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under armour Archives - Canada Running Series

Jun 16 2025
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2025 Under Armour Toronto 10K Brings Big Energy to Toronto’s Waterfront with Celebration of Spirit, Strength and Community

By | Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

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

TORONTO, ON (June 14, 2025) – The 2025 Under Armour Toronto 10K brought together nearly 8,500 runners, walkers, and wheelers along Toronto’s Lakeshore today with a gripping finish for the elite men and women. From world-class athletes to first-time runners, and thousands of spectators cheering them on, the race showcased the full spectrum of the running community.

A signature event in Canada Running Series’ (CRS) road racing calendar, the Under Armour Toronto 10K brought together participants of all ages and abilities, ranging from 9 to 82. The event served as a community hub for Toronto run clubs and welcomed representation from 25 countries, 11 Canadian provinces and territories and 13 American states.
2025 also marked the first year of the race’s dedicated wheelchair category, an important step by Canada Running Series’ to reinforce inclusion at the start line. Won by paralympian Puisand Lai, the division celebrated pushrim and recreational wheelchair athletes with both cash and in-kind prizing for the top three male and female finishers.

“This race has always been one of the most exciting of the Series and today was no exception,” said Alan Brookes, Race Director, Canada Running Series. “It’s a true example of what’s possible when our city comes together through sport. With a beautifully sunny day along Toronto’s waterfront, we were joined by racers from across the continent and Toronto’s run crews turned out in full force to cheer them on. The energy was palpable with an exciting battle for both the men and women’s titles.”

The elite field brought thrilling performances to the front of the pack. Rwanda’s Salome Nyirarukundo, now based in Ottawa, captured her first Under Armour Toronto 10K title in 34:05 after two consecutive second-place finishes. Claiming the win in Under Armour’s Velociti Elite 2.0 shoes, Salome was followed closely by Port Elgin’s Rachel Hannah in 34:17 who fought courageously in the closing stages but wasn’t able to close the gap. Ottawa’s Teagen Robertson was a strong third in 34:52.

The men’s race was a battle to the wire as Thomas Nobbs surged ahead in the final kilometre to win in 29:35, edging out Ottawa Valley’s Lee Wesselius (29:39), while Toronto’s Alex Cyr claimed a close third (29:45). With thousands of runners braving strong headwinds along Toronto’s waterfront, the event was a powerful celebration of determination, athleticism and community to kick off Father’s Day weekend.

“We saw some remarkable depth and talent in this year’s elite field,” said Reid Coolsaet, two-time Olympian and Elite Athlete Program Manager, Canada Running Series. “The athletes came ready to race, with both the Men’s and Women’s competitions having been tightly contested so far this year, and today’s incredibly tight event did not disappoint. It’s exciting to see the momentum building in Canadian distance running, and events like the Under Armour Toronto 10K give these athletes a platform to shine in front of an energetic and supportive crowd.”

Major highlights beyond the run included eight high energy cheer sites supporting participants along the route and more than $38,000 raised for KidSport Canada, a national not-for-profit helping remove financial barriers to organized sport for children. This brings Under Armour’s cumulative fundraising for the organization to more than $500,000. Plus, a crowd favourite again this year, the Kids Race gave Toronto’s youngest racers, aged 2 to 10, a chance to take part in a fun 800m event led by Canada Running Series’ new official Mascot Rockie, to round out a morning of competition, inclusion, and community.

With the Under Armour Toronto 10K now complete, Canada Running Series heads west to Vancouver for next weekend’s Vancouver Half Marathon. The Series returns to Toronto in September for the Oasis ZooRun and concludes with the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 18–19.

Official photos and video from the 2025 Under Armour Toronto 10K will be available at the following link: https://crs-media-centre.smugmug.com/CRS-IMAGES-STAFF-ACCESS/CRS-EVENT-IMAGES/n-RDRf6t/2025

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ABOUT CANADA RUNNING SERIES (CRS)
Canada Running Series is the nation’s premier running circuit with 6 events, 4 in Toronto & 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. To learn more about CRS, visit https://canadarunningseries.com/.

