Apr 21 2024
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Le 21K de Montréal couronne Marc-Antoine Senneville et Colleen Wilson / 21K de Montréal crowns Marc-Antoine Senneville and Colleen Wilson

By | 21k de Montreal, Elite Athletes | No Comments

Plus de 5000 participants se sont alignés sur une des trois lignes de départ du 21K de Montréal aujourd’hui, la deuxième étape du Canada Running Series 2024.

Les coureurs du demi-marathon ont sillonné les îles Ste-Hélène et Notre-Dame du parc Jean-Drapeau sous des conditions météorologiques presqu’idéales : 10C et généralement ensoleillé. Le parcours composé de quatre boucles différentes a permis aux nombreux spectateurs de voir et d’encourager les participants à plusieurs occasions. De nombreux sites d’encouragements, animés par des équipes de course, étaient dispersés sur le parcours.

Marc-Antoine Senneville de Trois-Rivières, QC (1h06min44) et Colleen Wilson de Deep Cove, NE (1h17min11) ont confirmé leur niveau de forme de ce début de saison en remportant leur course.

Chez les hommes un groupe de 5 coureurs s’est détaché du peloton dès le 4ième kilomètre suivi par un second groupe de 4 coureurs. Les deux groupes se sont progressivement effrités. Se faisant, Marc-Antoine Senneville et Rémi Leroux (Waterloo, QC, 1h06min50) se sont retrouvés côte-à-côte au 20ième kilomètre. La course s’est décidé au sprint dans les 200 derniers mètres, où Senneville a graduellement accéléré pour remporter la course.

Chez les femmes, Colleen Wilson a mené la course de bout en bout avec l’aide d’un groupe d’hommes pour lutter contre le vent. Nadine Frost-Corinaldi d’Ottawa, ON (1h17min11) et Anne Johnston (St-John’s, TN, 1h18min03) se sont détachées du groupe de poursuites dans la deuxième partie de la course.

L’énergie et l’enthousiasme des participants et des spectateurs étaient palpables en cette matinée de célébrations pour la communauté de course à pied et les 46 organismes de bienfaisance du défi caritatif du Canada Running Series. L’événement a permis d’amasser plus de 600 000$ faisant de l’événement la plus grande course de collecte de fonds au Québec; la collecte de dons se poursuivra jusqu’au 31 mai.

Le 21K fut suivi par les 10K et 5K de Montréal. Felix Quirion (30min31) et Isabelle Morin (37min12) ont remporté les honneurs au 10 km. Mackenzie Bauer (15min32) et Marepier Baribeau (19min39) furent les gagnants du 5 km.

La prochaine étape du Canada Running Series se déroulera le 15 juin prochain pour le Toronto Waterfront 10K, avant de se diriger vers l’Ouest pour le Demi-marathon de Vancouver le 23 juin. Les inscriptions et la collecte de fonds en-ligne sont ouvertes sur www.RunCRS.ca

Pour les résultats complets du 21K de Montréal voir sportstats.ca. Les photos seront affichées sur la page d’accueil de l’événement.

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More than 5000 participants lined up on one of the three starting lines of the 21K in Montreal today, the second stop of the 2024 Canada Running Series.

The half-marathon runners crisscrossed the Ste-Hélène and Notre-Dame Islands of Parc Jean-Drapeau under almost ideal weather conditions: 10C and generally sunny. The course made up of four different loops allowed spectators to see and encourage the participants on several occasions. Numerous cheering stations, hosted by race teams, were scattered along the course.

Marc-Antoine Senneville from Trois-Rivières, QC (1:06:44) and Colleen Wilson from Deep Cove, NS (1:17:11) confirmed their level of form at the start of the season by winning their races.

In the men’s category, a group of 5 runners broke away from the peloton after the 4th kilometer followed by a second group of 4 runners. Both groups gradually crumbled. In doing so, Marc-Antoine Senneville and Rémi Leroux (Waterloo, QC, 1:06:50) found themselves side by side at the 20th kilometer. The race was decided by a sprint in the last 200 meters, where Senneville gradually accelerated to win the race.

