Canada Running Series, Author at Canada Running Series

Sep 22 2025

12TH ANNUAL UNDER ARMOUR EASTSIDE 10K RAISES OVER $55,000 FOR DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE CHARITIES

By Canada Running Series | Eastside 10k | No Comments

Vancouver September 21 – The 12th annual Under Armour Eastside 10K brought together 3,500 runners, both in-person and virtually, today, raising over $55,000 to support charities in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The event celebrated outstanding athletic performances and reinforced its ongoing commitment to giving back to the community.

In the women’s race, Lauren McNeil from UBCO took first place with a commanding time of 32:48, adding to her previous victories this summer at both the Vancouver Half 5K and the Edmonton Half Marathon. Dayna Pidhoresky (34:27) who is preparing for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, crossed the finish line just behind, with Brooke Lawlor following at 35:12.

In the men’s race, defending 2023 champion Thomas Broatch returned to the winner’s podium with an impressive time of 30:06, despite his intense training schedule ahead of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Rounding out the podium were Moktar Said (30:23) and Nageso Nyafaro (30:41), both joining the event from Calgary, Alberta.

The event’s $45,000 in fundraising efforts will benefit five local charities: Urban Native Youth Association, KidSport, Promise Vancouver, Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, and PHS Community Services Society. These organizations provide critical support to the Downtown Eastside community and promote sport as a positive force for change.

The Under Armour Eastside 10K continues to be a key event on Vancouver’s race calendar, bringing together runners of all levels to support a meaningful cause and make a lasting impact in the community.

Men’s Winners:

1st: Thomas Broatch 30:06
2nd: Moktar Said 30:23
3rd: Nageso Nyafaro 30:41

Women’s Winners:

1st: Lauren McNeil 32:48
2nd: Dayna Pidhoresky 34:27
3rd: Brooke Lawlor 35:12

For more information about the Under Armour Eastside 10K, please visit the website: eastside10k.ca.

Sep 10 2025

Getting Race Day Ready For Under Armour Eastside 10K

By Canada Running Series | Eastside 10k | No Comments

UA Eastside 10K is almost here and title sponsor Under Armour has some training tips as well as running gear recommendations. For training tips, check out the Instagram reel UA recently shared featuring Amir Nikravan’s recommendations for 3 places around Vancouver to go to for your next training run. He shares his favourite location for hills training at Queen Elizabeth Park and an easier loop to try at Trout Lake.

For running gear product recommendations, Under Armour just came out with its new Halo collection which features a runner that is engineered for longer training runs, as well as a racer. Canadian Running Magazine wrote about the collection here. You can visit the UA website to learn more and check out the entire footwear and apparel collection.

The UA Eastside 10K isn’t just about finishing. It’s about supporting the community, feeling the energy of the crowd, and having fun out there with thousands of other runners. Take it in, high-five a volunteer, smile at the cheering sections, and enjoy every step. Be sure to visit the Under Armour tent for a great photo experience and to try on the new UA Halo racers. See you at the start line!

Sep 04 2025

Announcing the Elite Field for the 2025 Under Armour Eastside 10K

By Canada Running Series | Eastside 10k, Elite Athletes | No Comments

The 2025 UA Eastside 10K promises a thrilling showdown, with returning champions, Canadian Olympians, and up-and-comers all lining up. Beyond the chase for the finish tape, athletes will be battling for valuable points as part of the Athletics Canada Road Race Label program.

