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Olivia Hoskin

Gear Up with Dad and Under Armour at the UA Toronto 10k

By | Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

Father’s Day weekend kicks off with the UA Toronto 10K, taking over the city’s lakeshore on Saturday, June 14. Whether you’re running alongside dad, cheering from the sidelines, or meeting up at the finish line for a well-earned brunch, this year’s event is the perfect excuse to celebrate the father figures in your life – with some quality time and a little friendly competition.

We’re rounding up a few ways to make the most of race day, plus some top picks from Under Armour to help you and dad show up feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to take on the 10K (and the weekend).

For the dad in the race

If dad’s planning to run, comfort is key – especially for an early morning race. The UA Infinite Elite 2 are a strong choice for dads working on their endurance. Built with UA HOVR+ cushioning, UA Infinite Elite keeps your legs feeling fresh for endless conditioning power.

For the dad on the sideline

If your dad is your number one cheerleader, make sure he stays warm on the sidelines with UA Unstoppable Cargo Pants. The UA Unstoppable collection is designed with loose fitting and tech-forward materials that make you feel like you can do anything. Bonus points for extra pockets on the cargo pants to store all your post-race snacks.

For every other kind of dad

If your dad is simply meeting you for a post-race brunch, Under Armour’s gear has got him covered.  With your UA Toronto 10K race entry, you’ll get a promo code so you can shop for the dads in your life. Explore the full collection at underarmour.ca.

Rwandan Leads Competitive Field at 2025 Under Armour Toronto 10K

By | Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

By Paul Gains

Salome Nyirarukundo returns to the Under Armour Toronto 10K on Saturday, June 14th in search of the victory that has eluded her the past two years.

The Rwandan finished second in both the 2024 and 2023 editions of this Canada Running Series race and would like nothing more than to reach the top step on the podium this time.

“Absolutely, you know, I am a very competitive woman I am always trying to improve myself racing better and better,” says the 27-year-old Ottawa resident. “I am sure that this year I am going to have a good race. I believe in myself and I can compete and win the race. Who knows? Everybody has a chance.”

Nyirarukundo trains with the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club under coach Ray Dupuis while holding down two jobs at local hospitals.

“I am employed in long term care as a personal support worker,” she explains. “I work at the hospital, I have actually two jobs. I am not in the shape I used to be but I am getting there.”

Earning a living has led her to employ tremendous time management skills and she fits in training around her work schedule. Clearly she is a special athlete with tremendous potential as she demonstrated as an 18-year-old when she set a Rwandan national 10,000m record of 31:45.82 and represented her country at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Two years later she made her way to Canada where she is now a ‘permanent resident’. One day she hopes to become a Canadian citizen.

“There was more opportunity here in Canada for people who want to make a new life,” she says of her decision to leave her home and family. “My biggest dream was having the chance to one day represent Canada whether it’s at the world championships or the Olympics. That is my biggest dream. Maybe my dream will come to true. Who knows.”

Among those she will face in Toronto are 2015 Pan Am Games marathon bronze medalist, Rachel Hannah who finished third here the past two years. The pair had another battle recently at the Canadian 10km championships in Ottawa with Nyirarukundo once again getting the better of her rival finishing 4th while the 38-year-old Hannah came home 6th.

Kylie Raftis, a graduate of Boston College, will also be a contender. The Toronto native was the top Canadian finisher at this year’s Boston Marathon finishing in 2:34:41 and in another coincidence, just one second ahead of Hannah.

The men’s race also promises to be a highly competitive affair with Lee Wesselius, the third-place finisher a year ago, returning.

The 31-year-old from River Glade, New Brunswick has a personal best of 29:13 set on this course in 2021 while finishing 7th in the Canadian 10k Championships. He also ran the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon – which includes the 10k course – when he improved his personal best at that distance to 2:13:52. That resulted in 9th place.

“I am pretty familiar with the course and I guess I have raced on it enough to know what parts are easier,” he offers. “I have a good grasp of the course.

“I think I am in pretty similar shape to when I ran my personal best.  In Ottawa I ran 13 or 14 seconds off my ‘PB’ but we went out close to ’29 flat’ pace.  I think if the pace was a little more smooth it possibly would have been in the cards (in Ottawa) for a new personal best.”