Among the women, Colleen Wilson led the race from start to finish with the help of a group of men to fight against the wind. Nadine Frost-Corinaldi of Ottawa, ON (1:17:11) and Anne Johnston (St-John’s, NFL, 1:18:03) broke away from the chase group in the second part of the race.

The energy and enthusiasm of the participants and spectators was palpable on this morning of celebrations for the running community and the 46 charities of the Canada Running Series Charity Challenge. The event raised over $600,000 for various causes, making the event the largest fundraising race in Quebec; fundraising will continue until May 31st.

The 21K was followed by the 10K and 5K in Montreal. Felix Quirion (30:31) and Isabelle Morin (37:12) won the 10 km. Mackenzie Bauer (15:32) and Marepier Baribeau (19:39) were the winners of the 5 km.

The next leg of the Canada Running Series takes place on June 15 for the Toronto Waterfront 10K, before heading west for the Vancouver Half Marathon on June 23. Online registration and fundraising is open at www.RunCRS.ca For complete Montreal 21K results see sportstats.ca. Photos will be posted on the event homepage.

 

Apr 11 2024
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Announcing the Elite Field for the 2024 21K de Montréal

By | 21k de Montreal, Elite Athletes | No Comments

21K de Montréal – Liste des Départs Élites

Femmes/Women’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
F-3 Colleen Wilson Deep Cove NS
F-4 Janie Grand'Maison Montréal QC
F-5 Jennifer  Barron Paradise  NL
F-6 Nadine Frost-Corinaldi Ottawa ON
F-7 Julie Lajeunesse Lachine QC
F-8 Ann-Rebecca Drolet Montréal QC
F-9 Emma Ollivier Montréal QC
F-10 Alex Hynes Ottawa ON
F-11 Catherine Thompson Halifax NS
F-12 Rebecca Pieterson Ottawa ON
F-13 Andrea Hill Ottawa ON
F-14 Anne-Marie Gauthier Quebec QC
F-15 Kathia Rached Montréal QC
F-16 Anne Johnston St John’s NL

Hommes/Men’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
1 Marc-Antoine Senneville Trois-Rivières QC
2 Benjamin Raymond Laval QC
3 Robert  Kajuga  Ottawa ON
4 François Jarry Lachine QC
5 Pierre-Yves Normandin Québec QC
6 Marcel Mongeon Hamilton ON
7 Jean-Samuel Lapointe Québec QC
8 Louis-Philippe Garnier Montreal QC
9 Hédi  Sonnallier Montréal QC
10 Glenn Vanobost Nukerke Oost-Vlaanderen
11 Arnaud Francioni Montréal QC
12 Félix-Antoine Bédard Montréal QC
13 ianis Garé Montréal QC
14 Timothé  Dumont Montréal  QC
15 Mehdi Takatri Montréal QC
16 Jacob  Cameron Ottawa ON
17 Julian Meyer Vancouver BC
18 Remi Leroux Waterloo QC
19 Zed Roy Longueuil  QC
20 Doan Tran Montréal QC
21 Fabien Filoche Longueuil QC
22 Adrien Durand Saint Vincent de Paul Nouvelle-Aquitaine (France)
23 Baghdad  Rachem Verdun QC
24 Nicolas Paradis St Bruno QC
25 Brian Byrne London ON
26 Alvaro Cueto Saint-Hubert QC
27 Frederick Jouin Montreal QC
28 Jean-Marc Thériault Repentigny QC
29 Laurent Liska Montreal QC
Apr 07 2024
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Opening Day of the 2024 Running Season a HUGE Success! Spring Run-Off 8K & 5K in High Park – Post Race Report

By | Elite Athletes, General, Spring Run-Off | No Comments

TORONTO, April 6, 2024 – As Toronto’s oldest race still on the roads, it is an iconic beacon that Spring is finally here in the city. A sold-out crowd of 3,800 participated in today’s 47th annual Spring Run-Off in High Park in the 8K, 5K and 800m kids race, all steeped in tradition. As always, runners were piped to the Start Line, and enjoyed fresh maple syrup from Madawaska Maple products as prizing, and a delicious post-race pancake breakfast served up by Ubuntu Community Collective.

