Dec 19 2019
1

Ringing in the New Decade: Our Top 12 Moments of 2019

By | Community Leaders, Elite Athletes, General, Newsletter | No Comments

With the days flying off the calendar as we approach the new year (and new decade!) we’re taking a look back on our top moments of 2019.

This year was a special one for CRS as we celebrated our 30th edition as an organization. And since we couldn’t pick just ten moments, given the holiday spirit, we decided to go for a “12 Days of Christmas” style list.

We’ll highlight one moment each day until 2020 on our social channels. But if you’ve got time for some reading here they are all at once:

Moment #1 – Highest fundraising year EVER

Closing the fundraising till at $$6,840,929, 2019 was our highest fundraising year yet across all events.  

This one also goes out to everyone who runs and raises funds for a cause. This has truly been a community effort and we’re thankful to run with those who give back to their local communities.  

Moment #2 – Both all-comers records broken at TOwaterfront42K 

This year, both the men’s and women’s all-comers records were broken by Philemon Rono in a time of 2:05:00 and by Magdalyne Masai-Robertson in a time of 2:22:16 

These times were also the fastest marathons run on North American soil in 2019. 

Congratulations Philemon and Magz!  

Moment #3 – Sending both Canadian TOwaterfront42K champions to Tokyo 2020

In addition to the honour of hosting the Canadian Marathon Trials, both men’s and women’s Canadian Champions of TOwaterfront42K qualified for Tokyo2020.    

Both Trevor and Dayna reached the qualifying time standard and are headed to Tokyo next year as part of Team Canada. 

Moment #4 – Most Guinness World Records broken at TOwaterfront42K this year 

Did you know that this year we had a record-breaking number of record-breakers! That’s right. Officially, 14 Guiness World Records were broken at this year’s @ TOwaterfront42K. 

Congratulations to all the new GWR record holders in 2019!  

Moment #5 – New brand/logo for TOwaterfront42K  

To help celebrate the 30th Edition of the Canada Running Series and Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon event we refreshed our look and created an entirely new social identity with the help of Origin agency. 

You may have noticed we’re no longer using the STWM hashtag… this is intentional. As we welcome more and more international runners each year we moved to a tag and identity that more clearly indicate what our event is all about!  

In 2019 we gave a big welcome to our new identity! Welcome, #TOwaterfront42K  

Moment #6 – The 30th edition of CRS 

We’re halfway there! 

Tied to our rebrand, for us, Moment #6 of 2019 was celebrating our 30th Edition, not only of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, but of the entire Canada Running Series! 

For 30 years now we have been celebrating the community of running in Canada and working to get Canadian runners the recognition they deserve.  

Athletes of all ages and abilities have been enjoying Canada Running Series events for over 30 years now and will continue to do so for many years to come.  

Thank you to everyone who has run in our events or helped us in any capacity over the years.  

We’re so happy for the opportunity of making your running dreams come true! 

Moment #7 – Sharing life events with runners at the lululemon Toronto 10K 

Yes, we have events other than TOwaterfront42k 😉 they’re freakin’ awesome, too!  

We’ve been fortunate to have lululemon as an amazing race partner at the Toronto 10K for the past few years and this year, we were able to provide the gorgeous and most inspirational setting where two runners celebrated a very important life moment…  

Some were lucky enough to witness a PROPOSAL at the step and repeat backdrop after the 10K this past June. Mango Peeler, Toronto artist-athlete, created a stunning mural for the event which was the perfect setting for this happy couple.  

Runners enjoyed a 10K race along the waterfront with cheer stations every 1K and themed donuts at the end.  

Another one bites the donut (dust). 

Moment #8 – Inspirational words from Charlie Dark

It was an honour to have Charlie Dark, global lululemon ambassador and run crew founder, join us to share some inspirational messages at the lululemon Toronto 10K.  

Charlie started running around 2006, when he was not confident enough to go to a gym on his own. He ran in the dark until his confidence grew. Now it has grown so much that he is able to travel to events and inspire other runners, and empower young people, to achieve their goals.  

It is a pleasure to know Charlie and always a delight to hear him speak.

  

Moment #9 – Charity Challenge partner wins highest fundraising category, nationally

Fountain of Love and Life celebrated their 10-year anniversary as an official charity partner of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

They had raised $451,295.32 this year, winning the highest fundraising charity category not only in Toronto, but nationally across 6 Scotiabank Charity Challenges in Canada.

To date, they have raised a total of $2,209,935.27

Moment #10 – The male champions of CRS 

Let’s take a moment to recognize all the (M) champions from our 8 races across Canada this year. 