Media Contact
Emma Hunt, Sutherland Corp.
media@canadarunningseries.com

Jun 10 2025
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OVER 8,000 TO LACE UP ON THE LAKESHORE THIS FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND AT UNDER ARMOUR TORONTO 10K

By | Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

TORONTO, ON (JUNE 11, 2025) – Canada Running Series (CRS) is thrilled to announce that the annual Under Armour Toronto 10K is returning this Saturday, June 14th along the scenic Toronto waterfront. As one of the signature events of Canada’s road running calendar, the race is set to bring over 8,000 participants ranging in age from 9 to 82, hailing from across 11 provinces and territories, 13 American states, and 25 countries.

Held over Father’s Day weekend, the event offers something for everyone; from amateur athletes, families and children, to elite athletes and adaptive racers. Starting on Lake Shore Boulevard West, west of Ontario Drive, the flat 10K course offers a breathtaking backdrop and accessible course.

The 2025 event introduces a new wheelchair category, with expanded eligibility for participants and prize money for the top three male and female finishers. In addition to this new category, Canada Running Series has again demonstrated their commitment to inclusivity in race design, incorporating a dedicated adaptive athlete start time, gender inclusive registration with a non-binary option, and a designated 800m Kids Race for children aged 2-10.

Many racers will be helping to raise $35,000 for KidSport through the event, a charity organization dedicated to removing financial barriers that prevent kids from playing sport through assistance for registration fees and sport equipment. Also supporting the KidSport cause is the race’s signature Impact Bib Program, which allows participants to opt out of receiving souvenir apparel and instead make a minimum $10 donation to KidSport, also reducing their environmental impact. Participants who participate in the Impact Bib Program will receive a special sticker on their race bib to recognize their commitment to reducing waste and supporting the community.

As an Athletics Canada Label event, this year’s race promises a fierce women’s showdown as Rwanda’s Salome Nyirarukundo returns with her sights set on the top spot after two consecutive runner-up finishes. She’ll face off against perennial podium finisher Rachel Hannah, third-place in Toronto the past two years, and Boston Marathon standout Kylie Raftis, who recently edged Hannah by just one second in a head-to-head finish, setting the stage for an electric race-within-a-race this weekend. On the men’s side, New Brunswick’s Lee Wesselius headlines the field, looking to improve on last year’s third-place finish. He’ll be challenged by former Canadian cross-country champion Connor Black and Vancouver’s Thomas Nobbs, who has been turning heads with his recent personal bests across distances.

With a meticulously planned course, picturesque scenery and new wheelchair category, the family-friendly Under Armour Toronto 10K is the race for everyone and promises to be an unforgettable experience. Get involved by using the hashtag #UAToronto10K to connect with the race community, joining the Under Armour Toronto 10K Event Page on Facebook, and following Canada Running Series on Instagram at @runcrs.

Details of the race day schedule are as follows:

Media Check-in & Availability
Media are invited to check in at the VIP tent in Race Central (Parking Lot 852 in Exhibition Place) starting at 7:00 a.m. Photo and interview opportunities will be available at the finish line. To request interviews, please contact media@canadarunningseries.com.

Race and Event Times

  • 6:30 a.m. Bag Check Opens
    (Race Central in Parking Lot 852 of Exhibition Place)
  • 7:25 a.m. Adaptive Race Starts
  • 7:30 a.m. Under Armour Toronto 10K Starts
  • 9:00 a.m. 10K Awards Ceremony
  • 9:45 a.m. Stretching Session at the Race Central Stage
  • 9:45 a.m. 800m Kids Race Starts
  • 9:45 a.m. 10K Finish Line Closes

The following area of Lakeshore Blvd. W will be closed temporarily to accommodate the Under Armour Toronto 10K on Saturday, June 14, 2024 between 4:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.:

● Lake Shore Blvd. West from Windermere Ave. to Bathurst St.

● Strachan Ave. from Lake Shore Blvd. West to Fleet St.

● Fort York Blvd. from Lake Shore Blvd. West to Fleet St.

