Category

Uncategorised

2022 Race Day Essentials for the Under Armour Spring Run-Off

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

Spring is just around the corner and so is our first race of the year, the Under Armour Spring Run-Off. If this is your first 5K or 8K or simply your first in-person race in a while, our title sponsor has all your race day essentials.

The beginning of April can be a challenging time weather-wise. Winter blues have melted away, but mornings are still ridden with brisk winds and unpredictable temperatures. Check out Under Armour’s Flow technology for high-performance shoes with grippy and supportive singular-foam compound bringing unparalleled lightweight cushion. The durable material has increased ground traction, perfect for road running on uneven surfaces.

The UA RUSH product line is perfect for all race day weather. The mineral-infused fabric absorbs body heat and converts it into infrared energy that is re-emitted back into the body. This recycled energy promotes improved performance, stamina and recovery. The RUSH product line provides HeatGear, ColdGear and Fleece depending on your needs.

If you’re looking for a new mask, try the UA Sportsmask. Made with high-performance UA materials, designed to be worn all day and when participating in sports. This mask has UA Iso-Chill fabric on interior lining and ear loops that feels cool to the touch for as long as you wear it.

In-person event participants will get a chance to check out all the latest running gear at the Race Kit Pickup at the Under Armour Brand House at the Eaton Centre.

Lastly, have fun and be sure to share your training and race day experience and PB on social using the hashtag #UAspringRunOff.

Sexton shooting for gold at 45th edition of Under Armour Spring Run-Off

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

Fresh off personal bests in the 10k and the marathon, Leslie Sexton looks to test her fitness over 8km in High Park on Saturday.

Four years have passed since Leslie Sexton won her first Under Armour Spring Run-Off title, and in that time she has become nearly unrecognizable as an athlete.

The 34-year-old Markham native, who lives and trains in Vancouver, has dropped minutes off her road times since winning the 2018 edition of the High Park 8km race in 27:51. Just last fall, she won the Canadian 10km championship in a personal best of 32:04, and weeks later became the sixth fastest marathoner in Canadian history by covering the Philadelphia Marathon course in 2:28:35.

“Some of it is the shoe technology,” she said, reflecting on her recent improvements, “but I’m also in the best shape of my life. Stacking on lots of years of consistent training pays off, with patience.”

Racing times and pandemic notwithstanding, much has changed for Sexton since the 2018 edition of the race: she left her long-time training grounds of London, Ontario for Kingston and then Vancouver in 2021, where she and her partner are coaching with the Vancouver Thunderbirds Track Club. She said that moving west has intensified her love for training and racing.

“Relocating out here allowed me to get rid of some life and work stress, and live within running distance of lots of friends. I’ve never had such a big running community around me,” she said, before adding that she now occasionally links with fellow elite marathoner Natasha Wodak for workouts. “Mentally I’m doing well, and I’m just really enjoying the training.”

Despite now living three time zones away from her stomping grounds, Sexton made it a point to come back to Ontario for the Spring Run-Off because she sees the race as an important step towards her ultimate goal: to qualify for the 2022 World Championship in Eugene, Oregon. In the past, a marathoner of her calibre would easily have made the team: her personal best is almost a full minute faster than the competition standard of 2:29:30. But times have changed in Canadian distance running: three women have broken the 2:27:00 mark since 2019, and Sexton fully expects others, like national marathon record holder Malindi Elmore, to challenge her for a spot on Team Canada.

A maximum of three athletes can qualify for the World Championship, and Sexton wants to stay sharp in case she eventually has to post an even faster time to secure her place. That’s where the Spring Run-Off comes in.

“For me, being fit for the marathon means I’m also fit for the shorter distances,” she said. “Last fall, I used the 10km championship as preparation for my goal marathon in Philadelphia. Running well there gave me a lot of confidence, and if I can prove this weekend that I have good range, that’s a good sign.”

The key to staying sharp, said Sexton, is to race athletes who are more speed-inclined than she is. This year in High Park, the marathoner will be up against a fleet of fellow road warriors like 2:33 marathoner Brittany Moran and 1:15 half-marathoner Laura Desjardins, but also track specialists like the world record holder in the women’s 40+ indoor mile Sasha Gollish, and 9:01 3,000m runner Alex Lucki.

Sexton, however, is the only woman on the elite start list with a Spring Run-Off title under her belt, and Canada Running Series Race Director Alan Brookes calls her the class of this year’s field. Yet, Brookes wonders if Cleo Boyd, a late addition to the elite women’s field, might pull off a surprise victory.