  1. Spring Run-Off – High Park, Toronto – Tristan Woodfine * 
  2. 21K de Montreal – Parc Jean Drapeau, Montreal – Tristan Woodfine 
  3. Toronto 10K – Toronto Waterfront – Jean Marie Vianney  
  4. Edmonton 10K – Edmonton, AB – Leonard Chesoo 
  5. Vancouver Half-Marathon – Vancouver, BC – Benjamin Preisner 
  6. Eastside 10K – Vancouver, BC – Evan Esselink
  7. ZooRun – Toronto Zoo – Wendimu Adamu  
  8. Toronto Waterfront Marathon – Toronto, ON – Trevor Hofbauer 

Thanks for running with us and for flying through that finishing tape.  

*Tristan is also the overall series winner of 2019.

Moment #11 – The female champions of CRS 

Let’s take another moment to recognize the female champions of CRS events in 2019. 

  1. Spring Run-Off – High Park, Toronto – Sarah Inglis 
  2. 21K de Montreal – Parc Jean Drapeau, Montreal – Anne-Marie Comeau
  3. Toronto 10K – Toronto Waterfront – Nyirarukundo Salome 
  4. Edmonton 10K – Edmonton, AB – Natasha Wodak 
  5. Vancouver Half-Marathon – Vancouver, BC – Natasha Wodak 
  6. Eastside 10K – Vancouver, BC – Malindi Elmore 
  7. ZooRun – Toronto Zoo – Rachel Hannah *  
  8. Toronto Waterfront Marathon – Toronto, ON – Dayna Pidhoresky

Thanks for running with us and for flying through that finishing tape.  

*Rachel is also the overall series winner of 2019.

Moment #12 – Most participants EVER in 2019! 

CRS had the most participants EVER (across all our events) in 2019. 

With a whopping 69,045 participants across our series of events, this one is all on YOU. So, thanks for making this year of running in Canada a great one <3  

—

That’s all for now, folks.  

Thanks for all the good times this year. Have a happy and safe New Years and we’ll see you in 2020!  ❤️

Dec 03 2019
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Hannah and Woodfine Win Canada Running Series 2019 Titles

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Two past winners found themselves top of the table when the 2019 Canada Running Series final points were tabulated recently, an indication that these Olympic aspirants are on the right path.

Tristan Woodfine at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, 2019

Tristan Woodfine’s fine performance at the Series finale Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon earned him both a silver medal in the Canadian Marathon Championships and 52 points to take his point total to 142.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, he also took two minutes off his personal best time with 2:13:16. Along with the prestigious CRS title the Cobden, Ontario resident will receive $3,000.

Woodfine won the series for the first time in 2017 and finished second a year ago behind two-time Olympian Reid Coolsaet. His nearest challenger this year was Ben Preisner who took second ($1,500) with 119 points and Trevor Hofbauer, who snatched the Canadian Marathon Championship title with a whopping personal best and Olympic qualifying time of 2:09:51. That’s the second fastest time by a Canadian ever.

Hofbauer wound up with 112 points and receives $1,000 for finishing third overall.

Rachel Hannah, who resides in Guelph, Ontario put an injury-restricted summer aside to claim the women’s title for the first time since 2014. This year her margin of victory was just two points over Dayna Pidhoresky, 129 to 127. The latter was crowned Canadian Marathon champion in a personal best 2:29:03 which automatically puts her on the flight to the Tokyo Olympics with Hofbauer.

Woodfine, who won Toronto’s Race Roster Spring Run-Off 8K for the third straight year as well as the Banque Scotia 21K de Montreal, claims that he didn’t followed the points tally that closely.

“I try to get my three CRS races in, but I think I was so focused going into Toronto (Waterfront Marathon) and getting the marathon qualifying standard for the Olympics that I forgot about the whole series,” he explains. “After the race I thought ‘I wonder how it all ended up?’ Finishing first is always nice.”

As fate would have it Woodfine and Preisner never actually raced each other in the Series mainly due to the former’s focus on the marathon.  Preisner, from Milton, Ontario, saw a breakthrough with his victory in the Scotiabank Toronto Half Marathon which was run concurrently with the marathon championship. His time there was an impressive 1:03:08.

Woodfine, who has temporarily put aside a career as a medic to focus on his running says he will put the winner’s prize to good use.

“Yes, it will come in very handy. I think I am going to make the trip to Kenya for a good chunk of the winter,” he reports, “So, yes, the money really helps. Winters in the Ottawa Valley can be brutal, lots of snow and -40C. It will be good to get away.”

He has sought advice from Reid Coolsaet, no stranger to high altitude training camps in Kenya.

Rachel Hannah at the lululemon Toronto 10K, 2019.

Although she has never trained at altitude before Hannah is also contemplating taking a couple of weeks off her job as a nutritionist at the University of Guelph to explore the opportunity.

