Toronto – Lanni Marchant of London, Ont., broke the women’s Canadian marathon record today at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Marchant crossed the finish line in 2:27:58, dipping below Silvia Ruegger’s performance of 2:28:36 set in 1985.
Marchant was one when Ruegger set that mark. “The weather was perfect, the day was perfect. Both Krista and I ran perfect. I am ecstatic right now,” said Lanni after the race. She added, “I think Silvia Ruegger was ready for Canadian women to take that jump and set a new record.”
Krista DuChene of Brantford, Ont., also ran below Ruegger’s mark as she finished in a personal best of 2:28:29. “It’s ideal – someone right beside you pushing you. It’s phenomenal for women in this sport. I have no regrets, I left everything out there,” said DuChene. Natasha Wodak of Port Moody, B.C., ran an impressive 2:35:16 in her marathon debut.
Eric Gillis of Antigonish, N.S., was the top Canadian male in 2:11:47 with Rob Watson of London, Ont., setting a personal best of 2:13:27. “I felt like the (men’s Canadian) record was achievable up to 30K. Around 34K I just wanted a personal best,” said Gillis after the race.
The great day for Canadian women’s distance running wasn’t reserved to Toronto. Leslie Sexton of London, Ont., won the Columbus Half Marathon in 1:13:13, a personal best by over two minutes.
Top Canadians at Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
WOMEN
Lanni Marchant – 2:27:58 CR
Krista DuChene – 2:28:30 PB
Natasha Wodak – 2:35:16 PB
MEN
Eric Gillis – 2:11:47
Rob Watson – 2:13:27 PB