WOMEN'S START LIST
FIRST NAME	LAST NAME	CITY	PROVINCE	CLUB/AFFILIATION
Lauren	McNeil	Kelowna	BC	UBCO
Dayna	Pidhoresky	Vancouver	BC
Jamie	Hennessey	Maple Ridge	BC	Norms Athletics Club
Jenna	Schulz	Vancouver	BC	London Western Track and Field
Kiana	Gibson	Vancouver	BC	Vancouver Thunderbirds
Tori	Bouck	Kelowna	BC	UBCO
Becca	Brennan	Toronto	ON	Monarch Athletic Club
Brooke	Lawlor	Vernon	BC
Samantha	Green	West Kelowna	BC
Chloe	Hewitt	Prince George	BC
Emma	Kearns	Kelowna	BC
Kathleen	Saxon	Edmonton	AB
Krysta	Boyer	New Westminster	BC
Anne	Cavanagh	Peterborough	ON
Alita	Dommann	North Vancouver	BC	VFAC
Shauna	Gersbach	Kelowna	BC
MEN'S START LIST
FIRST NAME	LAST NAME	CITY	PROVINCE	CLUB/AFFILIATION
Thomas	Broatch	Vancouver	BC	Vancouver Thunderbirds
Christian	Gravel	Vancouver	BC	Vancouver Thunderbirds
Brendan	Wong	Coquitlam	BC
David	Mutai	Langley	BC	TWU Spartans
Daniel	Zewdu	Victoria	BC	Prairie Inn Harriers
Nageso	Nyafaro	Calgary	AB
Yahye	Mohamed Jama	Edmonton	AB
Sam	Wensink	Langley	BC
Ephrem	Mekonnen	Burnaby	BC
Marc- Antoine	Rouleau	Vancouver	BC	Mile2Marathon
James	Lamers	Vancouver	BC	VFAC
Rob	Watson	Vancouver	BC	Mile2Marathon
Reid	Muller	Langley	BC	Sole Experience Running co.
Cameron	Berlie	Langley	BC
Elliot	Metcalf	Houston	TX
Alex	Broekhuyse	Vancouver	BC
Justyn	Tyrrell	Barrie	ON
Moktar	Said	Calgary	AB
Nicolas	Jirot	Nanaimo	BC
Natnael	Samuel	Calgary	AB
Hermon	Ephraim	Vancouver	BC	VFAC
Adam	Pralat	Toronto	ON	University of Toronto Track Club
Zac	Labrie	Vancouver	BC	VFAC
Kyle	Kimura	Vancouver	BC
Craig	McMillan	North Vancouver	BC
Andrew	Russell	Victoria	BC	Prairie Inn Harriers
Gus	Amundson	Vancouver	BC
Mark	Cryderman	Campbell River	BC	Esprit Running
Paul	Blazey	Vancouver	BC	Fraser Street Run Club
Scott	Simpson	Victoria	BC	Saanich Physio
Chengqi	Yuan	Burnaby	BC	Adidas Runners
Nikolai	Gauer	Vancouver	BC
David	Guss	Kelowna	BC	Kelowna Running Club

Jun 09 2025

Announcing the Elite Field for the 2025 Vancouver Half Marathon

By Canada Running Series | Elite Athletes, Vancouver Half Marathon | No Comments

Women’s Start List – Half Marathon

First Name	Last Name	City	Province	Club/Affiliation
Natasha	Wodak	North Vancouver	BC	ASICS
Katelyn	Ayers	Victoria	BC	Victoria Endurance Track Club
Eliyah	Brawdy	North Vancouver	BC
Tori	Bouck	Kelowna	BC	UBC Okanagan
Zoe	Hamel	Victoria	BC
Melanie	van Soeren	Vancouver	BC	VFAC
Emily	Simpson	Kelowna	BC
Andrea	Lee	North Vancouver	BC
Meg	Lewis-Schneider	Victoria	BC	Speedfarm
Stephanie	Fraser	Calgary	AB
Annika	Austin	Vancouver	BC
Jocelyn	Cseff	Victoria	BC
Trisha	Helmer	Abbotsford	BC
Allison	Ezzat	North Vancouver	BC
Heather	Colasuonno	Ajax	ON
Breanne	Everett	Calgary	AB
Eriko	Soma	Vancouver	BC

Men’s Start List – Half Marathon

First Name	Last Name	City	Province	Club/Affiliation
Benjamin	Preisner	Vancouver	BC
Evan	Elder	Vancouver	BC	Vancouver Thunderbirds
Brendan	Wong	Coquitlam	BC
Jonah	Brost	North Saanich	BC	Prairie Inn Harriers
Luis	Benitez	Vancouver	BC
Craig	McMillan	North Vancouver	BC
David	Morrissey	Vancouver	BC	Vancouver Falcons Athletic Club (VFAC)
Adam	Buzinsky	Vancouver	BC	Mile2Marathon
Dimitrios	Mylonas	Vancouver	BC	Fraser Street Run Club
Chengqi	Yuan	Burnaby	BC	Adidas Runners
Gus	Amundson	Vancouver	BC
Evan	Dunfee	Richmond	BC

