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MAY 20, 2001 RUNNING REPORT
ELISABETH RUEL – DEDICATION SPELLS IMPROVEMENT
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By looking at Canadian results in major races last year, you might be tempted to say that a new runner has just emerged on the scene. Elisabeth Ruel’s accomplishments in the past 12 months stand out as she has claimed what few Canadians can claim. Elisabeth Ruel won the Marine Corps Marathon last year in a time of 2:47:45. The race was the 25th Anniversary of this Fall marathon that claims to be The People’s Race. Winning the race was such a thrill for Ruel, not only because the race was the Silver Anniversary, and not only because it was the first time a Canadian won this popular race, but also because she lead basically the whole way and was being cheered on by tremendous crowds. The experience was very uplifting. Before that memorable race, Ruel’s major accomplishment was when she broke 3 hours for the marathon when she raced to a 3rd place finish in Niagara Falls in 1999. To follow up on her great performance in Washington, Ruel trained hard during the winter time, and was ready at the starting line of the oldest race on the continent, Hamilton Around the Bay. This race, steeped in tradition, is older than Boston and has seen many great runners on its course. The race is also one of the last 30 km race in the world. As this year’s race was held in one of those cold and windy conditions, the race was particularly tough. She was running a strategic race in company of Véronique Vandersmissen, last year’s winner of the race. Through the early sections, they ran in a group, with Ruel being slightly hesitant as she was not too sure of how her minor injuries would react to the pace. When they started hitting the rolling hills in the last third of the race, Danuta Bartoszek was still leading. With her determination, Ruel caught Bartoszek and left Vandersmissen behind to win the race. The year 2000 was Elisabeth’s best year in her running career. However, her running career is not that old. Ruel has been running for fitness and pleasure only for about 5 years. She completed her first marathon in 1996 just for the fun of it. Only in the past 2 years has she really started getting serious and started dedicating more of her time to running. She joined a running club, Montreal Olympic under the tutelage of Sylvain Lavallée and also runs with training partners as part of the Club de course Boréal. She was also able to get Saucony as a sponsor. The improved guidance, the motivating team environment and the increased discipline to focus on the right training has permitted Ruel to move towards her peak performance. The training she does to achieve this performance includes up to 125 km of running per week with a long run and two high intensity sessions. Under the guidance of a coach, she has been able to also get more out of her training regiment. The renewed dedication to running has translated into improved performances. All her best time have been achieved in the last year. In 2000, she ran her best 10 K in Montreal in 35:49. She set her PB at the Marine Corps marathon. She ran the Vermont half-marathon in 1:22:19 to set a PB at the time. This Spring, she set a new PB for the half-marathon when she placed 2nd behind Isabelle Ledroit at the ScotiaBank Ottawa Half-Marathon in a time of 1:20:30. This last performance was important to Ruel as it now confirmed her spot for the Francophone Games held in Ottawa in July. She had already qualified with her win at Marine Corps, but she had to show fitness by running a half-marathon under 1:26. Not a problem. Elisabeth Ruel is a perfect example of what dedication can achieve. From being a recreational runner, she has
reached the upper echelon of road running in Canada. She has had to make some sacrifices as her
job as a speech therapist keeps her quite busy. She also ensures that she takes care of family, friends and her
big loveable dog; everything else currently plays second fiddle to running. The results speak for themselves. |
TANIA JONES ON HER LONDON MARATHON EXPERIENCE
Tania Jones competed oversees as she ran the London Marathon on April 23. She reports back from the race:
I have returned from a successful race at the London marathon. I was the top North American - placing 19th
in the women's field. My time of
2:39.10 is a one minute improvement over my previous best time. This race also provided the unique
opportunity to run against one of the best women's marathon fields ever
assembled which included the current world record holder and the silver &
bronze medalists from the Sydney Olympics.
The people of London have created an exceptional event. The 30,000+ marathon runners cover 26 miles
of road lined with cheering and supportive fans. I found the roar of the crowd deafening (& motivating) as I
passed over the Thames on the Tower Bridge at half way and in the Mall near the
finish at Buckingham Palace.
Tania Jones was not the only Canadian in the race. Bruce Raymer and Oliver Utting both participated and placed 37th and 38th with times of 2:25:56 and 2:26:51.