Wesselius is working as a large animal veterinarian in Winchester, Ontario just south of Ottawa and says he’s learned to manage to pack in between 160 and 180 kilometres a week around his busy work schedule. Once a month he must work on-call on a weekend which can pose complications.

“I will stay close to the practice and kind of hope that I am not called out,” he says of his response to the potential conflicts between his two vocations.

Among the challengers Wesselius will face is Connor Black of the London Western Track Club. He was the 2022 Canadian Cross Country champion and has improved significantly since finishing one place behind Wesselius in the 2021 Canadian 10k Championships.

Then there’s Thomas Nobbs, who was second in a personal best (1:03:02) in the Project 13.1 Half Marathon in Congers, New York back in March. He then finished 7th in the Vancouver Sun Run 10k in 29:18 though that course has a slight decline in elevation rendering times unofficial.

Wesselius will be seeking a podium place and knows he has a chance at victory but he’s clinical in his assessment.

“I will have to see what the fields are like. You mentioned Connor Black is running I know he’s pretty fit,” Wesselius admits. “And Thomas Nobbs is also in pretty good shape. I do feel I am in better shape than I was the previous two times. It depends on how the race plays out.”

With a week remaining until the Under Armour Toronto 10K the race has over 8,000 entries. It’s not surprising. The race has attracted runners from nine Canadian provinces, two territories, thirteen US states and twenty-eight countries.

Under Armour Toronto 10K Elite Start List

Elite Men
1
2 Connor Black
3 Thomas Nobbs
4 Lee Wesselius
5 Robert Kanko
6 Alex Cyr
7 Ryan Tyrrell
8 Ehab El-Sandali
9 Saed Griffith
10 Girma Assefa
11 Tsegaye Dissasa
12 Bonsa Gonfa
13 Danny Morin
14 Clive Kyeyune
15 Ryan Tice
16 Parker Levac
17 Mathieu Moor
18 Daniel Fournier
19 Cory Nagler
20 Brent Smalley
21 Tiago De Oliveira
22 Parker Simon
23 Caleb Beland
24 Robert Mazzanti
25 Robin Faricier
26 Brian Byrne
27 Adam Hortian
28 Kevin Smith
29 Steven Killeen
30 David Sharratt
31 Andy Blackwell
32 Bernie Hogan
33 Charles Bedley
34 Robert van den Heuvel
35 Andrew Currell
36 Ed Heung
Elite Women
51 Salome Nyirarukundo
52 Rachel Hannah
53 Kylee Raftis
54 Philes Ongori
55 Laura Desjardins
56 Brittany Moran
57 Teagan Robertson
58 Olivia Roussel
59 Lauren King
60 Kathleen Lawrence
61 Meghan Tait
62 Madeleine Davidson
63 Marie-Renée Emond
64 Alyse Gilliver
65 Austine Wang
66 Ana Laura Fray
67 Ava Stefanovich-Thomson
68 Gillian McCabe
69 Jay Smith
70 Elaina Raponi
71 Andrea Smith
72 Carly Eby
73 Maggie Dunlop
74 Bridget Leon

Beyond the Finish Line: How the Under Armour Toronto 10K is Helping Kids Play

By | Toronto 10K, Uncategorised, Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

Under Armour’s Toronto 10K isn’t just about the finish line, it’s about creating opportunities for kids across Canada to play, grow and belong through sport. That’s why the race partners with KidSport Ontario.

Recognizing cost as one of the greatest barriers around the globe and specifically impacting one in three youth in Canada, Under Armour has chosen to partner with KidSport as they provide financial assistance with sports registration fees and equipment costs. Sports not only keeps kids active but helps lay the foundation for a strong community. When children participate in organized sports, they develop focus, motivation and the energy to succeed in school. They gain confidence, learn teamwork and grow into leaders. Simply put, sport has the power to change lives.

At the Under Armour Toronto 10K, children have a chance to run in the Kids Race, an 800-meter course where they’ll cross the finish line, earn a medal and feel like part of the action.

Fundraising Perks

To encourage fundraising efforts, participants, individuals and teams can win exciting prizes:

  • Top Fundraiser: Receives a head-to-toe UA kit valued at $500 and a complimentary entry into the 2026 Under Armour Toronto 10K.
  • 2nd & 3rd Place Fundraisers: Each receives UA Infinite Elite 2 Running shoes and a complimentary 2026 race entry.
  • Top Fundraising Team: Each member (up to 20) gets a UA Hustle Sport Backpack and a complimentary 2026 race entry.