“If I can stay healthy and am able to do a spring marathon I would like to go away and do an altitude training camp and see if I would benefit from it,” she says. “I don’t know if I will do Flagstaff, or somewhere, I don’t think I will go to Kenya yet, I want to try somewhere in the US to see if I benefit. But definitely that money will come to good use.”

Hannah admitted that her foot injury meant that running the Canadian Olympic trials marathon was out of the question so she and coach Dave Korell plotted a schedule that could put her in position to win the CRS overall title.

“We started thinking ‘what do we have to do to get maximum points?’ So, it was either come first at the Zoo 10K or the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon,” she explains. As it happens, she won the Oasis Zoo 10k.

“We were following it and it’s exciting. I was disappointed I couldn’t race the marathon, but it was nice to have something else to look forward to and support all the CRS races I could. There are years where I am not able to do that. They do such a good job. It’s always competitive and there is always someone to push you.”

Kinsey Middleton the 2018 Canadian marathon champion who lives and trains in Boise, Idaho finished 3rd overall in the series.

Vancouver’s Craig McMillan handily won the men’s masters’ competition with 165 points, 60 of those coming from his fine performance at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon where he ran a personal best of 2:26:17. Allison Drynan was the women’s master’s winner. They each collect $500 for their respective titles.

Besides providing elite runners the opportunity to compete against one another on extremely well-organized courses the Canada Running Series also has an incredibly strong charity component. CRS Race Director, Alan Brookes, reports that the 2019 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon alone raised $3,694,370 for local charities. That brings to $6.9 million the total money raised across the 8-races in Canada Running Series 2019.  A record number of participants also ran the CRS in 2019 (69,045).

What a year we had! A record number of participants in the Series, and a huge total of almost $7 million raised for our 300 plus charities,” Brookes declares with his customary excitement. “The two lululemon races in the East and West that both sold out in less than a day and brought Canada to the forefront of an exciting ‘New Running Movement’. A movement that is bringing not only excitement but joy and celebration to the sport.

“And the four men who ran under 2:05:15 and the seven women who ran under 2:24:30 at the Series finale, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront – made it the fastest marathon in all of The Americas in 2019, as well as the fastest marathon ever run on Canadian soil.”

Brookes also points to Trevor Hofbauer and Dayna Pidhoresky achieving the Olympic qualifying standard in the 30th anniversary year along with the incredible performances of the international athletes. Remarkably, the Toronto Waterfront Marathon was watched by 695,000 viewers in 79 countries on the live stream broadcast.

“It has been a gob-smacking, awe-inspiring 30th Anniversary year to remember,” Brookes concludes. “Thanks to everyone – athletes, guests, the CRS team and volunteers, sponsor partners, family, friends and spectators, whose passion and energy made it all happen!”

The 2020 Canada Running Series kicks off once again with the Spring Run-Off on April 4th.

For more information and to register for 2020 Canada Running Series events visit www.canadarunningseries.com

Sep 16 2019
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Tokyo 2020 hopefuls Evan Esselink and Malindi Elmore win Under Armour Eastside 10K

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VANCOUVER, September 14th.  Evan Esselink (29:50) and Malindi Elmore (32:44) laid down convincing markers winning Saturday’s Under Armour Eastside 10K ahead of an impressive field of 2,900 participants.  Evan stuck with a group of runners including last year’s winner, Trevor Hofbauer who came in second place and Milton Ontario’s Ben Preisner who came in third.  Evan made a move at the 8K mark and dropped the hammer at 9K to finish off strong contenders in Hofbauer and Preisner.

On the Women’s side, Malindi Elmore stormed to an outstanding victory on the challenging eastside course who, along with Evan, will be competing in the Athletics Canada marathon trials at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon October 20th.  Malindi was able to hold off Boise Idaho’s Kinsey Middleton for most of the race as well as previous Under Armour Eastside 10K winner Leslie Sexton who came in third.

The event attracted a field of 2,900 runners and so far has raised over $26,000 in support of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, PHS Community Services Society, and Youthco. Participants can continue to fundraise online until October 1st online at www.eastside10k.ca.

“Every year the competition gets better,” said race director Ryan Chilibeck. “It’s also so great to see runners completing their first run, setting personal bests and fundraising for our three great charity partners. The Under Armour Eastside 10k is a true community event.”