“The race can still be Leslie’s to lose – she was National 10k Champion on the Waterfront last October, but Cleo Boyd was 2nd behind her – albeit over a minute back in 33:21.

Still, Sexton is not taking a race win for granted. Besides, her objectives have more to do with effort than placing.

“Really, the goal is to get back to doing a race and event I really enjoy and get a feel for that 8k pain, which certainly won’t be a problem with the hill at the end of the course,” she said.

“At that point, you’re not saving energy and there are no decisions left to make… it’s simple: you just go hard.”

About The Under Armour Spring Run-Off

Date: Saturday April 9, 2022

8K Start Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: High Park, Toronto

For media access on race day, please contact Sam O’Neill, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at sam@canadarunningseries.com

About Canada Running Series

Canada Running Series is the nation’s premier running circuit with seven events: four in Toronto, two in Vancouver and one in Montreal. It annually attracts over 70,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 mostly local charities. The Series includes the World Athletics Gold Label TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1999, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization.

We are passionately committed to staging great experiences for runners of all levels, from Canadian Olympians and international stars to healthy lifestyle people and charity runners, and to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process. Our mission is “building community through the sport of running.”

More info: https://canadarunningseries.com/

Under Armour Spring Run-Off Training Tips

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

Before running any 5K or 8K race, you’ll need to train your body to be in top form. Under Armour has tips for every aspect of your training preparation.

Strength

Strength training helps build muscle and increase mobility. Add lifting into your routine three days a week, with one upper body day, one lower body day and one full body day, focusing on high reps with low weights. Flat shoes such as TriBase Reign 3 training shoes help maximize ground contact and improve overall stability.

Endurance

Starting a diverse running program several weeks before the race is an effective way to maintain endurance and meet personal goals.

  1. Tempo runs are fast runs at a steady pace, working at a threshold. Tempo runs make runners stronger milers with less fatigue.
  2. Hill repeats help runners build strength and improve speed. This teaches your body to recover quickly.
  3. Interval runs involve short, intense runs repeated with short breaks between. Interval runs increase muscle size and cardiovascular health.
  4. Long runs involve a steady and comfortable pace. The purpose of long runs is to increase endurance and stamina.

Recovery

Cooldowns, stretching and foam rolling are proactive actions to keep the body injury-free as muscles are strained while training. Cooldowns at the end of a workout bring the heart rate down and promote gradual recovery. Try a brisk five-minute walk, followed by static stretching – holding each stretch for 30 seconds.

Foam rolling before and after workouts helps to alleviate soreness and increases flexibility. By implementing 10-15 minutes of foam rolling into your workout routine, runners become more muscular, less injury-prone and recover faster. 

Nutrition

The key to any fitness goal is to complement your training with a balanced diet. The morning of the race, leave yourself at least a 1.5 – 2-hour window to eat. You want to be able to fuel your body, but if you eat too close to race time your body will expend energy trying to digest. Hydration is also crucial. To ensure your body is ready to perform, you should be drinking 2 – 3 litres a day leading up to the race to avoid cramping.

Motivation

The hardest part of the race won’t be the actual running but rather staying motivated leading up to the race. Set your goals and create a playlist of songs you love. Organization is also key to success. Plan out your training schedule ahead of time, setting small, achievable goals. By writing down goals and results, you’ll make yourself accountable and be able to see the progress you’re making in real-time.

Read the official UA Spring Run-Off Training plan here and show us how you’re applying these training tips on Instagram with #UASpringRunOff.

ASICS Returns As Official Partner for Canada Running Series’ Top Three Races

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

ASICS to bring unparalleled expertise and experience to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, 21K de Montréal, and Vancouver Half Marathon.

[February 2, 2022 – Toronto, CAN] – Today, ASICS and Canada Running Series (CRS) are thrilled to announce a partnership between the two brands which will see ASICS serve as the official partner for CRS’s three largest events, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, 21K de Montréal, and Vancouver Half Marathon. This five-year deal, beginning in 2022, will see ASICS leverage the brand’s various platforms and performance running products to support and benefit CRS’s core running audience. As part of the partnership, ASICS’ apparel will serve as the official merchandise brand for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and ASICS will support the pacer programs for all three CRS races. Also, as part of the partnership, access to the ASICS Runkeeper app will provide CRS athletes with exclusive, personalized, and flexible training programs leading up to each race. Lastly, CRS will continue using Race Roster, a leading race registration platform for running events and a recent ASICS brand acquisition.

