Thousands take part in one of the city’s most anticipated 10K events

TORONTO, ON (April 18, 2026) – The 2026 Under Armour Toronto 10K brought more than 5,000 runners, walkers, wheelers and families to the heart of downtown Toronto today, delivering a high-energy celebration of sport, community and inclusivity.

For 2026, the event moved to a new start and finish line at Nathan Phillips Square, where participants experienced a reimagined course through the city core while still capturing the scenic Lakeshore views that define the race. The downtown location made the event more accessible than ever, with many participants arriving directly via TTC Line 1 to take part in the day’s festivities.

A signature event in Canada Running Series’ (CRS) national calendar, the Under Armour Toronto 10K once again proved to be a true “run for everyone,” welcoming elite athletes, first-time runners, families, run clubs and adaptive participants. As an Athletics Canada Label race, the event also featured a strong elite field, bringing an exciting level of competition to the front of the pack alongside a vibrant community race experience.

“This was a landmark day for Canada Running Series and for the Under Armour Toronto 10K,” said Charlotte Brookes, CEO, Canada Running Series. “From our exciting move to Nathan Phillips Square, to world-class elite competition and thousands of participants embracing the new downtown course, today showed the incredible momentum of running in our city. Toronto’s run community continues to grow, and events like this prove we can evolve, innovate and create unforgettable race experiences for everyone.”

Like many major events in Toronto this year, Canada Running Series adapted to scheduling considerations and road closures related to FIFA events taking place in the city. Despite these changes, the Under Armour Toronto 10K maintained its signature race experience, combining a dynamic course, enthusiastic crowd support and a welcoming atmosphere for all participants.

The elite field once again delivered thrilling performances at the front of the pack. The men’s race was a dramatic battle to the finish, with Max Turek and Andrew Alexander crossing together at 29:13, with Turek awarded the win in a photo-finish thriller. Jack O’Farrell was just three seconds back in 29:16 to secure third, capping one of the closest finishes in recent event history.

In the women’s race, Under Armour athlete Regan Yee powered to victory in an impressive 33:01. Sevanne Ghazarian delivered a strong performance to secure second place in 33:05 after a sustained push to the finish line. Regan and fellow Under Armour athlete Gracelyn Larkin both came up from Flagstaff, Arizona, where they train as part of Under Armour’s Mission Dark Sky training group. Larkin, who is the reigning Canadian 10K road champion, ran strongly to take third in 33:14.

Participants ranged widely in age and experience, from young runners in the Kids Race to seasoned athletes competing at a high level. The event once again served as a gathering point for Toronto’s vibrant run community, with local run clubs, crews and spectators showing up in full force to support participants along the course.

Following the Under Armour Toronto 10K, Canada Running Series will continue its 2026 season with events across the country, including a return to Toronto this fall for the Oasis Zoo Run and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

To download the complete media release please click here.

Under Armour, title sponsor of Toronto 10K, introduces the UA Velociti Distance and Pace to the full Velociti lineup, delivering a complete fast-running ecosystem, from daily mileage to race day

Under Armour has expanded its next generation Velociti franchise with the addition of the Velociti Distance ($200) and the Velociti Pace ($120), rounding out a comprehensive suite of running footwear designed to support athletes through every phase of training. Building on the momentum established at the end of last year with the launch of Velociti Elite 3, Velociti Pro 2, and Velociti SPD, the franchise continues to reinforce Under Armour’s commitment to athlete led performance and innovation.

The Velociti platform has continued to help elevate athlete performance like Sharon Lokedi, now building toward her return to the Boston Marathon this April with the goal of defending her crown on one of the sport’s most iconic stages. From long run base building to sharpening speed in the final stretch, Lokedi has been relying on Velociti throughout every stage of her race day preparation.

“What I appreciate most is how each Velociti shoe has a clear role in my training. I use the Distance on the long run days that build strength and confidence, and the Elite 3 when I need the extra propulsion and belief to commit when it matters most. Having that consistency lets me focus on execution, one session at a time, so I can arrive on the start line ready to defend,” said Sharon Lokedi.

With the addition of Distance and Pace, Velociti now offers runners a seamlessly connected toolkit engineered to match the demands of an entire training cycle. The Velociti Distance delivers the stability, cushioning, and durability required to support highmileage weeks, giving runners a reliable foundation for longterm progress. Meanwhile, the Velociti Pace brings a lightweight, responsive feel designed to elevate daily training and moderateintensity runs with energyreturning underfoot performance.