The Garden City 10K is one of Victoria’s most popular races. The race was held on April 29 and attracted some fast Kenyan athletes. Bruce Deacon was the first male Canadian coming in 4th position. In the female race, Masters runner Nancy Tinari was the first Canadian in 2nd place.
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Male |
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Female |
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1. Jackson Koech (KEN) |
29:27 |
Jackline Torori (KEN) |
34:06 |
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2. Benson Ogato (KEN) |
29:53 |
Nancy Tinari |
34:50 |
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3. Gilbert Koech (KEN) |
30:32 |
Krystyna Pieczulis (POL) |
34:54 |
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4. Bruce Deacon |
30:55 |
Lucy Smith |
35:08 |
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5. Graham Cocksedge |
31:05 |
Tatiana Salazar (USA) |
35:41 |
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6. James Finlayson |
31:44 |
Barbora Brych |
35:49 |
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7. Byron Wood |
31:49 |
Sephanie Mills |
36:32 |
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8. Paddy McCluskey |
32:05 |
Kate O’Connor |
36:56 |
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Masters |
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1. Ken Bell |
34:08 |
Nancy Tinari |
34:50 |
GRAEME FELL RACES IN CARLSBAD 5000
Masters runner Graeme Fell showed is showing his speed again this year as he race in Carlsbad, CA in this prestigious 5 K race. He placed 3rd Masters in a speedy 14:35.
CANADIANS IN OHIO
The Cleveland Marathon is a popular destination for Canadians looking to do a marathon in the States in the Spring. This year, though there were two marathons in Cleveland one week apart, the established race was held on April 29. Carolyne Silvey placed 8th in the women’s race in a time of 3:06:35. In the men’s race, Jason Warick was 10th in a time of 2:30:07.
ED WHITLOCK CONTINUES SETTING RECORDS
Ed Whitlock, the 70-year old phenomenon continues setting records now that he has just joined a new age category. On April 21, Whitlock ran the Greater Buffalo Track Club Half-Marathon in 1:22:23 to set a world age group record for the 70-74 age category. A few weeks later, in his attempt to be the first 70+ runner to complete a marathon in under 3 hours, Whitlock ran the London, ON marathon on May 13 in 3:00:24. Though he missed his goal by just a few seconds, he still set the age world record.
The reputation of the Vancouver Sun Run grows every year. This well organized race that attracts some of the best runners in the world also attracts the masses. Over 45,000 runners participated in this year’s run that was held on April 22. As in the past few years, such a prestigious race was won by Kenyans as they won the men and the women’s race. Canadians still showed great form as both Sean Kaley and Bruce Deacon went under 30 minutes for the 10K race. In the women’s race, Isabelle Ledroit was the top Canadians, followed by Canada’s top Masters runner Nancy Tinari. Graeme Fell was the top Masters runner as he almost dipped under 30 minutes with his 30:09.
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Male |
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Female |
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1. James Koskei (KEN) |
28:07 |
Sally Barsosio (KEN) |
33:04 |
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2. Evans Rutto (KEN) |
28:08 |
Jackline Torori (KEN) |
33:26 |
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3. Jackson Koech (KEN) |
28:10 |
Isabelle Ledroit |
33:57 |
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4. Benson Ogato (KEN) |
28:10 |
Nancy Tinari |
34:44 |
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5. Gilbert Koech (KEN) |
29:04 |
Lucy Smith |
35:01 |
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6. Sean Kaley |
29:21 |
Linda Hayle (USA) |
35:25 |
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7. Bruce Deacon |
29:53 |
Kari McKay (USA) |
35:32 |
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8. Peter Cardle |
30:02 |
Alyson Decker (USA) |
35:55 |
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9. Graham Cocksedge |
30:03 |
Stephanie Mills |
36:20 |
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10. Craig Dickson |
30:03 |
Darcie Montgomery |
36:24 |
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Masters |
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1. Graeme Fell |
30:09 |
Nancy Tinari |
34:44 |
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2. Rob Lonergan |
31:19 |
Cindy Rhodes |
37:41 |
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3. Rick Hickson (USA) |
33:09 |
Leslie Black |
37:57 |
This slightly downhill 10K is a favorite of many runners in the Toronto area. It is part of the Canada Running Series organized by Runners Choice. Kenyans are always present at this fast race which was held on May 6th this year. Kenyans took top honours in the female and male races. Fraser Bertram used the race as a tune up for his Ottawa marathon attempt and come in as the top Canadian in 5th place. Isabelle Ledroit continued to show great form as she close to the Kenyans and came in 3rd. Clive Hamilton was the top Masters, while one of the Puntous twins, Sylviane, was top female Masters.