“ASICS is excited to partner with CRS and to support the top distance running races in Canada,” said Kris French, Country Manager at ASICS Canada. “We hope that through our platforms and products that we can help share the power of movement and the impact that sport can have on these communities.”

“We are immensely proud to partner once again with ASICS and leverage their extensive knowledge of race technology to dramatically enhance the participant experience,” said Charlotte Brookes, National Event Director at Canada Running Series. “While we remain focused on our mission to build community through running, our community has evolved, pivoting toward virtual connections and subsequently allowing us to expand our community well beyond our racecourses. The unique partnership between ASICS, the ASICS Runkeeper app, and Race Roster will allow us to continue driving positive change for both virtual and in-person racing.”

Registration is now open for all three events. The 21K de Montréal will be held on April 23-24, 2022, while the Vancouver Half Marathon is set for June 26, 2022, and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon will take place on October 16, 2022. With hybrid events here for the foreseeable future, each event will offer all distances virtually as well.

For more information on Canada Running Series events, please visit canadarunningseries.com.

For more information on ASICS Corporation, please visit: www.asics.com/ca.

-ENDS-

About Canada Running Series
Canada Running Series is Canada’s premier road race series, offering eight annual events nationwide. Since 2017, CRS’s flagship event, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, has served as the Athletics Canada national marathon championship race and has doubled as the Olympic trials. In 2021, CRS raised $4.8 million for 260 local charities through the Charity Challenge.

Using innovation and organization as guiding principles, Canada Running Series stages great experiences for runners of all levels, from Canadian Olympians to recreational and charity runners. With a mission of “building community through the sport of running,” CRS is committed to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process. For more information, visit: canadarunningseries.com.

About ASICS
Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,” is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 70 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of performance athletic footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.asics.com/ca. Follow @ASICSCanada on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for exclusive content and real-time news around ASICS products, events, and elite athletes.

Media Inquiries
Sam O’Neill
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Canada Running Series
sam@canadarunningseries.com

Larabar Joins Canada Running Series as Official Snack Partner

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

TORONTO August 31st 2020 – Canada Running Series is delighted to announce a new partnership with LÄRABAR. As the Official SnackPartner of Canada Running Series, LÄRABAR will provide participants with nutritious options to fuel their training and racing over the next three years. LÄRABAR bars are an indulgent combination of whole foods, like nuts and fruits, that participants are sure to enjoy!

“We are especially thrilled by this new partnership,” said Alan Brookes, President of Canada Running Series. “On one level, it is a great opportunity to provide a new nutritious snack reward to our participants, and introduce them to another ingredient in a wholesome lifestyle. Equally significant is LÄRABAR’s commitment to partner with us in these uncertain times. Whether we’re training together or running solo, whether we’re racing IRL or URL, LÄRABAR will be with us for at least 3 seasons, supporting and sustaining our wonderful, resilient Canadian running community.”

Twenty years ago, in the summer of 2000, Lara Merriken created LÄRABAR™ with a simple goal:

“Combine simple ingredients such as fruits and nuts to create a food product that’s tasty, real, and convenient. Natural foods, I believed should be fun and enjoyable. Believe it or not, I used to be a junk food junkie — until… I discovered how natural foods enlivened my mind, body and spirit. With friends and family serving as focus groups, I tinkered with recipes until a consensus on yummi-ness was reached. The next step was to launch a company to market. I also assembled a sophisticated manufacturing arm…what amounted to be a Cuisinart™ and a rolling pin. A passion for real food soon followed, and continues to be a driving force behind everything I do professionally and personally. I really appreciate the opportunity I have to make a positive difference in the world we live in.”

All varieties of LÄRABAR are made with 3–6 real,wholesome ingredients and no added sugar.They are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan and kosher. We look forward to enjoying this tasty partnership for years to come.

About Canada Running Series

Canada Running Series is the nation’s premier running circuit with 8 events: 4 in Toronto, 2 in Vancouver 1 in Montreal and 1 in Edmonton. It annually attracts some 60,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 mostly-local charities. The Series includes the IAAF Gold Label Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1999, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization. We are passionately committed to staging great experiences for runners of all levels from Canadian Olympians and International stars, to healthy lifestyle people and charity runners; and to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process. Our mission is “building community through the sport of running.”