Together, the two models extend the franchise beyond the Velociti SPD for lightweight uptempo training, Velociti Pro 2 for structured speed work and race prep, and the Velociti Elite 3 for peak performance on race day, resulting in full footwear lineup engineered to help athletes train smarter and run faster.

“Every shoe in this generation of the Velociti platform was created with a specific purpose in mind, and each one reflects the insights and feedback we’ve gathered from runners at every level.”

“By adding Distance and Pace to the lineup, we’ve completed a system that supports the full training journey. From the slow, steady miles that build strength to the high intensity efforts that sharpen speed. Velociti is about giving athletes a clear path forward, no matter where they are in their run cycle or what goals they’re chasing,” said Jonathan Hutnyan, Senior Product Line Manager of Performance Run Footwear at Under Armour.

Stop by the Under Armour tent at the Toronto 10K to try out the new shoes.

The full Velociti lineup is now available on underarmour.ca. UA has also introduced a range of Velociti branded apparel, including lightweight tops, temperature regulating layers, temperature regulating layers and fast drying shorts. All of these pieces are available to complement the footwear models and provide runners with a head-to-toe system built for speed, comfort, and daily performance.

Women’s 2026 Elite Field

Men’s 2026 Elite Field

Vancouver, BC – June 22, 2025 

The Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K, hosted by Canada Running Series, celebrated an epic day on the streets of UBC and Kitsilano this morning. A record 5,000 participants in the half marathon and just over 1,400 in the 5K tackled the scenic courses, showcasing the best of Vancouver’s running community with no shortage of excitement, athleticism, and courage. The runners came from 8 Canadian provinces and 35 countries, making this a truly international celebration of running. 

Thrilling Elite Races and Local Victories 

The Half Marathon showcased the excellence of Vancouver’s local runners. In the Men’s Elite race, Ben Preisner cruised to victory almost two minutes ahead of second place finisher Brendan Wong. In contrast, the women’s race was almost too close to call. Eliyah Brawdy and Katelyn Ayers were almost inseparable at the line with Brawdy edging her at the finish tape to claim first place. 

Brawdy recapped the epic finish for us saying, “with 500 meters to go I could hear her breathing behind me and then with 300 meters, she passed me, and then I knew I would have to sprint it to the finish. I thought she had me at one point, I was like ‘I’ve got to go, I can’t come this far and not try to be the first one through.’” Alan Brookes says this was the most exciting women’s race he’s seen at this event in his 27 years as president of Canada Running Series. 

Charity Challenge Surpasses Goals 

Our elites weren’t the only winners. Canada Running Series is proud to announce that the annual Charity Challenge had 48 participating charities raising over $450,000 to date, well on their way to this year’s goal of $600,000 by the time fundraising closes on July 6, 2025. 

Top 3 Half Marathon Men: 

1. Ben Preisner
2. Brendan Wong
3. Craig McMillan 

Top 3 Half Marathon Women:  

1. Eliyah Brawdy
2. Katelyn Ayers
3. Natasha Wodak 

About Canada Running Series    

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 $3 million for some 200 mostly local charities. The Series includes the World Athletics Elite Label TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1990, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization. CRS returns to Vancouver on September 21, 2025 for the Eastside 10K, Athletics Canada Road Race Label Series event. 

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.”

Women’s Start List

Men’s Start List

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!

We’re thrilled to announce that Wawanesa Insurance will be joining us for the Under Armour Toronto 10K next month! Wawanesa is a Canadian-owned and operated company with a vision to build a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future – a commitment that aligns perfectly with Canada Running Series’ mission of building community through running. 

Wawanesa’s long history of helping Canadian families and businesses protect their greatest investments makes them the perfect partner to help our runners at aid stations throughout the race. 

“Wawanesa shares our dedication to fostering community, as well as collaboration and fairness,” said Charlotte Brookes, National Event Director for Canada Running Series. “Their support will ensure our aid stations are top-notch, enhancing the experience for all participants. We’re excited to work together.” 

Participants can look forward to enhanced race support, with well-stocked aid stations ready to assist you every step of the way.  

“Wawanesa is committed to supporting the communities where our members and employees live and work,” said Selena Hinds, Vice President of Communications & Marketing at Wawanesa. “As part of that ongoing commitment, we’re happy to support the Canada Running Series and lend a helpful hand at the aid stations throughout the race. On behalf of Wawanesa, I wish the best to all of our runners.” 

The Under Armour Toronto 10K is coming up June 15th at Exhibition Place. See you at the starting line! 

For more information about Wawanesa Insurance, please visit www.wawanesa.com