Under Armour Eastside 10k top finishers results:

10km Male 

  1. Evan Esselink – Vancouver, BC, Canada                               TIME: 29:50
  2. Trevor Hofbauer – Calgary, AB, Canada                               TIME: 29:58
  3. Benjamin Preisner – Milton, ON, Canada                               TIME: 30:10

 

10km Female         

  1. Malindi Elmore– Kelowna, BC, Canada                              TIME: 32:44
  2. Kinsey Middleton – Boise, ID, USA                                       TIME: 33:19
  3. Leslie Sexton – London, ON, Canada                                   TIME: 33:33

 

Information and complete race results can be found at www.eastside10k.ca

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

About Under Armour Eastside 10k:

The Under Armour Eastside 10k is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series. As Vancouver’s premier fall 10k, it takes place in the Eastside, running for three Eastside embedded charities, with the great Eastside Community. More than 3000 runners take to the streets each September to show their love for the heart of Vancouver. Canada Running Series is the nation’s premier running circuit with events in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Montreal.  It annually attracts over 65,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 charities. Canada Running Series is strongly committed to staging great experiences for runners of all levels from first time runners, charity supporters and Canadian Olympians; and to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process.  Our mission is “building community through running”. For more information please visit:www.CanadaRunningSeries.com

Sep 10 2019
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Race Day Tips for #UAeastside10k

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Every year we’re joined by hundreds of new runners at the Under Armour Eastside 10k. We’ve taken some tips from the seasoned runners out there and come up with the ABC’s of how to set yourself up for a great race – both before and after the event.

While this guide is primarily aimed at new runners, it’s always good to refresh your memory even if you’ve been racing for decades! Also be sure to check out our Race Etiquette Page.

Before the Race

A – Know where you need to be and when

This may seem obvious, but it’s so often overlooked. You can save yourself a lot of stress on Race Day (and the days leading up to it) by knowing where to go and when. This includes knowing where to pick up your race package and bib number in the days leading up to the race, as well as how to get to the start line.

  • Package Pickup – ALL participants must pick up their race package and bib number at Package Pickup before Race Day. Package Pickup is located at Sport Chek on Robson Street — 788 Robson Street (Robson @ Howe) and is open on Thursday (Sept 12) and Friday (Sept 13) from 10:00am to 8:00pm, and Saturday September 14th in the Woodwards Atrium from 7am-8am. More details here.
  • Start Line – The run will start and finish on Cordova Street, near the Woodward’s Development. Your best way to get to the Start Area is to take public transit. To plan your trip, click here and select your starting location then choose Transit direction. Woodward’s is a short walk from either Waterfront Station or Stadium Skytrain Station. The second best way to get there is to bike, as BEST will be providing a complimentary and secure Bike Valet right beside the Start/Finish Line. A reminder that road closures will be in effect for the event, so please leave extra travel time. Recommended routes into Downtown are Hastings Street, Georgia Street, and Cambie Street Bridge. Driving to the start line? The easiest access/parking option is to take Cambie Street northbound to Cordova, then turn right to access the parking garage off of Cordova Street. Note that this access route is only possible until 8:15am, after which Cordova Street will be fully closed for the start of the race. If you are dropping someone off, please do so on Hastings Street.For full road closures details click here.

B – Don’t do anything new! We mean it!

A common mistake is to try something new just before or on Race Day. This could be anything from wearing a new pair of shoes during the run to changing up your diet the day before. If you typically eat a simple pasta the night before your training runs, don’t try out that new sushi place around the corner on Friday night. If you don’t usually have coffee before your training runs, don’t go for a double espresso on Race Day morning. Stick with what works for you – from your meals to your running clothes to your morning routine.

C – Start in the right corral

What’s a corral? In order to give everyone their best experience on Race Day, runners are typically assigned into a corral based on their predicted finish time. At the #UAeastside10k all runners will self-assign themselves to a estimated finish time.  Speedsters can start at the front of the pack while walkers start further back. Please be respectful of other runners and line up according to your expected finish time, and be honest in your approximations. Please also be mindful of other runners who may need to pass you on course.  Keep in mind the race start closes 10 minutes after the scheduled start time.  Make sure you arrive on time.

Corral colour Est. finish time Start time
Black Elites  8:30am
RedRed Corral < 50min   8:30am
Yellow CorralYellow 50–59min   8:30am
BlueBlue Corral 60–79min   8:30am
GreenGreen Corral 80min +   8:30am

Corral details for the race here.

BONUS – use our Gear Check to store a bag of warm, dry (and less-sweaty) clothes for after the race. Your $2 donation will go to our Featured Charities.

During the Race

A – Make sure your bib number is on your front and visible

We use a bib-tag timing system, which means your timing chip is embedded in your bib number. In order for it to work properly and have your time recorded:

  • Do not remove the “bibTag” or foam spacer from your bib.
  • Do not fold your bib or excessively bend or twist the “bibTag”.
  • Wear your bib on your chest/abdomen. Do not wear on your back, side, leg or arm.
  • Do not cover your bib with clothing – always make sure it is completely visible.
  • Make sure you cross over the timing mat at both the Start Line and the Finish Line.
    ***Start Line will CLOSE 10min AFTER THE SCHEDULED START TIME ***

B – Start slow and stay even

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of Race Day and start out too fast. Do the opposite – start a little slower than your normal pace and gradually pick up your pace over the first kilometre. After that, try to keep an even pace throughout the race and save your extra energy for the final push to the Finish Line!