About General Mills Canada Corporation

Established in 1954, General Mills Canada Corporation is based in Mississauga, Ontario. General Mills purpose is to serve the world by making food people love. Its most popular products include CheeriosTM/MC and Honey Nut CheeriosTM/MC cereals, Nature ValleyTM/MC snacks, Yoplait® and Liberté® dairy products, and Old El PasoTM/MC Mexican products. General Mills Canada is a proud and long-time supporter of Team Canada, Hockey Canada, Concerned Children’s Advertisers and United Way.

Hannah and Woodfine Win Canada Running Series 2019 Titles

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

Two past winners found themselves top of the table when the 2019 Canada Running Series final points were tabulated recently, an indication that these Olympic aspirants are on the right path.

Tristan Woodfine at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, 2019

Tristan Woodfine’s fine performance at the Series finale Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon earned him both a silver medal in the Canadian Marathon Championships and 52 points to take his point total to 142.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, he also took two minutes off his personal best time with 2:13:16. Along with the prestigious CRS title the Cobden, Ontario resident will receive $3,000.

Woodfine won the series for the first time in 2017 and finished second a year ago behind two-time Olympian Reid Coolsaet. His nearest challenger this year was Ben Preisner who took second ($1,500) with 119 points and Trevor Hofbauer, who snatched the Canadian Marathon Championship title with a whopping personal best and Olympic qualifying time of 2:09:51. That’s the second fastest time by a Canadian ever.

Hofbauer wound up with 112 points and receives $1,000 for finishing third overall.

Rachel Hannah, who resides in Guelph, Ontario put an injury-restricted summer aside to claim the women’s title for the first time since 2014. This year her margin of victory was just two points over Dayna Pidhoresky, 129 to 127. The latter was crowned Canadian Marathon champion in a personal best 2:29:03 which automatically puts her on the flight to the Tokyo Olympics with Hofbauer.

Woodfine, who won Toronto’s Race Roster Spring Run-Off 8K for the third straight year as well as the Banque Scotia 21K de Montreal, claims that he didn’t followed the points tally that closely.

“I try to get my three CRS races in, but I think I was so focused going into Toronto (Waterfront Marathon) and getting the marathon qualifying standard for the Olympics that I forgot about the whole series,” he explains. “After the race I thought ‘I wonder how it all ended up?’ Finishing first is always nice.”

As fate would have it Woodfine and Preisner never actually raced each other in the Series mainly due to the former’s focus on the marathon.  Preisner, from Milton, Ontario, saw a breakthrough with his victory in the Scotiabank Toronto Half Marathon which was run concurrently with the marathon championship. His time there was an impressive 1:03:08.

Woodfine, who has temporarily put aside a career as a medic to focus on his running says he will put the winner’s prize to good use.

“Yes, it will come in very handy. I think I am going to make the trip to Kenya for a good chunk of the winter,” he reports, “So, yes, the money really helps. Winters in the Ottawa Valley can be brutal, lots of snow and -40C. It will be good to get away.”

He has sought advice from Reid Coolsaet, no stranger to high altitude training camps in Kenya.

Rachel Hannah at the lululemon Toronto 10K, 2019.

Although she has never trained at altitude before Hannah is also contemplating taking a couple of weeks off her job as a nutritionist at the University of Guelph to explore the opportunity.

“If I can stay healthy and am able to do a spring marathon I would like to go away and do an altitude training camp and see if I would benefit from it,” she says. “I don’t know if I will do Flagstaff, or somewhere, I don’t think I will go to Kenya yet, I want to try somewhere in the US to see if I benefit. But definitely that money will come to good use.”

Hannah admitted that her foot injury meant that running the Canadian Olympic trials marathon was out of the question so she and coach Dave Korell plotted a schedule that could put her in position to win the CRS overall title.

“We started thinking ‘what do we have to do to get maximum points?’ So, it was either come first at the Zoo 10K or the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon,” she explains. As it happens, she won the Oasis Zoo 10k.

“We were following it and it’s exciting. I was disappointed I couldn’t race the marathon, but it was nice to have something else to look forward to and support all the CRS races I could. There are years where I am not able to do that. They do such a good job. It’s always competitive and there is always someone to push you.”

Kinsey Middleton the 2018 Canadian marathon champion who lives and trains in Boise, Idaho finished 3rd overall in the series.

Vancouver’s Craig McMillan handily won the men’s masters’ competition with 165 points, 60 of those coming from his fine performance at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon where he ran a personal best of 2:26:17. Allison Drynan was the women’s master’s winner. They each collect $500 for their respective titles.