Fundraising closes on June 30th, 2025, “Top Team” and “Top 3 Fundraisers” will be determined on June 13th at 5 p.m. based on online fundraising pages only.   

When you lace up for this year’s 10K, remember you’re not just chasing your own dreams, you’re helping children get on the field, the court, or the ice to chase theirs.

For more information, to donate, or to get involved, visit the official fundraising page.

Announcing the Elite Field for the 2025 Beneva Spring Run-Off

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Women’s Start List

Bib Number First Name / Prénom Last Name / Nom City / Ville
31 Alexandra Lucki Toronto
32 Julie-Anne Staehli Lucknow
33 Asia Dwyer Toronto
34 Olivia Roussel Toronto
35 Brittany Moran Toronto
36 Emily Setlack Trenton
37 Salome Nyirarukundo Ottawa
38 Madeleine Davidson Toronto
39 Kathleen Lawrence Toronto
40 Lauren King Toronto
41 Betty Nishimwe Ottawa
42 Austine Wang Oakville
43 Jeslyn Chantler Barrie
44 Lauren Kanko Toronto
45 Megan Crocker Sudbury
46 Monica Black Toronto
47 Carly Eby Toronto
48 Gillian McCabe Toronto
49 Joan Chung Toronto

Men’s Start List

Bib Number First Name / Prénom Last Name / Nom City / Ville
1 Jeremy Coughler Thamesford
2 Robert Kanko Toronto
3 Ehab El-Sandali Toronto
4 Mitchell Ubene Hamilton
5 Miles Avalos Toronto
7 Joshua Zelek Stratford
8 Parker Levac Smiths Falls
9 Joey Stel Aurora
10 Ryan Tyrrell Hamilton
11 Melika Ghali Toronto
12 Matthew Lozano Ajax
13 Daniel Fournier Toronto
14 Bonsa Gonfa Toronto
15 Worku Dires Toronto
16 Dakota Goguen Newmarket
17 Matt Talbot Ailsa Craig
18 Kevin Beatty Frankford
19 Timothy Fowler Toronto
20 Charles Bedley Toronto
21 Shinsuke Adachi North York
22 Alex Cyr Toronto

Creating Inclusive Events

By | Community Leaders, General | No Comments

How CRS Ensures Everyone Feels Welcome

Creating a welcoming environment for all participants is at the heart of Canada Running Series (CRS) mission. Recognizing the diverse needs of runners from various backgrounds, CRS has implemented several initiatives to ensure inclusivity and accessibility at their events. 

This article explores how CRS cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that celebrates diversity and encourages participation from all community members.

Proactive Inclusion Policies 

CRS has established proactive inclusion policies that promote diversity and accessibility. These policies address the broad spectrum of participants’ needs, ensuring that everyone feels supported and valued.

  • Examples: CRS has developed policies that explicitly prohibit any form of discrimination and harassment. These are communicated through all event materials and are visible on our website.
  • Registration Adjustments: CRS offers registration options that are sensitive to gender diversity, including non-binary categories, and ensures that registration forms are respectful and inclusive of all participants.

Enhanced Accessibility Measures

CRS events are accessible to people of all abilities, incorporating specific measures to accommodate adaptive athletes and those with other needs.

  • Course Design: All CRS race courses are evaluated for accessibility, ensuring that they are free of barriers that could hinder participants.
  • Facilities: Accessible restrooms, changing areas, and race packet pick-up locations are standard at CRS events. 

Promoting Diverse Representation

Visibility and representation are key elements in CRS’s strategy to enhance inclusivity. Efforts are made to ensure that all groups are visibly represented in promotional activities and among event staff and volunteers.

  • Marketing Campaigns: CRS uses promotional materials that reflect the diversity of the community, including varied age groups, races, and abilities.
  • Diverse Teams: Recruitment strategies for staff and volunteers focus on diversity, ensuring that the event planning and execution team is as varied as the participants themselves.

Community Engagement and Feedback

CRS values the input of its community, using feedback to continually refine and improve its inclusivity efforts.

  • Community Consultations: Regular engagement with community groups and participants helps CRS understand diverse needs and expectations, guiding the planning process.
  • Feedback Mechanisms: After events, CRS actively seeks feedback specifically targeted at evaluating the inclusiveness of the event. This helps identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Canada Running Series’ commitment to inclusivity is a cornerstone of its operations. Through thoughtful policies, careful planning, and open dialogue with participants, CRS ensures that its events are welcoming spaces for everyone. 