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Male |
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Female |
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1. Benson Ogato (KEN) |
28:23 |
Edna Kiplagat (KEN) |
32:13 |
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2. Gilbert Koech (KEN) |
28:23 |
Jackline Torori (KEN) |
33:28 |
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3. Joseph Nderitu (KEN) |
28:45 |
Isabelle Ledroit |
33:32 |
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4. Julius Gwako (KEN) |
29:22 |
Lioudmila Kortchaguina |
33:50 |
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5. Fraser Bertram |
30:06 |
Danuta Bartoszek |
33:55 |
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6. Kyle McLean |
30:08 |
Kim Webb |
35:46 |
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7. Christian Marmen |
30:32 |
Sylviane Puntous |
36:48 |
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8. Charles Bedley |
30:42 |
Patricia Puntous |
36:49 |
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9. Stephane Gamache |
31:01 |
May Allison |
36:57 |
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10. Hassan Barason |
31:08 |
Jennifer Cooper |
37:20 |
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Masters |
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1. Clive Hamilton |
31:28 |
Sylviane Puntous |
36:48 |
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2. John Holliday |
31:55 |
Patricia Puntous |
36:49 |
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3. Peter Drake |
32:50 |
Faith Nesdoly |
38:04 |
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL
MARATHON
The Vancouver Marathon held on May 6th is growing in international reputation as winners came from Ethiopia and the United States. In the men’s race, the winner Ulrich Steidl ran the race in under 2:19. In the women’s race, Ethiopian Leteyesus Berhe ran to a 2:45:51.
Marathon
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Female |
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Male |
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1. Leteyesus Berhe (ETH) |
2:45:51 |
Ulrich Steidl (USA) |
2:18:56 |
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2. Krystyna Pieczulis (POL) |
2:46:04 |
Charles Subano (KEN) |
2:19:43 |
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3. Joan McGrath |
2:49:56 |
Jaime Portillo (MEX) |
2:20:34 |
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4. Mindy Schmidt (USA) |
2:52:40 |
Fidel Hernandez (USA) |
2:23:12 |
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5. Karen Grabau (USA) |
2:55:42 |
Cathal O’Connell |
2:29:05 |
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6. Akiko Misawa (JAP) |
2:56:26 |
Paddy McCluskey |
2:29:21 |
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Masters |
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1. Sheila Dorman |
3:12:04 |
Phil Meagher |
2:37:00 |
Half-Marathon
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Female |
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Male |
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1. Tracy Shymko |
1:24:18 |
John Hill (USA) |
1:09:12 |
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2. Krista Johnstone |
1:26:06 |
Anthony Skuce |
1:13:31 |
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3. Rachel Brown |
1:26:14 |
Steve Cathcart (USA) |
1:14:05 |
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Masters |
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1. Leslie Black |
1:27:02 |
Rob Reid |
1:16:09 |
MASTERS IN WASHINGTON
Canada’s top Masters showed their form in the US on May 6th as Nancy Tinari and Graeme Fell ran in the well known and popular Lilac Bloomsday 12K held in Spokane, WA. Fell was the first Masters in 37:16, while Tinari was 2nd Masters in 42:58.
RESULTS
April 22 – Run
for Reach, Ottawa
5K – M1. Michael Gallagher – 16:13; F1. Stacey Chye – 19:04
10K
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Male |
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Female |
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1. Kirk Dillabaugh |
33:14 |
Sheila Kealey |
38:55 |
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2. Berry De Bruijn |
33:27 |
Marian Coke |
39:22 |
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3. Chad Pawson |
33:50 |
Patricia McDougall |
40:12 |
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Masters |
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1. Harry Welten |
34:20 |
Patricia McDougall |
40:12 |
April 22 – St.
