Jun 04 2025
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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
May 29 2025
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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.

May 28 2025
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Breaking Barriers: Canada Running Series Adds Wheelchair Division to Major Races

By | Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

Breaking Barriers: Canada Running Series Adds Wheelchair Division to Major Races 

Canada Running Series (CRS) has taken a major step forward in championing inclusivity and accessibility in road racing by introducing a wheelchair division to three of its marquee events: the Vancouver Half Marathon, the Under Armour Toronto 10K, and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. This expansion underscores CRS’s commitment to ensuring that athletes of all abilities have equal opportunity to participate and compete. By making these races more accessible, CRS is helping to create a more inclusive environment where adaptive athletes can thrive alongside their able-bodied peers.

The addition of the wheelchair division is not just a change in format—it’s a meaningful opportunity for connection, achievement, and growth within the running community. Longtime CRS wheelchair racer and adaptive racing consultant Mike Greer shared, “Being part of an Adaptive Racing community, I love to welcome athletes who are new to the sport or are transitioning from being an able-bodied runner to one of the many adaptive racing disciplines and help them on their journey. The running community as a whole is very supportive of athletes with disabilities, and makes it one of the main reasons I love road racing.” Greer’s experience highlights the welcoming nature of the organization to adaptive athletes and the essential role it plays in fostering a strong, united community.  

Beyond the wheelchair division, these races also offer an Athletes with a Disability (AWD) program to support the participation of athletes with varying needs. The program offers a dedicated space at the race venue for AWD participants, a free GUIDE bib program, and volunteers to support athletes’ journey to the start line and post-race experience. The AWD program allows further participation and collaboration with organizations like Achilles Canada, a non-profit that provides people with various disabilities an opportunity to benefit from the physical, psychological, and community benefits of running. “We are thrilled to see Canada Running Series doing what they can to make all their races accessible and inclusive to all athletes with disability including the new wheelchair division for this year’s Under Armour Toronto 10K” noted Brian McLean, president of Achilles Canada.  

Paralympian Josh Cassidy has raced with the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon for the past three years, supporting the event as it grows its adaptive racing program. Josh reflected on the significance of this development: “For years I lived in Toronto, and watched the runners go by my condo every year during the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. It has been so great to finally have a wheelchair division. It has been such a fun and special experience these last few years to race on the streets of the city I love, seeing familiar faces… an experience that is accessible to everyone!” As CRS continues to break down barriers in the sport, stories like Greer’s and Cassidy’s demonstrate the transformative power of inclusive racing—where every athlete, regardless of ability, has the chance to feel the joy of the finish line. 

Register for the Under Armour Toronto 10K Register for the Vancouver Half Marathon Register for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Apr 01 2025
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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
Feb 04 2025
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Canada Running Series Welcomes Columbia Sportswear as Official Sponsor of the Beneva Spring Run-Off

By | Spring Run-Off | No Comments

Toronto, ON (Feb. 4, 2025) – Canada Running Series is proud to announce that Columbia has joined our team as the official footwear & apparel sponsor of the annual series opener, the Beneva Spring Run-Off, to be held in High Park in Toronto on April 5th, 2025.

“We are excited to welcome Columbia to the fold; a trusted brand that has been creating innovative footwear and apparel for outdoor enthusiasts since 1938,” said Charlotte Brookes, National Event Director at Canada Running Series. Columbia will be supporting the event’s training run, providing the participant souvenir item, hosting race kit pickup and activating on race day.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the Canada Running Series, and the Beneva Spring Run-Off” said Dave Brulé Columbia Sportswear Canada’s VP & General Manager – “Toronto is home to a vibrant community of runners that share our passion for the outdoors.  We are looking forward to race day and creating a memorable experience for all”.

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements as more details become available in the coming weeks.

Registration for the Beneva Spring Run-Off is open and is trending towards an early sell-out. The event will take place in Toronto’s High Park on April 5th, 2025.

Visit www.springrunoff.ca for more information and to register.

Follow Columbia Sportswear on social:

Website: https://www.columbiasportswear.ca/

Instagram: @columbiasportswear_ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/columbiacanada

 

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Oct 10 2024
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Canada Running Series Welcomes Beneva as Official Title Partner of the Spring Run-Off

By | Spring Run-Off | No Comments

Toronto, ON (October 10, 2024) – Canada Running Series is proud to announce that Beneva has joined the team as the title sponsor of the annual series opener, now called Beneva Spring Run-Off, held in Toronto in High Park every April.  

The team at Canada Running Series welcomes Beneva aboard as it adds another running event to its growing list of partnerships – Beneva Mississauga Marathon and Beneva Montreal Marathon to name two. Beneva is an organization that makes participants’ interests a priority, is enthusiastic when it comes to activating its brand and seeks to provide the best possible experience at the events it’s involved in.

CRS National Event Director, Charlotte Brookes, comments,  

We’re delighted that Beneva is expanding their involvement in running in Canada and that they’ve chosen the Spring Run-Off, the longest continuously held road race in Toronto, to be part of their featured events. Beneva has done such an amazing job of activating and enhancing the events they are involved with by creating whole zones to relax after a great run or walk, we can’t wait to see what they do next at Spring Run-Off!  This event is one of my favourites in our series – it’s Opening Day and the start of a new, exciting season ahead. This year it will be an extra-special launch forward into a 2025 of run, fitness and fun.

EVP Talent, Culture and Communication, Martin Robert, comments, 

We are very pleased and excited about this new partnership with Canada Running Series! This collaboration strengthens our commitment to promoting health and well-being and increases the reach of our brand across the country. By supporting initiatives like these, we continue to show that caring for our clients and members is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we’re taking steps towards a healthier, more active community.  

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements as more details become available in the coming months. 

— 

Registration for the Beneva Spring Run-Off will open Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, at 12:00 PM and the event will take place in Toronto’s High Park on April 5th, 2025.  

Visit www.springrunoff.ca for more information and to register.  

— 

For more Canada Running Series news, results, photos, and events, visit  

www.CanadaRunningSeries.com  

Also, check out @runCRS on your favourite social media sites! 

 

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About Canada Running Series (CRS) 

Canada Running Series is the nation’s premier running circuit with 6 events, 4 in Toronto and 2 in Vancouver. It annually attracts over 60,000 participants and raises more than $5 million for some 300 Canadian and local charities. The Spring Run-Off is the first Toronto race of the Series, which concludes with 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. To learn more about CRS, visit https://canadarunningseries.com/. 

 

About Beneva 

Created by the coming together of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance, Beneva is the largest insurance mutual in Canada with more than 3.5 million members and customers. Beneva employs over 5,500 dedicated employees: people looking out for people. Its human approach is rooted in mutualist values that are shared by its employees. With $25.2 billion in assets, Beneva positions itself as a major player in the insurance and financial services industry. Its head office is located in Quebec City. For more information, please consult beneva.ca.  

 

Media Contact, CRS: 

Damien Hope

damien@canadarunningseries.com 

416-944-2765 x 508

Media Contact, Beneva: 

Media Relations 

1-866-332-3806 

media@beneva.ca 

Sep 23 2024
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Natasha Wodak and Andrew Davies break the tape at the 11th Anniversary of the Under Armour Eastside 10K

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

By | 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
0

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

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

By | 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!