Besides providing elite runners the opportunity to compete against one another on extremely well-organized courses the Canada Running Series also has an incredibly strong charity component. CRS Race Director, Alan Brookes, reports that the 2019 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon alone raised $3,694,370 for local charities. That brings to $6.9 million the total money raised across the 8-races in Canada Running Series 2019.  A record number of participants also ran the CRS in 2019 (69,045).

What a year we had! A record number of participants in the Series, and a huge total of almost $7 million raised for our 300 plus charities,” Brookes declares with his customary excitement. “The two lululemon races in the East and West that both sold out in less than a day and brought Canada to the forefront of an exciting ‘New Running Movement’. A movement that is bringing not only excitement but joy and celebration to the sport.

“And the four men who ran under 2:05:15 and the seven women who ran under 2:24:30 at the Series finale, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront – made it the fastest marathon in all of The Americas in 2019, as well as the fastest marathon ever run on Canadian soil.”

Brookes also points to Trevor Hofbauer and Dayna Pidhoresky achieving the Olympic qualifying standard in the 30th anniversary year along with the incredible performances of the international athletes. Remarkably, the Toronto Waterfront Marathon was watched by 695,000 viewers in 79 countries on the live stream broadcast.

“It has been a gob-smacking, awe-inspiring 30th Anniversary year to remember,” Brookes concludes. “Thanks to everyone – athletes, guests, the CRS team and volunteers, sponsor partners, family, friends and spectators, whose passion and energy made it all happen!”

The 2020 Canada Running Series kicks off once again with the Spring Run-Off on April 4th.


For more information and to register for 2020 Canada Running Series events visit www.canadarunningseries.com

Tokyo 2020 hopefuls Evan Esselink and Malindi Elmore win Under Armour Eastside 10K

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

VANCOUVER, September 14th.  Evan Esselink (29:50) and Malindi Elmore (32:44) laid down convincing markers winning Saturday’s Under Armour Eastside 10K ahead of an impressive field of 2,900 participants.  Evan stuck with a group of runners including last year’s winner, Trevor Hofbauer who came in second place and Milton Ontario’s Ben Preisner who came in third.  Evan made a move at the 8K mark and dropped the hammer at 9K to finish off strong contenders in Hofbauer and Preisner.

On the Women’s side, Malindi Elmore stormed to an outstanding victory on the challenging eastside course who, along with Evan, will be competing in the Athletics Canada marathon trials at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon October 20th.  Malindi was able to hold off Boise Idaho’s Kinsey Middleton for most of the race as well as previous Under Armour Eastside 10K winner Leslie Sexton who came in third.

The event attracted a field of 2,900 runners and so far has raised over $26,000 in support of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, PHS Community Services Society, and Youthco. Participants can continue to fundraise online until October 1st online at www.eastside10k.ca.

“Every year the competition gets better,” said race director Ryan Chilibeck. “It’s also so great to see runners completing their first run, setting personal bests and fundraising for our three great charity partners. The Under Armour Eastside 10k is a true community event.”

Under Armour Eastside 10k top finishers results:

10km Male 

  1. Evan Esselink – Vancouver, BC, Canada                               TIME: 29:50
  2. Trevor Hofbauer – Calgary, AB, Canada                               TIME: 29:58
  3. Benjamin Preisner – Milton, ON, Canada                               TIME: 30:10

 

10km Female         

  1. Malindi Elmore– Kelowna, BC, Canada                              TIME: 32:44
  2. Kinsey Middleton – Boise, ID, USA                                       TIME: 33:19
  3. Leslie Sexton – London, ON, Canada                                   TIME: 33:33

 

Information and complete race results can be found at www.eastside10k.ca

For more information on Canada Running Series events, please visit www.canadarunningseries.com

About Under Armour Eastside 10k:

The Under Armour Eastside 10k is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series. As Vancouver’s premier fall 10k, it takes place in the Eastside, running for three Eastside embedded charities, with the great Eastside Community. More than 3000 runners take to the streets each September to show their love for the heart of Vancouver. Canada Running Series is the nation’s premier running circuit with events in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Montreal.  It annually attracts over 65,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 charities. Canada Running Series is strongly committed to staging great experiences for runners of all levels from first time runners, charity supporters and Canadian Olympians; and to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process.  Our mission is “building community through running”. For more information please visit:www.CanadaRunningSeries.com

Meet Your #UAeastside10K Pacer Team!