The race also featured the “Kill The Hill challenge” a race within a race. Just before participants crossed the finish line they flew up the final 365m of Spring Road Hill with the champions being proclaimed “Heroes of the Hill” for 2024! For the 2nd consecutive year, participants will also be going the distance to raise a much needed $42,000.00 for the Parkdale Community Foodbank that supports more than 6,000 families every month across the Downtown and West End.

Mayor Olivia Chow and Deputy Mayor Mike Colle joined us today for Official Race Start duties, and then jumped in to participate in the 5K and 8K races respectively.

Our 8K champions:

Jeremy Coughler (23:40)
Alexandra Lucki (27:23)

Our 5K Champions:

Jacob Zerko (15:58)
Mikayla Ryan (18:34)

This year’s Finishers’ medals are arguably the best-ever, by CRS designer Inge Johnson featuring the Maple Leaf Garden near Grenadier Pond with nature all around, with the theme continued in this year’s participant t-shirts, created by local artist Mark Serrano whose focus is on The Spring Run-Off and the nature and beauty within the park that we pass by. For more information, visit: https://canadarunningseries.com/spring-run-off/

Media Contact:
Bonnie Taylor
media@canadarunningseries.com
(647) 401-0974

About Canada Running Series

Canada Running Series is Canada’s premier road race series, offering seven annual events nationwide. Since 2017, CRS’s flagship event, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, has served as the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championship race and has doubled as the Olympic trials. In 2023, CRS raised over $3.5 million for over 200 local charities through the Charity Challenge.

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

Apr 01 2024
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Media Advisory: Mayor Olivia Chow and Ehab El Sandali return to the Spring Run-Off 8K & 5K in High Park this weekend: it’s Opening Day for Canada Running Series in 2024!

By | Elite Athletes, General, Spring Run-Off | No Comments

TORONTO, April 1, 2024 – It’s Opening Day for running in Toronto this weekend featuring the return of Mayor Olivia Chow and Ehab El Sandali to the Spring Run-Off in beautiful High Park, the first race in 2024 for Canada Running Series. As Toronto’s oldest race still on the roads, it is an iconic beacon that Spring is finally here in the city. A sold-out crowd of 3,800 will participate in the 8K, 5K and 800m kids race, all steeped in tradition.  As always, piper Dave McGonigal will lead runners to the Start Lines of this 47th edition, there will be fresh maple syrup from Madawaska Maple products as prizing, and a delicious post-race pancake breakfast served up by Ubuntu Community Collective.

Back again, the “Kill The Hill challenge” is a race within a race. Just before participants cross the finish line they will fly up the final 365m of Spring Road Hill with the champions being proclaimed “Heroes of the Hill” for 2024! For the 2nd consecutive year, participants will also be going the distance to raise a much needed $35,000 for the Parkdale Community Foodbank that supports more than 6,000 families every month across the Downtown and West End.

Mayor Chow and Ehab El Sandali will return to challenge the hills of Toronto’s most scenic park after a 10-year hiatus. In 2014, they both competed in the Spring Run-Off 5K, Ehab crossing the finish line first in 16:39 with then “Olivia Chow” an impressive 701st of 1,346 participants. What a difference a decade makes! Toronto native Ehab went on to win the 5K again in 2015 and place 2nd in the 8K in 2016. A stellar 6-year career at Iona College followed, where he led his team to 6 NCAA Conference cross-country championships. He has represented Canada twice, turned professional with the Puma Elite team based in North Carolina in late 2022, and has lowered his 5K best time to 13:25 and 10,000m to 28:50.  And of course, “Olivia Chow” has become mayor of Canada’s largest city, showing leadership in many ways throughout our country and community, and championing a healthy city for its people. 

The women’s 8K race will offer an exciting three-way challenge between Erin Mawhinney, the champion at last year’s Under Armour Toronto 10K,  Toronto’s Alex Lucki who was 2nd at the 2022 Spring Run-Off after a strong cross-country career at the University of Maryland, and the experienced Laura Desjardins who was 3rd at Spring Run-Off 2023, 2nd at the race in 2018; and champion at last year’s 21K de Montreal which earned her a place on Canada’s national team to the NACAC Half Marathon. All three raced each other in the Athletics Canada 10K Championships in Ottawa last May with Mawhinney placing 9th overall, Lucki 12th and Desjardins 13th.

