The 2014 Canadian 10k Championships and Timex National Road Race Series Finale take place Saturday in Toronto, Ont., as part of the Canada Running Series Oasis Zoo Run.
The women’s field is particularly stacked, starting with Canadian marathon record holder, and defending champion in the 10k championship, Lanni Marchant of London, Ont. Joining Marchant at the start line are Rachel Hannah of Toronto, Ont., and Rachel Cliff of Vancouver, B.C., who finished second and third respectively at the Canadian 5k Championships on September 7. Victoria Coates of Newmarket, Ont., (fourth at the 5k Championships), Catherine Watkins of Vancouver, B.C., (fifth at the 5k Championships), and Kim Doerksen of Gibson, B.C., (2014 BMO Vancouver Marathon winner) will ensure the 2014 women’s 10k Championship is one of the most competitive in recent history. Also in the field is Lioudmila Kortchaguina of Thornhill, Ont.; she took bronze in the championship last year.
Eric Gillis of Antigonish, N.S., leads the way in the men’s elite field. Gillis, who lives and trains in Guelph, Ont., represented Canada at the 2012 Olympic Games in the marathon. Gillis finished second in the event last season. Sami Jibril of Toronto, Ont., won bronze at the 5k Championships and placed sixth at the 2013 10k championship.
The Timex Series Finale will see athletes from seven provinces battle it out for individual and provincial team championship titles.
For more information on the Oasis Zoo Run visit http://www.canadarunningseries.com/zoorun/.
-AC-