C – Be prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings

No one knows what the weather will be in September, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. If it’s hot, bring your own water, but we’ll also have three aid stations on course, serving up both water and Nuun Hydration. If you are using one of the aid stations:

  • When approaching a hydration station, move to the side of the road, grab your fluid/nutritional needs and keep moving. There will be multiple hydration tables so if the first table is busy KEEP MOVING.
  • There will be water refill stations for those runners carrying their own bottles.
  • Throw your used cup to the side of the road as close to the hydration station as possible, ideally in one of the marked bins. Drop your cup down by your waist so you don’t hit/splash another participant. Please don’t litter on the course after passing the last aid station garbage bin.
  • If you plan to stop at the aid station, move past the tables and pull off to the side of the road.
  • Say thank you to the volunteers!

After the Race

A – Keep moving

Collect your medal as you cross the Finish Line, then keep moving through the chute until you get to the Post-Race Recovery Area. Keep moving for at least 10 more minutes afterwards to gradually bring your heart rate down and help your legs flush out that lactic acid (this will prevent you from being stiff tomorrow).

B – Refuel and rehydrate

Right after the finish line we’ll have water and Nuun for you to rehydrate with. Grab a cup and keep walking – there will be more in the Post-Race Recovery Area. A variety of snacks will be available in the Recovery Area, including bananas, Larabars, juice, and yogurt. The carbs will help replenish your energy stores while a bit of protein will help rebuild your muscles. Make sure you eat something within 30 minutes of crossing the line.

There will also be an Under Armour stretching station after the Finish Line, so you’ll have a designated area to do a proper cool-down and post-race stretch!

C – Get warm and enjoy the Finish Area

After you’ve fuelled up, stop by Gear Check to collect your spare clothes. Even on a sunny day, your core temperature will drop fast once you stop moving, especially when you’re still wearing sweaty clothes.

Post-race brunch is always key. There are many excellent restaurants in the area, including some of our favourites: the Alibi Room, Belgard Kitchen, Local, The Birds & the Beets, Catch 122, Jam & Deacon’s Corner.

Congratulations! Now it’s time to start planning your next race – registration for the 2020 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is now open!

Sep 06 2019
0

Your Race Day Essentials for the Under Armour Eastside 10K

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It’s almost the end of summer but you still have time to crush some PBs! We’re days away from the Under Armour Eastside 10K and if you’re feeling less than ready, set, go, check out the rundown below for all your race needs:

Look good, feel good:

If you’re looking for a way to smash last year’s race time, look to the UA RUSH product line by our sponsor Under Armour. The mineral infused fabric absorbs your body heat and converts it into infrared energy that is re-emitted back into the body. This recycled energy promotes improved performance, energy and recovery, giving you that extra edge over the other runners. Since we haven’t had the best conditions in past years, be sure to plan for any type of weather and bring your rain jacket. If mother nature is on our side, be sure to wear a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes.

Pics or it didn’t happen:

Do it for the ‘gram! Setting your PB in a 10K and even just finishing a 10K is a major accomplishment. What better way to boast about your success than to share photos on social media? Use #UAEastside10K to share your before, during, and after race pictures. Not only are we excited to see the run from your perspective, but we want you to show the world why the Under Armour Eastside 10K is the best run in Vancouver.

Who you are supporting:

The Under Armour Eastside 10K proudly supports the Vancouver community by supporting three local charities – The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre,  PHS Community Services Society and YouthCo. Last year we were so proud to raise over $29,000. Let’s keep it rolling!

Now you’re race ready. See you at the starting line!

Aug 22 2019
0

Meet Your #UAeastside10K Pacer Team!

By | Community Leaders, Scotiabank Vancouver Half, Training Tips, Uncategorised | No Comments

We’re excited to announce your 2019 Under Armour Eastside 10K Pacer team! This crew has been hand-picked from dozens of applications to ensure our runners are set-up to hit PBs and run their best on September 14th. Check them out, pick your favourite, and run with them on race day!

Pace Time: 40 minutes

Name: Vivian (@vdavidsonc)

A little about Vivian:

I love running and helping people so pacing allows me to combine both of these passions! I get a high helping people cross the finish line at a goal time and cheering/supporting them in the process.

 

Pace Time: 40 minutes

Name: Thomas (@tlane101)

A little about Thomas:

I was a first time pacer for West Van Run 5Km this year. I got a real buzz from the experience & looking forward to bringing that energy to the UA Eastside 10K!