The men’s 8K race promises to be a tasty battle between Ehab and Thamesford’s Jeremy Coughler, the defending champion who has owned the race for the past 2 years.  Dundas’ Rob Kanko, who was 2nd last year, will also be on the Start Line plus strong up-and-coming talents Max Turek and Mitch Ubene. Turek was the 2022 U-Sports cross-country national champion and placed 8th at the Athletics Canada National Cross last November with Coughler 10th, Kanko 13th and Ubene 16th.

For those not fortunate to have grabbed a place on one of the start lines, everyone is invited to come out and cheer along with more than a dozen Toronto run crews at six official cheer sites around the picturesque courses. The run crew representation further reinforces Canada Running Series’ commitment to diversity and inclusion at the events and in the city, including Black Runners of the GTA, Chix Run the Six, Frontrunners, Pride TO, Parkdale Road Runners, High Park Rogue Runners, Kardia and RUNTOBEER. It’s a fun morning with great weather promised in a good cause; Spring has arrived in our city and Toronto will put its best foot forward. Together.

What: Spring Run-Off

Where: High Park, Toronto, ON

When: Saturday April 6, 2024

  • 10:00 a.m. 8K Race Starts
  • 11:15 a.m.5K Race Starts
  • 11:45 a.m. Kids Race Starts

Who: Canada Running Series Race Director, Alan Brookes, will be available for interviews. Interviews with select athletes may also be available upon request.

Where to park:

Please note that parking is not available within High Park on race day and the park is closed to vehicles on the weekends. Limited parking is available on side streets outside the park. For a list of Green P parking lots in the area, visit http://parking.greenp.com.

Mar 25 2024
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Announcing the Elite Field for the 2024 Spring Run-Off

By | Elite Athletes, Spring Run-Off | No Comments

Women’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
F-1 Erin Mawhinney Hamilton ON
F-2 Alexandra Lucki Toronto ON
F-3 Laura Desjardins Toronto ON
F-4 Salome Nyirarukundo Ottawa ON
F-5 Heidi Ohrling Collingwood ON
F-6 Olivia Roussel Toronto ON
F-7 Asia  Dwyer Toronto ON
F-8 Madeleine Sumner London ON
F-9 Laurel Buchanan Toronto ON
F-10 Stephanie  Ryall Hamilton ON
F-11 Bridget Leon Mississauga ON
F-12 Allison (Ali) Drynan Toronto ON

Men’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
1 Jeremy Coughler Thamesford ON
2 Ehab El-Sandali Durham NC
3 Rob Kanko Dundas ON
4 Kyle Grieve Toronto  ON
6 Mitchell Ubene Hamilton ON
7 Graham Baird Pickering ON
8 Robert  Kajuga  Ottawa ON
9 Dylan Alick Mississauga ON
10 Miles Avalos Toronto  ON
11 Matthew  Viveiros Etobicoke  ON
12 Samuel Kinahan Toronto ON
13 Brandon Raftis Toronto ON
14 Robert  Lawand Toronto ON
15 Matthew Lozano Ajax ON
16 Zach  Frangos Toronto ON
17 Alex Cyr Toronto ON
18 Caleb Beland Sudbury ON
19 Daniel Fournier Toronto ON
20 Aaron Manning Toronto ON
21 Paddy  Birch Toronto ON
22 Timothy Fowler Toronto ON
23 Shinsuke Adachi North York ON
24 Kevin Beatty Frankford ON
25 Jose Fuentes Hamilton ON
26 Robert van den Heuvel Woodbridge ON
27 Philip Oreopoulos Toronto ON
Feb 12 2024
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Toronto’s The Running Physio Announces Partnership with Canada Running Series for 2024 Season

By | General, Oasis ZooRun, Spring Run-Off, TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Toronto Waterfront 10K | No Comments

Ontario’s premier rehabilitation centre for runners will help guide athletes from their training plan to the finish line for the Spring Run-Off, Under Armour Toronto 10K, Oasis ZooRun, and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

TORONTO, CAN (February 12, 2024) – The Running Physio, Toronto’s one-spot-shop for runners looking to recover from injury or train for a race, will be partnering with the Canada Running Series (CRS) for the 2024 editions of the Spring Run-Off, Under Armour Toronto 10K, Oasis ZooRun and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The clinic – operating since 2016 – has treated over 6000 runners since its inception and provides physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, running analysis and customized training programs to runners of all levels.