The goal is not only to organize races but to celebrate the diverse community that comes together to run, cheer, and support each other. Each CRS event is an opportunity to strengthen community ties and promote a culture of inclusivity and respect in the world of competitive running and beyond.

Maximizing Your Race Day Performance: Nutrition and Hydration Strategies

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Race day success is the culmination of training and the precise implementation of effective nutrition and hydration strategies. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply looking to finish strong, the fuel you provide your body can make a significant difference. 

This article explores essential nutritional tactics and hydration tips to help runners optimize their performance on the big day.

How to Fuel Before the Race 

Pre-race nutrition starts well before the morning of the event. In the days leading up to the race, focus on carbohydrate loading, which involves increasing the percentage of carbs in your diet while tapering your workouts. This helps maximize the storage of glycogen (energy) in your muscles.

  • What to Eat: Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, pasta, rice, and potatoes. These foods provide a slow and steady release of energy. With 28-31g of carbs in each bar, real food bars like Made with Local are an excellent option for some fast fuel.
  • When to Eat: Have your last big, carb-rich meal the night before the race. On race morning, eat a simple, high-carb breakfast 2-3 hours before starting, such as oatmeal or a bagel with peanut butter, to top off your energy stores.

Hydration Before and During the Race: 

Hydration should be a focus during the race and the days leading up to it. Start hydrating several days before the race to ensure you’re well-hydrated on the starting line.

Choose to hydrate with the options that will be available on the course. For example, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon uses Nuun on the course, so we’d recommend practicing fueling with Nuun during your training and before the event.  

  • Before the Race: Drink plenty of water and electrolytes the days before the race. Avoid alcohol, as it can dehydrate you.
  • During the Race: Use hydration stations to maintain hydration levels, sipping on water or Nuun containing electrolytes. This is particularly crucial in longer races, where sweat loss can significantly affect performance and health.

What to Eat During the Race? 

Nutrition on the Run: 

Maintaining energy during the race is crucial, especially for events longer than 60 minutes. Consuming carbohydrates during the race can help maintain good blood glucose levels, vital for sustaining performance.

Again, try to practice with what will be available on the race course, or be prepared to carry your own nutrition. The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon offers GU gels on course, so we’d recommend practicing fueling with these during your longer runs. 

  • Energy Gels and Chews: These are easy to carry and can quickly provide a burst of energy. Aim to consume a gel approximately every 45 minutes during the race.
  • Sports Drinks: These can serve a dual purpose by providing hydration and a quick source of energy through carbohydrates. If you prefer to use your own sports drink, we’d recommend bringing a bottle and using the stations on the course for water. 

Post-Race Recovery: 

After crossing the finish line, the recovery process begins. Eating the proper nutrients after the race can help repair muscles, replenish energy stores, and reduce inflammation.

  • Immediate Recovery Meal: Within 30 minutes of finishing, consume a meal or snack rich in carbohydrates and protein. A 3:1 ratio (carbs to protein) is often recommended. Options include a fruit smoothie with whey protein, a turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread, or a rice bowl with lean protein.
  • Hydration: After the race, continue to hydrate to replace fluid losses. Water, sports drinks, and even milk are good options. We love a good post-race chocolate milk! 

Effective nutrition and hydration strategies are pivotal for achieving peak performance on race day. By carefully planning your pre-, during-, and post-race nutrition, you can enhance your energy levels, optimize performance, and speed up recovery. 

Remember, practicing these strategies during training runs is crucial to ensure they work for you on race day. Here’s to a successful and energized run!

Running as a Family: How to Get Everyone Involved

By | Training Tips | No Comments

Running or walking doesn’t have to be a solo journey; it can be a bonding experience that brings the whole family closer. Physical activity promotes a healthy lifestyle and instills lifelong values of perseverance, goal setting, and the joy of achievement. 

Whether your family includes young sprinters or more mature marathoners, participating in races and events as a family is about creating memories, sharing successes, and enjoying the great outdoors together. This guide will explore practical ways to involve every family member in running, making it an inclusive, enjoyable, and regular family activity.