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ABOUT CANADA RUNNING SERIES (CRS)
Canada Running Series is the nation’s premier running circuit with 6 events, 4 in Toronto & 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. To learn more about CRS, visit https://canadarunningseries.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT
Emma Hunt, Sutherland Corp.
media@canadarunningseries.com
416-708-9612

Jun 05 2025
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Gear Up with Dad and Under Armour at the UA Toronto 10k

By | Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

Father’s Day weekend kicks off with the UA Toronto 10K, taking over the city’s lakeshore on Saturday, June 14. Whether you’re running alongside dad, cheering from the sidelines, or meeting up at the finish line for a well-earned brunch, this year’s event is the perfect excuse to celebrate the father figures in your life – with some quality time and a little friendly competition.

We’re rounding up a few ways to make the most of race day, plus some top picks from Under Armour to help you and dad show up feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to take on the 10K (and the weekend).

For the dad in the race

If dad’s planning to run, comfort is key – especially for an early morning race. The UA Infinite Elite 2 are a strong choice for dads working on their endurance. Built with UA HOVR+ cushioning, UA Infinite Elite keeps your legs feeling fresh for endless conditioning power.

For the dad on the sideline

If your dad is your number one cheerleader, make sure he stays warm on the sidelines with UA Unstoppable Cargo Pants. The UA Unstoppable collection is designed with loose fitting and tech-forward materials that make you feel like you can do anything. Bonus points for extra pockets on the cargo pants to store all your post-race snacks.

For every other kind of dad

If your dad is simply meeting you for a post-race brunch, Under Armour’s gear has got him covered.  With your UA Toronto 10K race entry, you’ll get a promo code so you can shop for the dads in your life. Explore the full collection at underarmour.ca.

May 29 2025
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Beyond the Finish Line: How the Under Armour Toronto 10K is Helping Kids Play

By | Toronto 10K, Uncategorised, Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

Under Armour’s Toronto 10K isn’t just about the finish line, it’s about creating opportunities for kids across Canada to play, grow and belong through sport. That’s why the race partners with KidSport Ontario.

Recognizing cost as one of the greatest barriers around the globe and specifically impacting one in three youth in Canada, Under Armour has chosen to partner with KidSport as they provide financial assistance with sports registration fees and equipment costs. Sports not only keeps kids active but helps lay the foundation for a strong community. When children participate in organized sports, they develop focus, motivation and the energy to succeed in school. They gain confidence, learn teamwork and grow into leaders. Simply put, sport has the power to change lives.

At the Under Armour Toronto 10K, children have a chance to run in the Kids Race, an 800-meter course where they’ll cross the finish line, earn a medal and feel like part of the action.

Fundraising Perks

To encourage fundraising efforts, participants, individuals and teams can win exciting prizes:​

  • Top Fundraiser: Receives a head-to-toe UA kit valued at $500 and a complimentary entry into the 2026 Under Armour Toronto 10K.
  • 2nd & 3rd Place Fundraisers: Each receives UA Infinite Elite 2 Running shoes and a complimentary 2026 race entry.
  • Top Fundraising Team: Each member (up to 20) gets a UA Hustle Sport Backpack and a complimentary 2026 race entry. ​

Fundraising closes on June 30th, 2025, “Top Team” and “Top 3 Fundraisers” will be determined on June 13th at 5 p.m. based on online fundraising pages only.   

When you lace up for this year’s 10K, remember you’re not just chasing your own dreams, you’re helping children get on the field, the court, or the ice to chase theirs.

For more information, to donate, or to get involved, visit the official fundraising page.

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

By | Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

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

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

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

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

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

Register for the Under Armour Toronto 10K Register for the Vancouver Half Marathon Register for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Jun 12 2024
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CANADA RUNNING SERIES TO HOST UNDER ARMOUR TORONTO 10K ALONG BEAUTIFUL LAKESHORE THIS WEEKEND

By | Under Armour Toronto 10K | No Comments

CANADA RUNNING SERIES TO HOST UNDER ARMOUR TORONTO 10K ALONG BEAUTIFUL LAKESHORE THIS WEEKEND

TORONTO, ON (JUNE 12, 2024) – Canada Running Series (CRS) is excited to announce that the annual Under Armour Toronto 10K will take place on Saturday, June 15th along the scenic Toronto Lakeshore, one of the signature events of Canada’s road running calendar. 