The Running Physio will be providing training recommendations, mobility and stability exercises, and run form tips to participants leading up to each race. Their team will also be available post-race to provide hands-on therapy to athletes, and for runners attending the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, they will be providing free run form analysis and massage during Expo hours. With over 50% of runners experiencing an injury during their running careers, having The Running Physio available at each race is a perfect partnership.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have The Running Physio’s support at our Toronto events in 2024,” said CRS National Event Director Charlotte Brookes. “As a past client of the Running Physio during my running journey, I know first hand how important their services and support are to reaching your full running potential. We are thrilled to see what we can build together to elevate the event experience this year.”

With an increasing number of runners looking for specific services available to help guide them through injury, The Running Physio has seen more and more people tired of hearing “just stop running” from their physician. With a deep-rooted philosophy that “anyone can run”, the clinic emphasizes teaching clients how to listen to their bodies to push harder when they can, and pull back when they are teetering on trouble. 

Boston Marathoner and Ironman athlete Lauren Roberts is a Physiotherapist and Owner of the clinic. “With over 50% of runners experiencing injury during their running career, we created our business to be able to keep people moving – regardless of their abilities or goals. Whether you are looking for advice on shoewear or to set a new Waterfront Marathon PB, we can help you. It’s a really fun environment – our team really loves working with motivated patients.” 

Registration is now open for the 2024 season. The Spring Run-Off is April 6th in High Park, the Under Armour Toronto 10K is June 15th, the Oasis ZooRun September 14, and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon October 20. 

For more information on The Running Physio, please visit www.therunningphysio.ca. 

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

 

For press inquiries please contact: 

Canada Running Series: Damien Hope |damien@canadarunningseries.com | 416-944-2765 x508

The Running Physio: Lauren Roberts| lauren@therunningphysio.ca

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About Canada Running Series

Canada Running Series is Canada’s premier road race series, offering seven annual events nationwide. Since 2017, CRS’s flagship event, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, has served as the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championship race and has doubled as the Olympic trials. In 2023, CRS raised over $3.5 million for over 200 local charities through the Charity Challenge.

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

About The Running Physio 

The Running Physio is a well-established Physiotherapy clinic in Toronto providing Physiotherapy, Running Analysis, Run Coaching and RMT services for people who love to move. The clinic takes pride in maintaining a reputation for effectively treating runners of all levels and abilities with precision and confidence. With personable and highly-trained staff, high-end equipment and private rooms, The Running Physio has treated over 6000 runners in Toronto and the GTA since 2016.

Physiotherapist and Clinic Owner Lauren Roberts grew tired of hearing “I tried physio before but…it didn’t really help”. She set out to create a clinic with a mission to develop a safe space where clients are listened to and provided with a step-by-step plan to get better and get back to the things that make them happy. As a female-run, family friendly clinic with a continuous drive to do things better, The Running Physio has challenged the traditional physiotherapy service industry in a continuous pursuit to connect with people and help them achieve their goals.

 

Dec 05 2023
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New partnership between Canada Running Series and CelePLATE

By | Eastside 10k, General, Oasis ZooRun, Spring Run-Off, TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments

CelePLATE becomes the official personalized medal engraving provider for all Canada Running Series events through 2024. 

TORONTO, ONTARIO, December 5, 2023 – Canada Running Series (CRS) is pleased to announce a new partnership with CelePLATE, a new Canadian, female-owned business offering personalized laser etched inserts for the back of participants finisher medals.

Participants have the option to purchase an engraved plate which fits nicely into the recess on the back of their race medal or the ribbon clip which is secured onto the ribbon with a custom-made clip. Participants simply collect their race medal at the finish line and their personalized CelePLATE will arrive in the mail within two weeks, laser engraved with their name and finish time.

Expanding on their commitment to sustainability, Canada Running Series is delighted to be working with CelePLATE. “With most of our participants residing in Canada, participants will receive their engraved plate in just a few days and with a much shorter travel distance using a local, Canadian company,” said Charlotte Brookes, National Event Director of CRS. 