Start List – 5K

First Name	Last Name	City	Province	Province
Sarah	Inglis	Surrey	BC
Ally	Ginther	Vancouver	BC	Vancouver Thunderbirds
Jamie	Hennessey	Vancouver	BC	NAC
Lauren	McNeil	Kelowna	BC	UBCO
Brooke	Lawlor	Vernon	BC	UBCO
Sophie	Hamilton	Salmon Arm	BC	UBCO
Sarah	Price	Sidney	BC	Prairie Inn Harriers
Amy	Windle	Langley	BC
Keila	Stark	Vancouver	BC	Vanguard Athletics
Krysta	Boyer	New Westminster	BC
Emma	Kearns	Kelowna	BC	UBCO
Katrina	Lim	Burnaby	BC	Fraser Street Run Club
Madalene	Gibson	Port Coquitlam	BC
First Name	Last Name	City	Province	Club/Affiliation
Ron	Loewen	Surrey	BC	Vancouver Thunderbirds
Sam	Wensink	Langley	BC
Greg	Ord	Sidney	BC	Prairie Inn Harriers
Brendan	Urlocker	Squamish	BC	RunUphill

Sep 23 2024

Natasha Wodak and Andrew Davies break the tape at the 11th Anniversary of the Under Armour Eastside 10K

By Canada Running Series | Eastside 10k | No Comments

The Under Armour Eastside 10K Celebrates 11 years and Over $50,000 for Charities

VANCOUVER, September 22, 2024 — The Under Armour Eastside 10K celebrated its 11th anniversary with a resounding success, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 3500 runners across in the in-person and virtual event. The event, which enjoyed a third year of sunshine, not only showcased the athletic prowess of participants but also made a significant impact on the local community.

The men’s race was tight between Ben Preisner and Andrew Davies this morning. In a thrilling finish, Davies emerged victorious in the men’s race, securing a hard-fought win, saying, “I knew by the 8K mark that the race was mine”. On the women’s side, Natasha Wodak dominated and delivered a remarkable performance that claimed the top spot with a time of 32:47. The ‘kill the hill’ segment of the course adds a fun twist, but Leslie Sexton, second place on the women’s side, easily took on the challenge.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the Under Armour Eastside 10K is renowned for its commitment to giving back. This year, the event has raised over $50,000, which will be distributed to several local charities: Urban Native Youth Association, Kids Sport, Promise Vancouver, Downtown Women’s Eastside Centre, and PHS Community Services Society. These organizations provide support to vulnerable populations in the Downtown Eastside and promote sport in the community.

The Under Armour Eastside 10K continues to be a cornerstone of Vancouver’s race calendar, offering a unique opportunity for runners of all ages and abilities to come together and make a positive difference in the community.

Men’s Winners:

1st: Andrew Davies 29:49
2nd: Ben Preisner 30:05
3rd: Thomas Broatch 30:06

Women’s Winners:

1st: Natasha Wodak 32:47
2nd: Leslie Sexton 33:45
3rd: Eliyah Brawdy 33:56

For more information about the Under Armour Eastside 10K, please visit the website: eastside10k.ca.