 

Pace Time: 45 minutes

Name: Tommy (@looktommyrun)

A little about Tommy:

I ran the race last year and it was really fun. I paced a friend to a PR and would love to help runners in the community reach their goals for this race!

 

Pace Time: 45 minutes

Name: Liam (@liam_baird)

A Little about Liam:

I am extremely passionate about running, and absolutely love pacing others to reach their own goals. I know the course extremely well and know exactly how to help others run it too! We’ve all had a Pacer help us through a tough leg of a race before, and I want to return the favour.

 

Pace Time: 50 minutes

Name: Dora (@doravelazquez27)

A little about Dora:

I love this race but it’s a very difficult course to get a crazy good PB. If I don’t have to die and pace a group of chilled time it be more fun for me.

 

Pace Time: 50 minutes

Name: Jonathan (@jonathanichikawa)

A little about Jonathan:

I enjoy running and racing, and would like to help others celebrate their goals.

 

 

Pace Time: 55 minutes

Name: Melissa (@run.raven.run)

A Little about Melissa:

I enjoy running for fun and competition. I currently compete in road races from 5k to Marathon distance. I completed the Boston Marathon in April and will be running the Chicago Marathon this October. I have raced the Eastside 10k for the past three consecutive years and am excited to be a pacer this year!

 

Pace Time: 55 minutes

Name: Julie (@northshorepelly)

A little about Julie:

Running is my one true love. My one constant in life through ups and downs. It has given me so much and I love giving back to it. After a journey spanning almost a decade, I finally reached my running bucket list goal and qualified for the Boston Marathon. Until I run that on 4/20/2020, I’m enjoying doing shorter distance races and enjoying the running community.

 

Pace Time: 60 minutes

Name: Cassie (@Cassiepaul26.2)

A little about Cassie:

Running is my passion and I would love to be able to give back and help others achieve a time goal.

 

 

Pace Time: 60 minutes

Name: Gary (@northwestone_fixie)

A little about Gary:

I’ve been running for over 3 years now and am looking forward to pacing some runners. I train with mile2marathon and being part of it has made me stronger and faster…as of now am chasing my goal to qualify for Boston Marathon next year. In the meantime, it’s an honour to be a pacer for this awesome race.

 

Pace Time: 65 minutes

Name: Hannah (@itsfoggin)

A little about Hannah:

My friends’ comments on my race photos speak to it: “you look so happy!” It brings me joy to run, to explore my city, to have running be a place of deep conversation with friends or some training days to focus on nothing but the sounds of my feet on the ground and the waves hitting rocks along the Vancouver seawall. I run with a smile on my face and heart, and, after the pacers who have helped me with my PBs, I’d love to pair it with another runner’s 10k goal.

 

Pace Time: 65 minutes

Name: Kelvin

A little about Kelvin:

I picked up running while at UBC as stress relief and a way of increasing fitness and it turned into a bigger hobby than I expected. Plenty of encouragement have come my way from pacers and even other runners and probably helped me just narrowly get goal times.

 

Pace Time: 70 minutes

Name: Aleya (@aleyatea)

A little about Aleya:

I was a sprinter through high school and university and just started running half marathons five years ago as a fundraiser for my work. This year I led a training group for my volunteers who were running the Scotia 5K.

 

Pace Time: 70 minutes

Name: Jeannine (@jeannineavelino)

A little about Jeannine:

I’m an avid road and trail runner who loves to help people achieve their goals. I’ve paced West Van Run Summer twice successfully and really enjoy motivating people to do their best.

 

Pace Time: 75 minutes

Name: Rebecca (@reggiesaurusbex)

A little about Rebecca:

I’ve been running about 6 years now, but moving to Vancouver 2 years ago and getting involved in the running community lead to me actually loving running and starting to reach my potential. I want to give back to the running community while helping others meet their own goals

 

Pace Time: 75 minutes

Name: Mable

A little about Mable:

Avid runner and foodie! I love the camaraderie of the running community and how everyone helps and encourages each other. Being a pacer allows me to be part of the action while still doing what I love…encouraging others!

 

All Pacers will be outfitted in shoes & athletic apparel from:

Jul 18 2019
0

UA Eastside 10K Training Plan

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Have you started preparing for the Under Armour Eastside 10K? To get ready for race day, all you need is eight weeks and the drive to run faster and stronger than before.  To make sure you’re optimizing your training, our friends at MapMyRun have put together a well-structured training plan to set you up for success.

The 8-week training plan maps out how far you should be running each day, how to incorporate strength and mobility exercises into your routine, and how to make sure you are getting enough rest and recovery.