The Toronto waterfront is the perfect backdrop for this Father’s Day weekend event, offering an inspired experience for amateur and competitive runners, walkers and adaptive racers alike. A sold out crowd of over 7,500 participants ages 8 through 80 will toe the start line on Lakeshore Boulevard from Ellis Avenue to Remembrance Drive and back. They will represent 11 Canadian provinces and territories, 18 American states and 20 countries. 

What makes the Under Armour Toronto 10K unique is its expert course layout and event planning, designed by feedback from the local Toronto running community and run clubs. Many of those clubs will be supporting participants across eight cheer sites hosted by Black Runners of the GTA, Frontrunners, Chix Run the Six, We Run North York, Rogue Runners, Culture, Kardia and Midnight Runners. Cheers will be even louder for those running to raise $35,000 for KidSport Canada, a not-for-profit organization that helps remove financial barriers that prevent kids from playing sport by providing assistance for registration fees and sport equipment to children aged 18 and under.

This year’s Under Armour Toronto 10K race will also serve as the Canadian Masters Athletics (CMA) 10K Championships, with medals for the top 3 male and female CMA finishers. Up front, it promises a thrilling men’s race with British Columbia’s Andrew Davies taking on Ontario’s Lee Wesselius, Phil Parrot-Migas and Kyle Grieve, plus JP Flavin from Michigan’s Hansons Project, all of whom are hovering at or below 29-minute personal bests for the 10K distance.  The women’s contest will be no less exciting with all 3 of last year’s top finishers returning to battle it out again: defending champion Erin Mawhinney from Hamillton, Ottawa’s Salome Nyirarukundo, and Huron County’s Rachel Hannah.   

Whether it’s your first race, or you’re a racing veteran, the Under Armour Toronto 10K offers a beautiful, scenic, and accessible course. Much more than just a race, it underscores Canada Running Series’ commitment to diversity, inclusion and sustainability. There will be a dedicated Adaptive Athlete start at 7:25 a.m. for wheelchair participants before the mass start at 7:30 a.m., which will include a non-binary category as well as male and female gender choices. There will also be a separate 800m Kids Race for children aged 2-10, and new this year is the Green Bib program where participants choose not to receive a t-shirt and finishers’ medal in return for a portion of their entry fee being donated to a sustainability charity.

With a beautiful course and picturesque scenery, the Under Armour Toronto 10K is the event for everyone and promises to be an unforgettable experience. 

 

Details of the race day schedule are as follows:

Media Check-in & Availability

Located at the VIP tent in “Race Central” (Parking Lot 852 in Exhibition Place)

Open as of 6:50 a.m. 

Photos and brief interviews are available at the finish line for the media. If you are interested in setting up an interview, please email media@canadarunningseries.com.

 

Race and Event Times

7:25 a.m. 10K Adaptive Athlete Start 

(Start Line located on Lake Shore Blvd. W, west of Ontario Dr.)

7:30 a.m. 10K start 

(Start line located on Lake Shore Blvd. W, west of Ontario Dr.)

8:45 a.m.         Podium ceremony announcing race winners and top fundraisers 

(Main stage located in Race Central, Parking Lot 852 in Exhibition Place )

9:10 a.m. 10K final finish 

(Finish line located on Lake Shore Blvd. W, west of Newfoundland Rd.)

9:45 a.m. Kids Race start 

(Start line located on Lake Shore Blvd. W, west of Ontario Dr.)

The following area of Lakeshore Blvd. W will be closed temporarily to accommodate the Under Armour Toronto 10K on Saturday, June 15, 2024 between 4:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.:

  • Lake Shore Blvd. West from Windermere Ave. to Bathurst St.
  • Strachan Ave. from Lake Shore Blvd. West to Fleet St.
  • Fort York Blvd. from Lake Shore Blvd. West to Fleet St.