Start with Fun Runs and Themed Races

Choose Family-friendly Events

Look for local fun runs or themed races designed with families in mind. These events often have shorter distances, such as 1K or 2K fun runs, and incorporate entertaining themes that appeal to children and adults alike, like superhero runs, colour runs, or obstacle courses.

Benefits of Participating Together

  • Motivation and Encouragement: Running alongside family members provides motivation and builds a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to do their best.
  • Making Exercise Fun: Themed races can transform the concept of exercise from a chore into an exciting adventure. They provide unique experiences that are much more about enjoyment than competition.
  • Building Confidence: Completing a race gives children a tangible sense of achievement and can significantly boost their confidence. It shows them that setting goals and working towards them is rewarding.

Tips for a Successful Family Race Day

  • Pre-Race Preparation: Get everyone involved in the preparation process. Let children help pick out race outfits or create signs. Discuss race day logistics as a family to ensure everyone knows what to expect.
  • Set Realistic Expectations: Understand and respect each family member’s fitness level and enthusiasm for running. The goal is to finish feeling good, not necessarily to set personal records.
  • Celebrate Together: Plan a post-race celebration. Whether it’s a special meal, a family outing, or simply relaxing together at home, make sure there’s something to look forward to after the race.

The Finish Line is Just the Beginning

Embracing running as a family activity is more than just a way to stay physically active; it’s a journey filled with laughter, challenges, and unforgettable moments. Each reach training session, each taken together, strengthens the bond that ties your family, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

In the grand scheme of things, the distances run or the times achieved are secondary to the shared experiences and the values instilled through running together. Commitment, perseverance, mutual support, and collectively reaching a goal are lessons so far beyond the running track. Life lessons prepare children for the future and remind adults of the importance of health, happiness, and family.

So, as you lace up your running shoes and set out on this path together, remember that every finish line crossed is not an end but a beginning. A beginning to new challenges, higher goals, and more shared adventures. Whether it’s the cheering as you cross the finish line, the high-fives after a particularly tough hill, or the laughter shared over a pancake breakfast post-race, these moments make running as a family beneficial and invaluable.

Let the running journey bring your family closer, one step at a time. Here’s to many miles, laughs, and finish lines ahead.

JP Flavin and Erin Mawhinney Victorious at 2024 Under Armour Toronto 10K

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By Paul Gains

JP Flavin rang up Under Armour Toronto 10K organizers last week and asked if there was a place in the event for him. His eleventh-hour plea came just before the race limit of 7,500 was reached. Lucky for him.

The 25 year old New Jersey native showed his gratitude by front running his way to a victory in 29:20 and in the process pulling top Canadian Andrew Davies to a new personal best of 29:25. Third place overall went to Lee Wesselius in 29:49 and the third Canadian was Rob Kanko in 30 minutes flat.

“I am very thankful they let me in the race,” said Flavin, a member of the Brooks Hanson Project based in Rochester Hills, Michigan. “I did really well. I kept 4:40 miles throughout, which was my plan. It was fun.”

Midway through the race – the lead pack of seven runners reached 5K in 14:32 – he went to the front with the objective of breaking pre-race favourite Andrew Davies.

The Sarnia native has been training in Vancouver, where he is a law student at the University of British Columbia. Earlier this year, he ran a personal best 10,000m on the track (28:34.63) and also finished 2nd in the NAIA (collegiate) national championships in that event, which caught the attention of his peers.

“I knew if I stayed with Andrew to the last two kilometres, odds are he would outkick me,” Flavin added. “So a little before 5K, I started picking it up. I wanted to use that long hill [at the Canadian Legion] to come hard off it.”

“When I made my move and started feeling bad at mile five, I could hear from the crowd; they were screaming his name a little bit. So I knew I had to pay attention, stay on it, and not let up too much. I was able to grind and finish off strong.”

Davies was satisfied with his personal best. When Flavin made his move, he made an effort to maintain contact but could never close the gap.

“I was trying to cover it as best I could without risking blowing up at the end,” he revealed. “I couldn’t quite cover it. I stayed pretty close. I couldn’t catch him over the last two kilometres. He held that gap the whole way.”

Despite his earlier 10,000m success in the spring, Davies admitted he has lately been focusing on the 5,000m, the event he will race at the Canadian Olympic trials June 26-30 in Montreal.

While the men’s race had its drama, the women’s race saw the same podium finishers as in 2023, although Erin Mawhinney’s title defence was emphatic. The 28-year-old Hamilton,

Ontario, nursing consultant won by 25 seconds over Salome Nyirarukundo.