By | Community Leaders, Scotiabank Vancouver Half, Training Tips, Uncategorised | No Comments

We’re excited to announce your 2019 Under Armour Eastside 10K Pacer team! This crew has been hand-picked from dozens of applications to ensure our runners are set-up to hit PBs and run their best on September 14th. Check them out, pick your favourite, and run with them on race day!

Pace Time: 40 minutes

Name: Vivian (@vdavidsonc)

A little about Vivian:

I love running and helping people so pacing allows me to combine both of these passions! I get a high helping people cross the finish line at a goal time and cheering/supporting them in the process.

 

Pace Time: 40 minutes

Name: Thomas (@tlane101)

A little about Thomas:

I was a first time pacer for West Van Run 5Km this year. I got a real buzz from the experience & looking forward to bringing that energy to the UA Eastside 10K!

 

Pace Time: 45 minutes

Name: Tommy (@looktommyrun)

A little about Tommy:

I ran the race last year and it was really fun. I paced a friend to a PR and would love to help runners in the community reach their goals for this race!

 

Pace Time: 45 minutes

Name: Liam (@liam_baird)

A Little about Liam:

I am extremely passionate about running, and absolutely love pacing others to reach their own goals. I know the course extremely well and know exactly how to help others run it too! We’ve all had a Pacer help us through a tough leg of a race before, and I want to return the favour.

 

Pace Time: 50 minutes

Name: Dora (@doravelazquez27)

A little about Dora:

I love this race but it’s a very difficult course to get a crazy good PB. If I don’t have to die and pace a group of chilled time it be more fun for me.

 

Pace Time: 50 minutes

Name: Jonathan (@jonathanichikawa)

A little about Jonathan:

I enjoy running and racing, and would like to help others celebrate their goals.

 

 

Pace Time: 55 minutes

Name: Melissa (@run.raven.run)

A Little about Melissa:

I enjoy running for fun and competition. I currently compete in road races from 5k to Marathon distance. I completed the Boston Marathon in April and will be running the Chicago Marathon this October. I have raced the Eastside 10k for the past three consecutive years and am excited to be a pacer this year!

 

Pace Time: 55 minutes

Name: Julie (@northshorepelly)

A little about Julie:

Running is my one true love. My one constant in life through ups and downs. It has given me so much and I love giving back to it. After a journey spanning almost a decade, I finally reached my running bucket list goal and qualified for the Boston Marathon. Until I run that on 4/20/2020, I’m enjoying doing shorter distance races and enjoying the running community.

 

Pace Time: 60 minutes

Name: Cassie (@Cassiepaul26.2)

A little about Cassie:

Running is my passion and I would love to be able to give back and help others achieve a time goal.

 

 

Pace Time: 60 minutes

Name: Gary (@northwestone_fixie)

A little about Gary:

I’ve been running for over 3 years now and am looking forward to pacing some runners. I train with mile2marathon and being part of it has made me stronger and faster…as of now am chasing my goal to qualify for Boston Marathon next year. In the meantime, it’s an honour to be a pacer for this awesome race.

 

Pace Time: 65 minutes

Name: Hannah (@itsfoggin)

A little about Hannah:

My friends’ comments on my race photos speak to it: “you look so happy!” It brings me joy to run, to explore my city, to have running be a place of deep conversation with friends or some training days to focus on nothing but the sounds of my feet on the ground and the waves hitting rocks along the Vancouver seawall. I run with a smile on my face and heart, and, after the pacers who have helped me with my PBs, I’d love to pair it with another runner’s 10k goal.

 

Pace Time: 65 minutes

Name: Kelvin

A little about Kelvin:

I picked up running while at UBC as stress relief and a way of increasing fitness and it turned into a bigger hobby than I expected. Plenty of encouragement have come my way from pacers and even other runners and probably helped me just narrowly get goal times.

 

Pace Time: 70 minutes

Name: Aleya (@aleyatea)

A little about Aleya:

I was a sprinter through high school and university and just started running half marathons five years ago as a fundraiser for my work. This year I led a training group for my volunteers who were running the Scotia 5K.

 

Pace Time: 70 minutes

Name: Jeannine (@jeannineavelino)

A little about Jeannine:

I’m an avid road and trail runner who loves to help people achieve their goals. I’ve paced West Van Run Summer twice successfully and really enjoy motivating people to do their best.