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ABOUT CANADA RUNNING SERIES (CRS) 

Canada Running Series is the nation’s premier running circuit with 7 events, 4 in Toronto, 2 in Vancouver and 1 in Montreal. It annually attracts over 70,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 Canadian and local charities. The Under Armour Toronto 10K is the second Toronto race of the Series, which concludes with the World Athletics Elite Label TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1999, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization. To learn more about CRS, visit https://canadarunningseries.com/.

 

Media Contact

Emma Hunt, Sutherland Corp. 

media@canadarunningseries.com

416-708-9612

Jun 06 2024
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Announcing the Elite Field for the 2024 Under Armour Toronto 10K

By | Elite Athletes, Toronto Waterfront 10, Toronto Waterfront 10K | No Comments

Women’s Start List

First Name Last Name City Province
Erin Mawhinney Hamilton ON
Rachel  Hannah Port Elgin ON
Salome Nyirarukundo Ottawa ON
Asia  Dwyer Toronto ON
Celine Ho Toronto ON
Kathleen Lawrence Toronto ON
Rachel Bowick Toronto ON
Bridget Leon Mississauga ON
Miranda Thompson Toronto  ON 
Shannen  Murray London ON
Kim Brown Toronto  ON
Lauren  Kanko Toronto ON
Teagan  Robertson  Ottawa ON
Camille Maltais-Bilodeau Sherbrooke QC
Kasey Walsh Peterborough ON
Stephanie  Ryall Hamilton ON
Ali Drynan Toronto ON
Susanne Darling Peterborough  ON
Tiffany Newell Welland ON

Men’s Start List

First Name Last Name City Province
Lee Wesselius Mountain  ON
Phil Parrot-Migas London ON
Andrew Davies Vancouver BC
Kyle Grieve toronto ON
Miles Avalos Toronto  ON
Rob Kanko Dundas ON
JP Flavin Toms River NJ
Shawn Master London ON
Robert  Kajuga  Ottawa ON
Wendimu  Adamu Toronto ON
Sergio Raez Villanueva Mississauga ON
Robert  Lawand Toronto ON
Matthew  Viveiros Etobicoke  ON
Graham Baird Pickering ON
Gizachew  Negasa Toronto  ON
Melika Ghali Toronto ON
Eric Bang Toronto ON 
Tsegaye Dissasa Scarborough  ON
Daniel Fournier Toronto ON
Mathieu Moor Hamilton ON
Nicholas Pedersen Ottawa ON
Isaac Fraser South Glengarry ON
Tyler  Hamilton Toronto ON
Marcel Mongeon Hamilton ON
Paddy  Birch Toronto ON
Tiago De Oliveira Barrie ON
Esteban Clavijo Scarborough ON
Stephen Antolin Toronto ON
Jason Skillicorn Toronto ON
Kevin Beatty Frankford ON
Robert van den Heuvel Woodbridge ON
Bernie Hogan Bancroft ON
Brian Byrne London ON
Timothy Fowler Toronto ON
Shinsuke Adachi North York ON
Kevin Smith Mississauga ON
Baghdad  Rachem Verdun QC
Jose Fuentes Hamilton ON
Sep 08 2023
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Choosing the right footwear: training shoes vs. race day shoes

By | Eastside 10k, General, Run Gear, Training Tips, Uncategorised | No Comments

As the sun rises on race day, every runner knows that their choice of footwear can make or break their race. The battle between training shoes and race day shoes is a critical decision.

Training shoes are like a reliable companion. These are the shoes that accompany you through your daily preparation for race day. These shoes are designed for durability and support during long training sessions. The UA HOVR™ Machina 3 Clone Running Shoes are built tough for your longest runs, providing extra springy UA HOVR™ cushioning in the toes to help you explode through every step.

The technology within this shoe supports your training from day one. The UA Clone auxetic upper stretches and adapts to your foot shape and stride for a custom 1:1 fit. The responsive UA HOVR™ cushioning reduces impact and returns energy to propel you forward. With a combination of carbon rubber and blown rubber in the outsole that provides strategic durability and a lightweight rebound.