“CelePLATE is thrilled to partner with Canada Running Series, providing their participants the opportunity to enhance the race experience and celebrate their achievement with a custom plate insert. With the endorsement of Canada Running Series, a world-class running event organization, CelePLATE is poised to grow our brand presence within the Canadian racing community and play a part in recognizing the hard work and dedication that goes into training and participating in a race.” Chief CelePLATION Officer, Tara Melville adds.

Registration for Canada Running Series 2024 events is now open. Visit https://canadarunningseries.com for more information.

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About Canada Running Series  

Canada Running Series is Canada’s premier road race series, offering seven annual events nationwide. Since 2017, CRS’s flagship event, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, has served as the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championship race and has doubled as an Olympic qualifier. In 2022, CRS raised $4.2 million for over 240 local charities through the Charity Challenge. 

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

Media Contact:
Ian Cater
Senior Manager of Marketing & Partnerships
ian@canadarunningseries.com 

About CelePLATE

CelePLATE is proudly Canadian. Founded by Race Director and Co-Owner of Run Well Events Inc., Tara Melville, CelePLATE was created to offer Canadian events, from running to triathlon, an alternative to using an overseas supplier for personalized medal inserts. As a Canadian company, orders are delivered quickly, with sustainability in mind. CelePLATE’s head office is located near Guelph, Ontario. 

Media Contact:
Tara Melville
Chief CelePLATION Officer
CelePLATE
tara@runwellevents.com  

 

Nov 01 2023
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Beloved Canadian Olympic Coach Hugh Cameron Has Passed

By | Community Leaders, Elite Athletes | No Comments

By Paul Gains

One of Canada’s most successful distance running coaches Hugh Cameron passed away October 20th at the Amica Little Lake Retirement Home in Barrie, Ontario. He was 80.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Nancy, three sons Mark, Rob and Paul and five grandchildren.

As the founder of both the Etobicoke Huskies and Newmarket Huskies track clubs, he was responsible for the development of literally hundreds of Canada’s most celebrated club runners, several of whom went on to represent this country at major international games. 

David Edge earned the silver medal for Canada at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh running a personal best of 2:11:08. He struggles to find adequate words to describe the relationship he had with Cameron. 

“I came from England and when you were in a race you were in a race not to hold hands but to win,” says Edge who also finished 6th at the 1983 Boston Marathon.  “That didn’t go over too well in Toronto. I wasn’t the most liked athlete but Hugh dealt with it. He guided me. In simpler terms, I owe so much to Hugh Cameron.”

Edge also represented Canada at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles along with another of Cameron’s charges, Sylvia Ruegger, who finished 8th in the inaugural women’s Olympic marathon. That is still the best performance by a Canadian woman in the Olympic marathon. 

Prior to their departure for Los Angeles, Cameron, who was also the Olympic marathon coach for those Games, hand-delivered fliers to all the residents along the club’s favourite training circuit in Etobicoke inviting them to view their final training session. Onlookers turned out to wish the pair well.

It was a typical gesture by Cameron who never took a penny for coaching. And he never appeared to favour one athlete’s performance over another. Ruegger went on to set a national marathon record of 2:28:36 which stood for 28 years.

Although Ruegger and Edge were internationally associated with Cameron, his first successful marathoner was Mike Dyon who, in his debut at the 1977 National Capital Marathon in Ottawa, emerged victorious with a time of 2:18:05.

“I was really the guinea pig because we did a 28 mile run three weeks before Ottawa on hills along Weston road,” Dyon remembers. “We didn’t know any better. He said ‘let’s just practice.’ I think we ran 2:34 or so for the marathon and he said ‘you are ready’.

Dyon eventually won Ottawa three times, lowered his personal best to 2:14:28 and would finish 9th in the 1982 Commonwealth Games for Canada. As Cameron’s health deteriorated Dyon’s commitment to his friend and mentor never wavered. He would bring books for Cameron’s wife Nancy to read to her husband. 

Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Cameron worked for Kodak for 32 years mostly as Director of Human Resources. He helped Dyon obtain a summer job there. Moreover, the athletes were recipients of his extraordinary interpersonal skills.