Sep 12 2024

Announcing the Elite Field for the 2024 Under Armour Eastside 10K

By Canada Running Series | Eastside 10k, Elite Athletes | No Comments

Women’s Start List

Bib Number	First Name	Last Name	City	Province
F-1	Natasha	Wodak	North Vancouver	BC
F-27	Samantha	Jory	Vancouver	BC
F-28	Geneviève	Lalonde	Victoria	BC
F-3	Leslie	Sexton	Vancouver	BC
F-6	Eliyah	Brawdy	North Vancouver	BC
F-7	Jamie	Hennessey	Burnaby	BC
F-8	Ally	Ginther	Vancouver	BC
F-9	Kiana	Gibson	Vancouver	BC
F-10	Leanne	Klassen	Calgary	AB
F-11	Courtney	Brohart	Canmore	AB
F-12	Jenna	Melanson	Vancouver	BC
F-13	Jouen	Chang	Vancouver	BC
F-15	Amy	Windle	Caronport	SK
F-16	Natalie	Whitten	New Westminster	BC
F-17	Lauren	Prufer	Squamish	BC
F-18	Trisha	Helmer	Abbotsford	BC
F-19	Katherine	Watson	Vancouver	BC
F-20	Lissa	Zimmer	Vancouver	BC
F-21	Katrina	Lim	Burnaby	BC
F-22	Annika	Austin	Vancouver	BC
F-23	Emma	Kearns	kelowna	BC
F-24	Samantha	Green	West Kelowna	BC
F-25	Eriko	Soma	Vancouver	BC
F-26	Shari	Boyle	Calgary	AB

Men’s Start List

Bib Number	First Name	Last Name	City	Province
M-1	Ben	Preisner	Vancouver	BC
M-2	Thomas	Broatch	Vancouver	BC
M-3	Andrew	Davies	Vancouver	BC
M-4	Alex	Drover	Calgary	AB
M-5	Christian	Gravel	Vancouver	BC
M-6	Chris	Taylor	Vancouver	BC
M-7	Daniel	Zewdu	Victoria	BC
M-8	Kevin	Coffey	Kingston	ON
M-9	Alex	Cyr	Toronto	ON
M-11	Harry	Halford	Calgary	AB
M-13	John	Boerjesson	Broomfield	CO
M-14	Evan	Elder	Vancouver	BC
M-15	David	Mutai	Langley	BC
M-16	Sam	Wensink	Langley	BC
M-17	Kyle	Kimura	Vancouver	BC
M-18	Jonathan	Walker	Victoria	BC
M-19	Adam	Buzinsky	Vancouver	BC
M-20	Matt	Melnik	Delta	BC
M-21	Jordan	Wilson	Sechelt	BC
M-22	Drew	Nicholson	Surrey	BC
M-23	Andrew	Russell	Victoria	BC
M-24	Craig	McMillan	North Vancouver	BC
M-25	Gus	Amundson	Vancouver	BC
M-26	Mark	Cryderman	Campbell River	BC
M-27	Nikolai	Gauer	Vancouver	BC
M-28	Jerry	Loeb	Campbell River	BC
M-29	Mark	Schellenberg	Vancouver	BC
M-30	John	Rasmussen	Victoria	BC
M-31	James	Lamers	Vancouver	BC
M-32	Brendan	Wong	Coquitlam	BC
M-33	Evan	Dunfee	Richmond	BC

Sep 12 2024

Race Day Weather Watch: Preparing for Any Condition with Under Armour

By Canada Running Series | Eastside 10k, Run Gear, Training Tips | No Comments

We’ve seen every type of weather over the years at the Under Armour Eastside 10K. Whether it’s blazing sunshine, unexpected rain, or a chilly breeze, what you wear can make all the difference in your performance and comfort. These tips and gear recommendations from our title sponsor Under Armour will keep you at your best.

Sunshine

Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential for sunny, hot mornings. Consider gear like the UA Iso-Chill Run Short Sleeve that helps you stay cool by dispersing body heat, allowing you to keep your pace without discomfort. A good quality hat, like the UA StealthForm Hat, can keep the sun off your face, plus its foldable! Throw it in your bag or put it in your pocket after the race – no hat travels better.

Rain

A little rain shouldn’t dampen your spirits. The trick is to stay dry without adding bulk. A lightweight, water-resistant jacket, such as the UA OutRun The Storm Jacket, will keep the rain off while allowing you to move freely.

Ultimately, the goal is to be ready for any condition, so the weather becomes just another challenge to conquer. With the right gear, you’ll stay comfortable and focused, no matter what race day brings.

