Toronto runner pays Etsy witch to cast perfect weather spell for marathon

One Toronto runner wants the perfect weather for her first marathon, and she’s doing everything she can to make that happen.

Sarah Jenkins, a Toronto-based social media creator, has spent the last 18 weeks training to run 42.2 kilometres at Sunday’s TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. When she saw the forecast calling for 15 mm of rain, high winds and warm temperatures, Jenkins decided to take matters into her own hands by paying an Etsy witch to cast a perfect-weather spell for race morning.

“I’m not typically someone who believes in this stuff,” Jenkins laughs. “But after I looked at the forecast, I went, ‘welp, it’s out of my control… but maybe there’s something I can try.’”

Jenkins paid C$35 to an internet witch named “Andalusia,” explaining that she desperately needed good weather for Oct. 19. She says she got the idea from TikTok, after seeing people hire Internet witches to guarantee clear skies for their wedding days. “I’ve always wondered if it actually worked,” she says. “Sunday’s forecast has been shifting ever since she finished casting the spell, so I guess I’ll find out after race day.”

Etsy, a personalized marketplace known for its independent artists, crafters and collectors, has recently seen an uptick in customers looking for Internet witchcraft. According to a recent BuzzFeed article, some e-witches have even made up to five figures selling their spells.

As for Sunday’s marathon forecast, the morning rain now appears to have shifted to the afternoon. Jenkins said Andalusia advised her to stay positive and grounded, reminding her that “nature always listens when energy is sent with good faith and purpose.”

Despite checking the weather app on repeat and the unconventional decision to employ Internet witchcraft, the 29-year-old says she’s feeling surprisingly calm heading into her first marathon. Her goal is to finish, and do so feeling strong physically and mentally.