Alison Wiley, who in 1983 earned the silver medal at the World Cross Country Championships and followed that up with an NCAA 3,000m title for Stanford University, sought Cameron upon her return to Toronto following graduation. She turned out to every club practice while working as a brand manager for Cadbury’s. Cameron’s support during this transitional period was strong.

‘I think he also probably sensed I was doing well in my career and moving up and he really fostered that,” Wiley reveals. “He knew me. He was helping me to be the best person I could be recognizing you were not always going to run at this intense level. 

“It was an interesting phase of my life and he was right there helping to shape it. I had an amazing father – and my mum and dad were great – they provided a loving home, a supportive home but I never had those conversations with my dad. They were with Hugh Cameron. Because he could relate the athlete to the business woman outside the track.”

Wiley became emotional remembering Cameron’s kindness to her and her family when her brother, also named Hugh, suffered an accident which left him paraplegic. 

“Hugh knew my brother but he never coached him,” she recalls, “ he would send him emails or call him. He would include him. Who does that? Once again such a deep thoughtful caring individual . My brother’s pain was his pain, was my pain. He reached out to people and that is really a beautiful trait.”

Among the athletes closest to Cameron was Dave Reid who remembers taking public transit to an Etobicoke Huskies workout one September night in 1975. Being a shy 12 year old, he watched the group from a distance then got on the bus and went home. After his father asked if he was going back for the next session he reluctantly agreed. From there the pair would forge an incredible relationship strengthened further when the Cameron family moved into the same neighbourhood. 

Reid would go on to set a Canadian interscholastic 1,500m record of 3:45.78  when he was in high school. Under Cameron’s tutelage he continued to improve representing Canada at three world cross country championships as well as the 1983 world athletics championships in Helsinki. In 1987, Reid set a Canadian senior 1,500m record of 3:37.84.

“He was coach of the Canadian team for the 1982 world cross country championships in Rome when I was a junior,” Reid recounts. “He had gone to every single athlete’s family and asked them to write letters to the athletes so they could open them up every day when they were in Rome. It was so they would feel comfortable and relaxed. Who does that?”

Reid would spend lots of time with Cameron’s family because of their close proximity. And when Reid hung up his racing shoes he got his start in coaching alongside Cameron. 

Coaching came naturally to Hugh Cameron according to his wife, Nancy, who said that besides coaching at Lakehead University in his 20’s, the seeds for a coaching career were sown much earlier. There was an oval in front of his house and he would organize races for kids.

“Hugh didn’t talk about his job at home,” she explains. “Sometimes I wish he had so I could share more in that. But I think he felt he wanted to maintain space between his job, his coaching and family.”

With a laugh she adds, ”I used to tease him that if I wasn’t also a runner he would be divorced.” 

Nancy is organizing a celebration of life at Northwest Barrie United Church November 18th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or organization close to your heart in Hugh’s honour.

-30-

Sep 25 2023
0

Thomas Broatch and Andrea Seccafien blaze to the finish at the 10th Anniversary of the Under Armour Eastside 10K

By | Eastside 10k | No Comments

Over $36,000 has been raised for local charities that support Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

VANCOUVER, September 24, 2023 — The sun shone down this morning as Canada Running Series (CRS) celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Under Armour Eastside 10K, alongside nearly 3000 participants. There was a glow about this race as Thomas Broatch blazed to a 30:02 finish. Canadian Olympian Andrea Seccafien led the way on the women’s side with a finish time of 34:16.

“It’s my favourite day of the year,” said Ryan Chilibeck, Race Director at Canada Running Series. “Seeing the Vancouver run community rally around this race each year, it really means a lot to our team at CRS and our amazing charity partners. I only wish I could run it myself. The energy is electric”.

With over 2800 participants toeing the line today, we also saw 152 moving with us virtually. This race treats runners to a route that is unlike other Vancouver races, touring the runners through a historic and industrial course, in Gastown and Strathcona.

The men’s field played it tight this morning, opting to run as a pack for most of the race. Vancouver’s Broatch broke away at about 8K with Alex Drover, taking turns in the lead before Broatch made his final push. This 10K race is renowned for its grueling “Kill the Hill” segment, an 800m incline push that tests the fitness of runners. “My favourite moment of the race was the downhill. I ran this course last year and was so happy to make it back,” Broatch commented, all hills considered. He is hoping to carry the momentum from this win to his marathon debut at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon in October.