During your preparation for the Under Armour Eastside 10K race, your training shoes are your go-to companions, delivering the necessary support and comfort for your daily runs and helping to prevent injuries leading up to the big day.

When race day arrives, it’s time to introduce the race day shoes. Race day shoes prioritize minimalism, so you can put your training to the test. These shoes are designed for speed and breaking personal records. These shoes are often more lightweight compared to training shoes. Their reduced weight helps to conserve energy and support acceleration throughout the race.

The UA Flow Velociti Elite Running Shoes and UA Velociti 3 Running Shoes were built for speed. The Flow technology eliminates the rubber outsole, creating a more lightweight and seamless ride on any surface, while the sock liner creates enhanced resiliency and bounce with every stride.

If you have the goal of finishing the race, then stick with what you know. Your training shoes will provide the support needed for longer distances.

If a personal record is your goal, then as race day approaches, consider incorporating your race day shoes into your runs. This helps your body adapt to the feel of different shoes, so on race day you will be ready to go all out.

In the end, the choice between training shoes and race day shoes ultimately depends on your goals, and which will help you conquer the course to reach your personal finish line.

Jun 13 2023
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Tristan Woodfine Favoured at the Under Armour Toronto 10K

By | Elite Athletes, Toronto Waterfront 10, Toronto Waterfront 10K | No Comments

by Paul Gains

Among the 6,500 runners expected for the 2023 Under Armour Toronto 10K (June 17th) – the third stop on the 2023 Canada Running Series – Tristan Woodfine is the favourite. It’s a situation with which he appears entirely comfortable.

Considering the ups and downs he has faced the past two years, clearly he is back in the form which saw him beat the 2020 Tokyo Olympic qualifying standard in the 2021 London Marathon (2:10:51) only to be bumped from a potential Canadian team spot at the eleventh hour when Cam Levins ran 37 seconds faster.

Last fall the 29-year old – he turns 30 the day after the Toronto race – set a personal best at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon with his 62:42 clocking and more recently a personal best in the Valencia 10km (29:06). In the latter race he felt prepared to go much faster.

“There was a huge pileup and a bunch of people went down,” he recalls. “Luckily, I didn’t go down but I got caught up with people having gone down. The first few hundred meters was a complete crap show.

“There was a big group of guys running under 29-minute pace. I was about 10 seconds back at the first kilometre and missed running with the group. It would have been perfect to be in that group. Nevertheless, it was still a PB and you can never be upset about that.”

Now he looks forward to a fast time in Toronto. Although he denies lingering emotional effects from the Olympic campaign – an appeal was denied by Athletics Canada – it must have been a catastrophic moment in his running career.

“It was very disappointing at the time,” says Woodfine. “It’s tough when it’s not as simple as in the US where the top three (from the trials) go. The subjective criteria make it tougher to handle because it’s not cut and dried. I got over it and used it as motivation to train hard. The last couple of years I have just been plagued by little problems physically. Emotionally things have been great.”

After completing his paramedic studies at the Ontario Health and Technology College he put his selected vocation on hold recognizing that the energy level required for long shifts as a paramedic was not conducive to his running career. Now he is earning money with an online coaching program. At present he has about a dozen clients.

“That has taken off the past couple of years. It’s nice,” he reveals. “You are helping people achieve their goals in running. It’s a nice complement to the training you need to do for a marathon.”

Woodfine credits two-time Canadian Olympic marathoner, Reid Coolsaet, with his improvements the past year. The pair had occasionally trained together in Guelph when Coolsaet was with Speed River Track Club.

“Yes we have been working together almost a year now. It has been great. He has so much knowledge and experience in the sport which is really helpful when you are trying to navigate qualifying for the Olympics,” Woodfine explains. “He’s been there and done that. I have had a half marathon PB and a 10k PB since working with him.”

As it happens Coolsaet will also be running the Under Armour Toronto 10K along with ten of his running clients including Woodfine.