Sep 09 2024

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your First 10K: Tips for New Runners

By Canada Running Series | Eastside 10k, Run Gear, Training Tips | No Comments

Running your first 10K is an exciting milestone, whether you’re a seasoned athlete exploring a new distance or a beginner tackling your first major race. However, this excitement can sometimes lead to avoidable mistakes that can hinder your performance and enjoyment. Here’s a guide from our title sponsor, Under Armour, to help you navigate the 2024 Under Armour Eastside 10K with confidence and success.

Ignoring Nutrition and Hydration

Neglecting proper nutrition and hydration can lead to disastrous results. Maintain a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, and stay hydrated throughout your training. On race day, eat a light meal a few hours before the start and hydrate sufficiently. Here are some great resources: (runningmagazine.ca) (unlockfood.ca)

Using Worn-Out Shoes on Race Day

Relying on old or worn-out running shoes can lead to injury. Regularly replace your shoes to ensure proper support and cushioning. Look for a lightweight pair that provides the support and comfort you need, like the UA Velociti Pro Running Shoes.

Not Having the Essential Gear

Running without the right gear can be a mistake. Invest in gear that enhances your comfort, such as the UA Launch Short Sleeve for moisture-wicking, or the UA StealthForm Uncrushable Hat for sun protection.

Starting Too Fast / Poor Pacing Strategy

Starting the race too quickly due to adrenaline can lead to early fatigue. Begin at a comfortable pace and gradually increase it if you feel good later on. A steady start helps conserve energy for a strong finish. Here’s a great article on pacing strategy (runningmagazine.ca).

For more training tips, be sure to check out the 2024 8-week training plan. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure a more enjoyable race day at the 2024 Under Armour Eastside 10K. Good luck, and happy running!

Jun 24 2024

Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K Celebrates Exhilarating Race Day and Fundraising Success

By Canada Running Series | Charity, General, Vancouver Half Marathon | No Comments

Vancouver, BC – June 23, 2024

The Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K, hosted by Canada Running Series, celebrated a record-breaking day on the streets of UBC and Kitsilano this morning. Over 4500 participants in the half marathon and nearly 1000 in the 5K – the most in recent history – tackled the scenic course, showcasing the best of Vancouver’s running community with no shortage of joy, athleticism, and perseverance. The runners came from 8 Canadian provinces, 24 American states and 30 countries. Fully 4000 of the 6000 were aged 18-39, underscoring the arrival of a new running boom.

Thrilling Elite Races and Local Victories

The Half Marathon distance boasted a solid elite list of Vancouver’s locals. In the Men’s Elite race, Justin Kent celebrated his return from injury and the recent birth of his daughter by taking off early and cruising to a convincing victory. Kent broke the tape with a 1:05:09, an impressive solo performance. As a new father, Kent’s lack of sleep from early parenting didn’t prevent his success, one he noted wouldn’t have been possible without the support of his wife and baby girl who cheered him across the line. While he can add the Vancouver Half to his portfolio of wins, Kent won’t be slowing down anytime soon, with sights now set on the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Canadian National Championship in October. Matthew Walker (1:11:30) and Sam Wensink (1:11:38) had a good battle for the second and third podium places.

Canada’s 2020 Olympic Marathoners Natasha Wodak and Dayna Pidhoresky paced alongside each other for the first 15 kilometers before Wodak took the lead, to finish in a time of 1:13:52. Pidhoresky hung on for second in 1:15:22 with Burnaby’s Jamie Hennesey 3rd in 1:18:47. “I wanted to run the first half of the race more on the more conservative side and I pushed myself over the last 6-8K,” said Wodak, giving her the chance to catch a pack of men over last mile joking “it’s always fun to hunt [them down]”.

Charity Challenge Surpasses Goals

Canada Running Series is proud to announce that the annual Charity Challenge surpassed its initial goal of $300,000 by nearly $100,000 expecting to round out donations at $400,000 for the 2024 Vancouver Half Marathon, an increase of over 52% from 2023. Fundraising remains open until July 22nd .

Half Marathon Male:

Justin Kent 1:05:09
Matthew Walker 1:11:30
Sam Wesnick 1:11:38

Half Marathon Female:

Natasha Wodak 1:13:52
Dayna Pidhoresky 1:15:22
Jamie Hennessy 1:18:47

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 Elite 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/ 

Jun 17 2024