Mahwinney’s 33:40 time was a pleasant surprise after she learned earlier in the year she was iron deficient.

“This was the first race since February that I haven’t felt dizzy, so this is the first one in a while that has felt like that,” says Mawhinney, who was greeted at the finish by her coach, two time Canadian Olympic marathoner, Reid Coolsaet.

Respect for her competitors was evident in her further comments.

“At no point was I confident of winning,” she declared. “Salome is so talented, and I knew there was a good chance she would come flying by but someone yelled at me with a kilometre to go that I had a good gap.

To run in the 33s, especially today, it’s hotter and windier than last year, to run the same time as last year off much less training is great.”

Mawhinney also credited Toronto running coach Paddy Birch for helping her through the windy stretches along Lake Shore Boulevard.

“I owe my life to Paddy Birch. He was sort of breaking some of the wind and pacing up to about 8K, so I didn’t have to think quite as hard about it,” she added. “He is much faster than me, but I think he was going for an easy run. He was (pacing me) on purpose when he was talking to me.”

Nyirarukundo, who competed for Rwanda at the 2016 Olympics, now lives in Ottawa. She complained about having an upset stomach last night and into the race morning.

“I was a little bit tired. This morning I had a problem with stomach. Even now, I have it,” she said with a smile, “so I was struggling even to finish, but because I am a fighter, I just tried to finish. It was not bad.”

“I appreciate the organisers; they are very, very good to the elites. It is really good and I enjoy the people (on the course) who are cheering.”

Rachel Hannah, now recovered from her 3rd place finish in the Ottawa Marathon, was 3rd in today’s race. Her time of 34:10, almost a minute faster than her 2023 finish, pleased her.

Once again, the Under Armour Toronto 10K served as the Canadian Masters’ championships, with Toronto’s Allison Drynan crossing the line first in the 45-49 age bracket, recording a time of 38:46. She finished just 8 seconds ahead of Miriam Zittel (40-44).

In the men’s master’s race, Bryan Rusche earned top honours with his 33:33 performance, and Brian Byrne of London, Ontario, finished next in 33:49.

Race director Alan Brookes was delighted with the sold-out event and pointed out that runners from nine provinces, two territories (the Yukon and the Northwest Territories), eighteen American states, and twenty countries enjoyed the day.

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MAHWINNEY AND DAVIES LEAD ELITES AT UNDER ARMOUR TORONTO 10K 

By | Elite Athletes | No Comments

By Paul Gains 

Erin Mawhinney will defend her Under Armour Toronto 10K title Saturday June 15th the next stop on the 2024 Canada Running Series. 

A year ago, the Hamilton resident won the race, which traces Toronto’s scenic Lake Shore Boulevard, in a personal best of 33 minutes 34 seconds. The result was a pleasant surprise and confirmed her arrival as one of Canada’s elite road racers. 

“I would like to take a stab at defending my title I know there are some fast girls running,” the 27 year old says before adding, ”Truthfully I have struggled with some low iron the past couple of weeks. But being able to defend the win would be great. Running close to 33 minutes flat would also be great at this time. 

Despite the medical hiccup – which is now behind her – Mawhinney has followed coach Reid Coolsaet’s training program closely and has gradually increased her training volume. Indeed, she has had weeks where she has run as much as 160km while working full-time as a nursing consultant. 

Mawhinney completed her Master of Nursing degree last year after spending six years nursing in the intensive care unit at Hamilton’s St Joseph’s Hospital. Combining long, demanding shifts with her training program was challenging but she credits Coolsaet, a two-time Canadian Olympian, with providing a flexible plan. 

“I did straight night shifts and I found that sticking on straight nights was a little bit easier for running,” she remembers. “I found the flipping back and forth between days and night was sort of chaotic. 

“I would let Reid know and he was great with being flexible. I worked a lot of overtime during Covid because we were overwhelmed in the ICU during that time. There would be some days where I was too tired to double. There were even times when I had to sleep at the hospital between shifts because there was a risk of exposure in my apartment building.” 

In addition to winning the 2023 Under Armour Toronto 10K Mawhinney captured first place in the 2023 TCS Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon last October (1:13:50). Now she and Coolsaet are targeting a possible marathon debut this coming fall. 