John’s Ambulance Marathon, Burlington, ON
Half – M1. Dan Major – 1:14:37; F1. Kristina Rody – 1:26:24
Marathon – M1. Jeff Beech – 2:41:25; Margaret Watson – 3:11:57
April 28 – Physiotherapy
Run, Ottawa
10K – M1. Bruce McNicoll – 35:27; F1. Joyce Burghardt – 37:20
5K
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Male |
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Female |
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1. Francois Menard |
16:34 |
Sarah Dillabaugh |
17:03 |
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2. Harry Welten |
16:38 |
Jaqueline Sandoz |
18:30 |
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3. Larry Squires |
16:47 |
Angela Plamondon |
18:45 |
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Masters |
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1. Harry Welten |
16:38 |
Gail Walton |
21:00 |
April 29 – Kingston
Half-Marathon, Kingston, ON
5K
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Male |
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Female |
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1. Tim Blackwell |
15:49 |
Paula Wiltse |
18:26 |
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2. Michael Gallagher |
16:01 |
Erin Hannah |
18:45 |
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3. Randy Zab |
16:24 |
Rachel Joyce |
19:10 |
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Masters |
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1. Al Cantlay |
17:39 |
Karen Christie |
20:10 |
Half-marathon
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Male |
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Female |
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1. Shawn Brady |
1:09:46 |
Seanna Robinson |
1:22:00 |
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2. Peter Doyle |
1:13:26 |
Nancy Morrison |
1:22:57 |
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3. Mike Neill |
1:13:28 |
Ann Marie Foley |
1:30:10 |
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Masters |
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1. Patrick Turner |
1:19:56 |
Nancy Morrison |
1:22:57 |
April 29 – Legacy 5K, Markham, ON
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Male |
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Female |
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1. John Holliday |
16:02 |
Angie Graham |
18:13 |
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2. Jerry Kooymans |
16:09 |
Faith Nesdoly |
19:27 |
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3. Paul Craig |
16:13 |
Stephanie Smith |
20:40 |
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Masters |
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1. John Holliday |
16:02 |
Faith Nesdoly |
19:27 |
May 5 – Confederation
Park 8K, Hamilton, ON
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Male |
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Female |
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1. Benson Ogato (KEN) |
24:51 |
Nicola Wilberforce |
29:09 |
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2. Shane Lavell |
25:55 |
Adela Flista |
29:55 |
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3. Michael Bown |
26:42 |
Karen MacKenzie |
30:40 |
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Masters |
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1. Peter Drake |
27:12 |
Karen MacKenzie |
30:40 |
May 6 – Edmonton
Festival Marathon, Edmonton, AB
With the World Championships coming in August, a few athletes used this marathon to test out the course. The full Japanese male team and one female Japanese showed that they are serious about Edmonton as they placed top 5 male and top female.
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Male |
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Female |
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1. Kenichi Takahashi (JAP) |
2:18:35 |
Takami Ominami (JAP) |
2:51:59 |
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2. Ryuji Takei (JAP) |
2:25:04 |
Terra Giggey |
3:02:46 |
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3. Takayuki Nishida (JAP) |
2:26:02 |
Fariyal Samson |
3:12:02 |
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Masters |
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1. Stefan Fekner |
2:43:12 |
Joan Cochrane |
3:18:44 |
May 6 – Sooke River 10K, Victoria, BC
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Male |
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Female |
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1. Rob Harmsworth |
33:53 |
Kathy Rung |
38:27 |
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2. Alex Coffin |
34:16 |
Catherine Gill |
38:55 |
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3. Steven Royer |
34:32 |
Charlene Waldner |
39:04 |
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Masters |
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1. Andreas Mehl |
35:15 |
Julie Langelo |
40:25 |
May 6 – Fredericton
Marathon, Fredericton, NB
M1. Chris Brake – 3:03:26; F1. Jennifer Hoyt – 3:43:40
May 13 – Forest City
Marathon/10K, London, ON
Marathon
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Female |
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Male |
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1. Vikki McKane |
3:06:08 |
Jeff Martin |
2:37:51 |
10K
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Female |
|
Male |
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