There are 4 parts to the program: Strength, Movement and Mobility, Running and Endurance, and Recovery. Here is how it works:

Strength: The strength program is designed to meet the demands of a runner who is looking to get a more competitive edge. It isn’t designed to build muscle, but rather enhance your stability and mobility to run stronger.

Movement and Mobility: This routine will prepare your body for running by increasing mobility at the ankles, hips and T-spine.  It will also activate your body for the twice weekly strength sessions.

 

Running and Endurance: The running program is built for beginner and intermediate-level runners. You will be introduced to tempo running, fast hill repeats and long slow runs, as well as understanding the discipline of recovery runs.

Rest and Recovery: This routine is based on Under Armour’s belief that today’s recovery is tomorrow’s training. It is essential to attempt to restore movement quality after a run and the program is designed to hit the areas of the body that need the most attention.  Under Armour has a line of recovery apparel with technology that returns infrared energy to your body, boosting localized blood flow and increasing the amount of oxygen reaching your muscles to restore your muscles faster.  The recovery apparel is available in track suits and sleepwear.

Under Armour is giving Eastside participants a free 3-month trial of the MapMyRun premium membership.  Use the code EASTSIDE2019 to activate your trial.

Register now for the Under Armour Eastside 10K on September 14.

Jul 09 2019
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Chesoo and Wodak set new course records ahead of sold-out crowd of 7,000 at lululemon Edmonton 10K

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Edmonton’s Leonard Chesoo (29:28) and Vancouver’s Natasha Wodak (33:15) stormed to new course records in front of a sold-out crowd of 7,000 enthusiastic runners. It was a fine morning for running in the Alberta capital: 15 Celcius, overcast, and no wind. The scenic course, which took participants through the heart of the city and along the High Level Bridge, attracted Olympians and recreational runners from across the country and the U.S. In fact, “Guests from seven provinces, two territories, eleven states, and six (6!) countries traveled to Edmonton for today’s 10K. It was a world-wide running meetup and the energy was palpable! It was just a massive celebration of running and a healthy, mindful lifestyle.” said Alan Brookes, President, Canada Running Series. 

More than a run, the race was an experience; in addition to custom medals, a donut wall, free massages, DJ Joanna Magic, a lululemon pop-up shop and a post-race party zone, runners were also treated to two community yoga classes led by lululemon Global Yoga Ambassador, Ryan Leier. 

“This is a race to celebrate the city of Edmonton and all the fantastic people who choose to call it home,” says Natalie Westlake, Director, North America Community, lululemon. “Since its inception two years ago, the race has grown in popularity, this year selling out in 10 hours. Every runner gets to experience the city in a special way—whether it’s through running across the High Level Bridge, experiencing the sense of community at the post-race party, or celebrating the fact that we have raised more than $35,000 for our charitable partner Wellspring Edmonton.” 

With eight cheer stations along the route, the community extended beyond those wearing bibs. Hundreds of spectators cheered on runners along the course, shouting words of encouragement and waving motivational signs, with help from ivivva by lululemon cheerleaders, Kokopelli Choir and CycleBar. 

At press time, the lululemon Edmonton 10K had raised more than $35,000 for lululemon’s social impact program “Here To Be” and Edmonton-based charity, Wellspring Edmonton. 

In the second year of this increasingly popular event, both Chesoo and Wodak set new course records. Evan Esselink followed Chesoo in second place with a huge PB, and Canadian marathon record-holder, Cam Levins, out-sprinted defending champion Reid Coolsaet and London, Ontario’s Chris Balestrini for third, fourth, and fifth. Calgary Olympian, Jessica O’Connell was second in the women’s field, with Torontonian Gladys Tarus following in third. 

Defending champion, Reid Coolseat, was pleasantly surprised with his fourth-place finish saying, “I’m happy with my race considering how close this race came after the Ottawa marathon. It was good to kick it in with Cam even though he edged me out of the podium”. 

Women’s champ, Natasha Wodak, was also pleased with the win, “I was in front the whole way and thought Jess would be with me, but she held back,” she continued, “I’m in a bit of a relaxed part of my season and since the Vancouver Scotia half and will now start increasing intensity in preparation for the Pan Am Games 10,000m on August 6th.” 

After a spectacular day in the Alberta capital Canada Running Series will take a short summer hiatus before moving on to Vancouver for the Eastside 10K and Toronto for the Oasis Zoo Run in September. 

