellesley Hospital. Her nursing career flourished, and for over 20 years she served in the emergency department at Toronto East General Hospital. The long and demanding twelve-hour shifts on her feet would later prove to be perfect training for the endurance challenges she would embrace in her later years.
In 1981, Erlinda married George Biondic, an adventurous marathon runner who would later advance to ultramarathon races. Their marriage introduced Erlinda to the world of competitive running. For years, she supported George at races across North America, offering unwavering support. She was a quiet force that supported his success and never imagined that one day she would be the one crossing finish lines. In 2004, Erlinda and George moved to Aurora where they have lived ever since.
That moment came when Erlinda was 74 years old. Inspired by George and driven by her own curiosity and courage, she decided to compete in a three-day race, known as “3 Days at the Fair” in Augusta, New Jersey. It was an ultramarathon event, and George eagerly took on the role of coach and crew, crafting a training schedule and race strategy. With each race, they learned and adapted together. For Erlinda, competing brought a deep sense of accomplishment and joy. She was moved when strangers, friends, and family called her their hero — but she humbly insisted that their encouragement inspired her to push even further.
Her achievements quickly grew; Erlinda now holds 26 Canadian Age Ultra Records and 3 (plus 7 pending ratification) World Age Best Performances, the most awarded Canadian ultramarathoner. In 2016, she was awarded the Hans Maier Trophy at the Ottawa 24-Hour Ultra Classic, voted by fellow runners as the “Most Inspiring Runner.” Throughout the grueling event, she not only maintained her focus but also cheered on others, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Erlinda has competed in Ottawa, New York, New Jersey and Tennessee. Her athletic journey spans 11 years, showcasing her dedication through regional, national, and international open-age competitions. Her commitment to sport highlights her role in representing senior athletes.
But Erlinda’s impact extends far beyond the racecourse. She has been a dedicated volunteer at the Aurora Seniors Centre for over 20 years and continues to serve once per week as a desk receptionist. Her warm presence and generous spirit make her a beloved figure in the community.
In August 2022, Erlinda and George undertook a remarkable challenge to raise awareness about food insecurity. They walked 90 kilometers from Toronto to Barrie in just two days, raising over $13,000 for the Aurora Food Pantry. The journey was physically demanding, but their determination and compassion fueled every step. It was yet another example of Erlinda’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.
Building on this success, in the summer of 2025, Erlinda and George walked the entire perimeter of Prince Edward Island to raise money for the Aurora Food Pantry and the Prince Edward Island Upper Room Hospitality Ministry. Together they walked the entire Island Walk Trail, a total of 700 kilometres, in just 32 days!
Her philosophy is simple yet powerful. To seniors, she offers this advice: “Refuse saying you are too old to do something worthwhile.” To younger generations, she encourages resilience: “Don’t give up when the going gets tough. You will be rewarded for your hard work.”
Erlinda Biondic’s life is a remarkable blend of endurance, empathy, and inspiration. From her humble beginnings in the Philippines to her record-breaking achievements and community service in Canada, she continues to prove that age is no barrier to greatness. Whether she’s volunteering at the Aurora Seniors Centre, walking to raise funds for those in need, or setting new records in ultramarathons, Erlinda lives each day with purpose and passion.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to ultramarathoning, we are honored to welcome Erlinda Biondic as part of the 2025 class of inductees into the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame.