 

Pace Time: 75 minutes

Name: Rebecca (@reggiesaurusbex)

A little about Rebecca:

I’ve been running about 6 years now, but moving to Vancouver 2 years ago and getting involved in the running community lead to me actually loving running and starting to reach my potential. I want to give back to the running community while helping others meet their own goals

 

Pace Time: 75 minutes

Name: Mable

A little about Mable:

Avid runner and foodie! I love the camaraderie of the running community and how everyone helps and encourages each other. Being a pacer allows me to be part of the action while still doing what I love…encouraging others!

 

All Pacers will be outfitted in shoes & athletic apparel from:

Chesoo and Wodak set new course records ahead of sold-out crowd of 7,000 at lululemon Edmonton 10K

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

Edmonton’s Leonard Chesoo (29:28) and Vancouver’s Natasha Wodak (33:15) stormed to new course records in front of a sold-out crowd of 7,000 enthusiastic runners. It was a fine morning for running in the Alberta capital: 15 Celcius, overcast, and no wind. The scenic course, which took participants through the heart of the city and along the High Level Bridge, attracted Olympians and recreational runners from across the country and the U.S. In fact, “Guests from seven provinces, two territories, eleven states, and six (6!) countries traveled to Edmonton for today’s 10K. It was a world-wide running meetup and the energy was palpable! It was just a massive celebration of running and a healthy, mindful lifestyle.” said Alan Brookes, President, Canada Running Series. 

More than a run, the race was an experience; in addition to custom medals, a donut wall, free massages, DJ Joanna Magic, a lululemon pop-up shop and a post-race party zone, runners were also treated to two community yoga classes led by lululemon Global Yoga Ambassador, Ryan Leier. 

“This is a race to celebrate the city of Edmonton and all the fantastic people who choose to call it home,” says Natalie Westlake, Director, North America Community, lululemon. “Since its inception two years ago, the race has grown in popularity, this year selling out in 10 hours. Every runner gets to experience the city in a special way—whether it’s through running across the High Level Bridge, experiencing the sense of community at the post-race party, or celebrating the fact that we have raised more than $35,000 for our charitable partner Wellspring Edmonton.” 

With eight cheer stations along the route, the community extended beyond those wearing bibs. Hundreds of spectators cheered on runners along the course, shouting words of encouragement and waving motivational signs, with help from ivivva by lululemon cheerleaders, Kokopelli Choir and CycleBar. 

At press time, the lululemon Edmonton 10K had raised more than $35,000 for lululemon’s social impact program “Here To Be” and Edmonton-based charity, Wellspring Edmonton. 

In the second year of this increasingly popular event, both Chesoo and Wodak set new course records. Evan Esselink followed Chesoo in second place with a huge PB, and Canadian marathon record-holder, Cam Levins, out-sprinted defending champion Reid Coolsaet and London, Ontario’s Chris Balestrini for third, fourth, and fifth. Calgary Olympian, Jessica O’Connell was second in the women’s field, with Torontonian Gladys Tarus following in third. 

Defending champion, Reid Coolseat, was pleasantly surprised with his fourth-place finish saying, “I’m happy with my race considering how close this race came after the Ottawa marathon. It was good to kick it in with Cam even though he edged me out of the podium”. 

Women’s champ, Natasha Wodak, was also pleased with the win, “I was in front the whole way and thought Jess would be with me, but she held back,” she continued, “I’m in a bit of a relaxed part of my season and since the Vancouver Scotia half and will now start increasing intensity in preparation for the Pan Am Games 10,000m on August 6th.” 

After a spectacular day in the Alberta capital Canada Running Series will take a short summer hiatus before moving on to Vancouver for the Eastside 10K and Toronto for the Oasis Zoo Run in September. 

Edmonton 10K Results 

Men 

1. Leonard Chesoo, Edmonton – 29:28 

2. Evan Esselink, Guelph – 29:57 

3. Cameron Levins, Portland – 30:14 

4. Reid Coolsaet, Hamilton – 30:15 

5. Chris Balestrini, London – 30:15 

Women 

1. Natasha Wodak, North Vancouver – 33:15 

2. Jessica O’Connell, Calgary – 33:50 

3. Gladys Tarus, Toronto– 35:02 

4. Christy Lovig, Kelowna – 37:02 

5. Alecia Kallos, Edmonton – 37:05 

For full race results, visit: Edmonton10K.com 

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge raises a record $1.2 million dollars at the 2019 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

Canadians Ben Preisner and Natasha Wodak win in front of a sold out field of 6,440

 

Sunday, June 23, 2019 – VANCOUVER – The 2019 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k had many highlights, with $1.2 million dollars being raised for local organizations through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, capping off a spectacular, record-setting day. Milton, Ontario’s Ben Preisner had an impressive Half-Marathon debut to take the men’s title in 65:41, while North Vancouver’s Natasha Wodak narrowly missed the course record in a time of 71:21. They raced to victory ahead of a sold out crowd of 6,440 participants, who came from 36 countries, eight Canadian provinces and 27 American states.