Edmonton 10K Results 

Men 

1. Leonard Chesoo, Edmonton – 29:28 

2. Evan Esselink, Guelph – 29:57 

3. Cameron Levins, Portland – 30:14 

4. Reid Coolsaet, Hamilton – 30:15 

5. Chris Balestrini, London – 30:15 

Women 

1. Natasha Wodak, North Vancouver – 33:15 

2. Jessica O’Connell, Calgary – 33:50 

3. Gladys Tarus, Toronto– 35:02 

4. Christy Lovig, Kelowna – 37:02 

5. Alecia Kallos, Edmonton – 37:05 

For full race results, visit: Edmonton10K.com 

Jun 24 2019
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The Scotiabank Charity Challenge raises a record $1.2 million dollars at the 2019 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k

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Canadians Ben Preisner and Natasha Wodak win in front of a sold out field of 6,440

 

Sunday, June 23, 2019 – VANCOUVER – The 2019 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k had many highlights, with $1.2 million dollars being raised for local organizations through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, capping off a spectacular, record-setting day. Milton, Ontario’s Ben Preisner had an impressive Half-Marathon debut to take the men’s title in 65:41, while North Vancouver’s Natasha Wodak narrowly missed the course record in a time of 71:21. They raced to victory ahead of a sold out crowd of 6,440 participants, who came from 36 countries, eight Canadian provinces and 27 American states.

“It was an honour to run alongside the many participants of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k that ran for a purpose, raising $1.2 million dollars for 69 local organizations as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge,” says Lesly Tayles, Regional Senior Vice President – BC & Yukon, at Scotiabank. “At Scotiabank, investing in communities isn’t new. For 187 years we have remained committed to building strong communities and are focused on enriching the lives of young people and their communities. We know that how we support young people today, can prepare them for tomorrow, and that’s why we want to help them thrive. We want to recognize Canada Running Series and all the volunteers of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k for another great event and thank all the racers who fundraised for their charity of choice.”

 

Up front, Preisner made two decisive moves around Kits Point at 17K and then on the steep climb over Burrard Bridge to break away from a lead pack of four. Wodak was racing the clock today, chasing the course record that has stood since 2003. “It got hard after 15K,” she said, “then the bridge finished me off. I lost the 30 seconds there!”

 

Wodak has had an impressive spring season, claiming the 10,000m National Championship, and currently holds the 10k national road title. She was recently selected to the Canadian team heading to the World Championships in Doha, Qatar in the fall. Dayna Pidhoresky came in second with a time of 74:36. Vancouver’s Briana Hungerford was third, with a time of 78:21.

 

“It was an outstanding race day all around,” says Race Director, Ryan Chilibeck. “We saw some very impressive times today, and record setting contributions through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. There were a lot of smiles today.”

 

Scotiabank is committed to helping young people reach their infinite potential, by investing in the complete picture of their development. We believe this is an investment in the long-term security, stability and growth of our communities. Many of the organizations that participate in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge have a direct impact on young people. As a Bank, we believe that Investing in young people is the pathway to community prosperity and Scotiabank aims to make a measurable and lasting impact on our global communities.

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a turnkey fundraising program that provides a simple way for runners in these races to support local causes that make a significant impact on Canadian communities. Participating charities keep 100 percent of the proceeds raised, as Scotiabank pays for all related transaction and credit card fees. Scotiabank offers the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at six sponsored marathon events across Canada including Montréal, Halifax,Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto. Since 2003, over $74 million has been raised as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge across Canada.

2019 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k Results

 

Half-Marathon Results 

Half-Marathon Male 

1. Benjamin Preisner 65:41
2. Chris Balestrini 65:59
3. Julian Heninger 66:19

 

Half-Marathon Female

 

1. Natasha Wodak 71:21
2. Dayna Pidhoresky 74:36
3. Briana Hungerford 78:21


5k Results

5k Male

1. Christian Gravel 15:47
2. Mark Klassen 16:19
3. Richard Keep 17:01

 

5k Female

1. Sidney Swierenga 17:56
2. Courtney McEwan 20:03
3. Samantha Barnes 21:33

 

To see a list of charities involved in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visit the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k website.

For more highlights and complete race results, please visit www.vancouverhalf.com.

Twitter and Instagram Hashtags: #ScotiaHalf #RunScotia #InfinitePotential

About the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is organized by the Canada Running Series, the nation’s premier running circuit with eight events: four in Toronto, two in Vancouver, one in Edmonton and one  in Montreal.  It annually attracts some 65,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 mostly-local charities.  The Series includes the IAAF Gold Label Scotiabank 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.”

 

About Scotiabank
At Scotiabank, we aim to support organizations that are committed to helping young people reach their infinite potential. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank’s goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success. Together with our employees, the Bank supports causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2018, Scotiabank contributed more than $80 million to help our communities around the world.

 

Scotiabank is Canada’s international bank and a leading financial services provider in the Americas. We are dedicated to helping our more than 25 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 99,000 employees and assets of over $1 trillion (as at April 30, 2019), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.