It was an amazing finish in the women’s race with Andrea Seccafien and Glynis Sim battling it out to the finish line, finishing in 34:16 and 34:19 respectively. Vancouver’s own Samantha Jory rounded out the top three, crossing the finish line at 34:42. It was great to see Andrea competing today after relocating to Portland to run with the Bowerman Track Club. With her eyes on the Paris 2024 Olympics, this win should give her some confidence as she looks to qualify for Team Canada.

The 2023 Under Armour Eastside 10K raised over $36,000 this year, which brings our fundraising total to over $250,000 since the races inception. This race is a dedication to the community in the Downtown Eastside and we’re grateful for the continued partnership with local charities: Urban Native Youth Association, Downtown Women’s Eastside Centre, Kids Sport BC, and PHS Community Services Society.

Men’s Winners:
1. Thomas Broatch (30:02)
2. Alex Drover (30:12)
3. Trevor Hofbauer (30:18)
4. Mitch De Lange (30:19)
5. Ryan Tyrell (30:23)

Women’s Winners:
1. Andrea Seccafien (34:16)
2. Glynis Sim (34:19)
3. Samantha Jory (34:42)
4. Kiana Gibson (34:55)
5. Leslie Sexton (35:09)

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

Sep 11 2023
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Announcing the Elite Field for the 2023 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 Andrea Seccafien Guelph ON
F-2 Leslie Sexton Vancouver BC
F-3 Dayna Pidhoresky Vancouver BC
F-4 Samantha  Jory Vancouver BC
F-5 Glynis Sim Vancouver  BC
F-6 Kiana Gibson Vancouver BC
F-7 Katrina Sutton-Allison North Vancouver BC
F-8 Andrea Lee North Vancouver BC
F-9 Keila Stark Vancouver BC
F-10 Katherine Watson Vancouver BC
F-11 Charlotte Browning Burnaby BC
F-12 Megan Crocker Whistler  BC
F-13 Kathleen  Saxon  Edmonton  AB
F-14 Maria Sang Surrey BC
F-15 Rozlyn Boutin Vancouver  BC
F-16 Katrina Lim Burnaby BC
F-19 Carley Gering Victoria BC
F-20 Eriko Soma Vancouver BC

Men’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
M-1 Trevor Hofbauer Kelowna BC
M-3 Thomas Broatch Vancouver BC
M-4 Brendan Wong Coquitlam BC
M-5 Matthew  Hope Edmonton AB
M-6 Tyler  Dozzi Vancouver BC
M-7 Alexandre Ricard Squamish BC
M-8 Daniel Molushet Zewdu Victoria BC
M-9 Yemane Mulugeta Surrey BC
M-10 Evan Elder Vancouver BC
M-11 Kevin Friesen Port Coquitlam BC
M-12 Ryan Tyrell Hamilton ON
M-13 James Hoad London UK
M-14 Mitch  de Lange Thornton ON
M-15 Cole Dinsdale Burnaby BC
M-16 Alex Drover Calgary AB
M-17 Logan Arthur Edmonton  AB
M-18 Christian Gravel Vancouver  BC
M-19 Nicolas Jirot Abbotsford  BC
M-20 Julian Meyer Vancouver BC
M-21 Mark Klassen Mission BC
M-22 Riley Stuermer St. Albert AB
M-23 James Lamers Vancouver BC
M-24 Sam Wensink Langley BC
M-25 Ron  Loewen Surrey BC
M-26 Kyle Kimura Vancouver BC
M-27 Adam Buzinsky Vancouver BC
M-28 Michael Barber Victoria BC
M-29 Carlos Lesser Vancouver BC
M-30 Andrew Geiger Vancouver BC
M-31 Matt Melnik Delta BC
M-33 Nikolai Gauer Vancouver BC
M-34 Gus Amundson  Vancouver BC
M-35 Aryou Manouis Edmonton AB
M-36 Fernando  Medina Mossley ON
M-37 Evan Dunfee Richmond BC
M-38 Aven Kifle Surrey BC