“It was an honour to run alongside the many participants of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k that ran for a purpose, raising $1.2 million dollars for 69 local organizations as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge,” says Lesly Tayles, Regional Senior Vice President – BC & Yukon, at Scotiabank. “At Scotiabank, investing in communities isn’t new. For 187 years we have remained committed to building strong communities and are focused on enriching the lives of young people and their communities. We know that how we support young people today, can prepare them for tomorrow, and that’s why we want to help them thrive. We want to recognize Canada Running Series and all the volunteers of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k for another great event and thank all the racers who fundraised for their charity of choice.”

 

Up front, Preisner made two decisive moves around Kits Point at 17K and then on the steep climb over Burrard Bridge to break away from a lead pack of four. Wodak was racing the clock today, chasing the course record that has stood since 2003. “It got hard after 15K,” she said, “then the bridge finished me off. I lost the 30 seconds there!”

 

Wodak has had an impressive spring season, claiming the 10,000m National Championship, and currently holds the 10k national road title. She was recently selected to the Canadian team heading to the World Championships in Doha, Qatar in the fall. Dayna Pidhoresky came in second with a time of 74:36. Vancouver’s Briana Hungerford was third, with a time of 78:21.

 

“It was an outstanding race day all around,” says Race Director, Ryan Chilibeck. “We saw some very impressive times today, and record setting contributions through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. There were a lot of smiles today.”

 

Scotiabank is committed to helping young people reach their infinite potential, by investing in the complete picture of their development. We believe this is an investment in the long-term security, stability and growth of our communities. Many of the organizations that participate in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge have a direct impact on young people. As a Bank, we believe that Investing in young people is the pathway to community prosperity and Scotiabank aims to make a measurable and lasting impact on our global communities.

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a turnkey fundraising program that provides a simple way for runners in these races to support local causes that make a significant impact on Canadian communities. Participating charities keep 100 percent of the proceeds raised, as Scotiabank pays for all related transaction and credit card fees. Scotiabank offers the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at six sponsored marathon events across Canada including Montréal, Halifax,Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto. Since 2003, over $74 million has been raised as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge across Canada.

2019 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k Results

 

Half-Marathon Results 

Half-Marathon Male 

1. Benjamin Preisner 65:41
2. Chris Balestrini 65:59
3. Julian Heninger 66:19

 

Half-Marathon Female

 

1. Natasha Wodak 71:21
2. Dayna Pidhoresky 74:36
3. Briana Hungerford 78:21


5k Results

5k Male

1. Christian Gravel 15:47
2. Mark Klassen 16:19
3. Richard Keep 17:01

 

5k Female

1. Sidney Swierenga 17:56
2. Courtney McEwan 20:03
3. Samantha Barnes 21:33

 

To see a list of charities involved in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visit the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k website.

For more highlights and complete race results, please visit www.vancouverhalf.com.

Twitter and Instagram Hashtags: #ScotiaHalf #RunScotia #InfinitePotential

About the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is organized by the Canada Running Series, the nation’s premier running circuit with eight events: four in Toronto, two in Vancouver, one in Edmonton and one  in Montreal.  It annually attracts some 65,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 mostly-local charities.  The Series includes the IAAF Gold Label Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1999, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization.

 

We are passionately committed to staging great experiences for runners of all levels from Canadian Olympians and International stars, to healthy lifestyle people and charity runners; and to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process.  Our mission is “building community through the sport of running.”

 

About Scotiabank
At Scotiabank, we aim to support organizations that are committed to helping young people reach their infinite potential. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank’s goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success. Together with our employees, the Bank supports causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2018, Scotiabank contributed more than $80 million to help our communities around the world.

 

Scotiabank is Canada’s international bank and a leading financial services provider in the Americas. We are dedicated to helping our more than 25 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 99,000 employees and assets of over $1 trillion (as at April 30, 2019), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.