Although he is focused on trail running and not the roads where he had so much success the now 43-year-old Hamilton resident has a booming coaching business which he calls ‘Coolsaet Go’ a play on the ‘ready, set, go’ mantra. Asked his expectations this Saturday he laughs.

“Probably the least expectation I have had of a race for years just because I haven’t done any workouts on the roads,” he replies laughing.

“All my efforts have been on the trails. And, I am just coming back from an injury and getting ready for upcoming trail races. I don’t really have a clue. I have been feeling pretty good the last few weeks – I would like to break 33 minutes.”

Coolsaet’s uncertainty sets up a potential challenge with 2015 Pan Am Games marathon bronze medalist, Rachel Hannah, who is keen to put behind her the disappointment of the recent national 10k championships in Ottawa. There she was clipped from behind and fell heavily to the pavement. That cost her almost a full week’s training.

“Potentially, I think a really good day would be 33 something,” Hannah says of her target. “That would be my ‘A’ goal. It would be awesome to run under 34.

“I am focusing more on the 10k distance because it does help my fall marathon. I will start another marathon build in July.”

Hannah, who set a new Glass City Marathon (Toledo) course record in April laughs at Coolsaet’s assertion he hopes to break 33 minutes. “Maybe Reid is underselling himself. I imagine he will run faster than that,” she says laughing.

In addition to her work as a dietician at the University of Guelph’s Health and Performance Centre – she commutes from her home in Port Elgin, Ontario once or twice a week preferring to work remotely – Hannah has been working at the McMaster University’s David Bradley Centre also.

Along with 5 Canadian titles to her credit at distances from 5k to the marathon Hannah, who recently became engaged, can point to a personal best 10k of 33:08 and 32:36.17 on the track.

This is the first year of Under Armour’s title partnership, following title partnerships of the Eastside 10K in Vancouver (2017 – present) and the Spring Run-Off in Toronto (2020 – 2022). The fast course along Toronto’s scenic waterfront is sure to provide the field with a fine opportunity for quick times.

For the complete start list, click here.

 

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About Canada Running Series

Canada Running Series is the nation’s premier running circuit with seven events: four in Toronto, two in Vancouver and one in Montreal. It annually attracts over 70,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 mostly local charities. The Series includes the World Athletics Elite Label TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1999, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization.

We are passionately committed to staging great experiences for runners of all levels, from Canadian Olympians and international stars to healthy lifestyle people and charity runners, and to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process. Our mission is “building community through the sport of running.” More info: https://canadarunningseries.com/

 

For media access on race day, please contact Bonnie Taylor at media@canadarunningseries.com or call 647-401-0974.

Jun 07 2023
0

New, inclusive prizing to be introduced beginning with the 2023 Under Armour Toronto 10K

By | Elite Athletes, Toronto Waterfront 10, Toronto Waterfront 10K | No Comments

Canada Running Series is excited to announce the addition of new Open Prize categories at this year’s remaining events, beginning with the Under Armour Toronto 10K on June 17th, 2023. The events will be expanding cash prize eligibility to the Top 3 Men, Women and Non-Binary finishers. This prize money will be separate from the existing Canadian Men’s & Women’s prizing designated for elite athletes competing in the Athletics Canada Label races.

This is just the next step in an ongoing effort to make CRS events more inclusive experiences. In 2018, CRS began receiving feedback from participants looking for more inclusive gender options on registration forms.  In collaboration with Race Roster, MaxVO2, and The 519, we introduced two additional gender options for all CRS events – Non-binary and Prefer not to disclose – that were much more inclusive than the traditional Male & Female options.  

Since then, participants have been encouraged to participate as they identify when signing up for Canada Running Series events. Hundreds of events across the country and beyond have since enabled this same option on their Race Roster registration forms.  

In addition to being able to select more inclusive gender options, CRS also began providing Age Category prizing at all of our Canada Running Series events back in 2018 for the 3 gender categories awarding top 3 men, women and non-binary athletes in each 5-year age group. 

Additional awards and prizing details for Canada Running Series events can be found here.