“We are thinking TCS Toronto Waterfront in the fall will be my marathon debut so that is the main focus for the rest of the year,” she reveals. 

Recently Mawhinney’s concerns for the homeless crisis in the Hamilton neighbourhood she has called home the past seven years resulted in her penning an essay on her observations. Her advocacy is paying off. 

“A big win recently was having City Housing Hamilton approve a new public health nurse role I proposed to them,” she adds. “(It is) to help those in higher social-need subsidized housing keep their tenancy and avoid needing to use the emergency room.” 

Among those lining up against her Saturday are 2015 Pan Am Games marathon bronze medalist, Rachel Hannah, who was 3rd in the 2024 Ottawa Marathon last month and, most significantly, was 3rd in the Under Armour Toronto 10K last year and last year’s runner-up, Salome Nyirarukundo the 26 year-old Rwandan who has made Ottawa her home. 

The men’s field is led by Andrew Davies, a second-year law student at the University of British Columbia. Although his 10k best is 29:32 last month he ran a superb 10,000m on the track recording 28:34.63. 

“If you get one of the really fast road courses I definitely feel you can be just as fast, maybe even faster, on the roads (than on the track) with the new shoes,” he declares. 

The 23-year-old Davies claims, however, he will focus more on the competition than on recording a fast time. 

“I am not really going to focus on the time too much,” Davies, who hails from Sarnia, Ontario, says. “I have been transitioning now to focus on the 5,000m leading to the track Nationals at the end of the month. I will focus on racing whoever else is (at the Toronto 10k). I am not going in with a time goal. 

“My 5,000m PB (13:37.39) is three years old and I would like to lower that into the (low) 13:30’s and run Nationals and then in the fall I’d like to run as well as I can in the Canadian cross country championships. I was 4th there this past year. If I could medal there that would be awesome.” 

The fastest performer in the men’s field is Lee Wesselius whose personal best 29:13 earned him 7th in the 2021 Canadian 10k Championships held on a slightly modified Toronto Waterfront course. Also racing is Rob Kanko who was 3rd in the 2023 Under Armour Toronto 10K in a personal best of 30:02. 

The race will once again serve as the Canadian Masters 10k championships. Baghdad Rachem will defend the title he won a year ago on this same course. The Verdun, Quebec resident won that day in 32:05 beating 44-year-old Reid Coolsaet by 13 seconds. 

Edmonton’s Jay Smith finished 3rd in 2023 in 39:23 and leads the female master’s division entries. 

Expert Tips for Success at the Under Armour Toronto 10K 2024 

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The Under Armour Toronto 10K is this weekend and as race day approaches, it’s essential to fine-tune your preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or tackling your first 10K, we’ve got tips from Under Armour Ambassadors Laura Sanhueza-Miller, Emily Rudow and Amanda Regnier to help you make the most of race day. 

Plan Ahead  

Having your running gear ready to go is key, especially if you have a busy schedule, says Laura (@ironmom.ca). Keep an extra set of running shorts and shoes in your car, by your home entrance, at the office, or even underneath your regular clothing for a quick and easy change. Bring this habit into race day so you have one less thing to worry about. 

Practise Makes Perfect 

Emily (@emilyrudow) knows training doesn’t always go as planned. “We all have those days where we fall short of our pace goals, struggle through a bad workout, or feel like we’re not making the progress we hoped for,” says Emily. Remember that practise makes perfect and trying is a small step in the right direction. Embrace your struggles to help develop resilience and grit. You’ll remember all the lessons you learned from those tough workouts and know how to improve for the big moments.   

Explore New Roads 

Staying motivated often involves finding new places to run. Amanda (@runningwithregnier) suggests planning new routes when training feels stagnant. Exploring new locations can invigorate your routine and make you feel stronger. 

Look for the Pacers 

Whether you prefer training solo or with a group, on race day, you’re never alone. Look towards your fellow racers for motivation to keep moving. If you’re racing towards a specific time, UA Ambassadors Jake Myles (@jakemyles) and Stéphane Hetherington (@coachstedotcom) will be two of your pacers during the UA Toronto 10K. Be sure to look for them to keep you on track! 

Enjoy Race Day 

At the end of the day, this is what you trained for! Enjoy the rush and let the cheering crowds boost your spirits all the way to the finish line. 

With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for the Under Armour Toronto 10K. Embrace the journey, trust your training, and most importantly, enjoy the race.