A week after a second place finish in New York, Nina Günther moved up a spot to take the win yesterday in the open women’s race at the Capital XC Challenge. The former Gee-Gee runner kept the visiting Queen’s Gaels from a complete sweep of the podium with her victory. Günther bested Lauren Lowther by more than six seconds to win in a time of 23 minutes and 13.45 seconds on the six kilometre course.
Running for Queen’s, Elizabeth Vroom placed fourth in the 36 runner field with a time of 23:55.11. The top runner for the Gee-Gees was Melina Hamel in 21st, while Bryn Reyonds was first across the line for the Carleton Ravens in 26th.
Like Günther, the Gee-Gee’s André Alie-Lamarche found his way back on the podium as well this week. Following his win at St. Lawrence, Alie-Lamarche placed third behind the Queen’s Gaels’ duo of Miles Brackenbury and Jude Wheeler-Dee. André crossed the finish line of the six kilometre course in a time of 18 minutes and 52.45 seconds, about just a few strides back of silver.
David Birinberg of the Ravens was his team’s top finisher, crossing in 21:05.29 for 22nd place.
Friday’s high school section saw a number of Lions ascend the podium. Joceyln Giannotti and Grace Streek finished second and third respectively in the varsity girls four kilometre race. Kyra Lauter took top spot in the junior varsity race.
On the boy’s side, it was a clean sweep in the varsity section with Noah Smith of Immaculata taking top spot. Following next were training partners Matteo Padoin-Castillo and Cohen Kaye. Charlie Mortimer was the boys junior varsity champion.
Elsewhere in cross country action, Maddie Seaby made her NCAA debut for the Louisville Cardinals as she placed 73rd in the Live in Lou XC Classic. At the North Carolina Open/Masters XC Championships, Gilles Frenette placed second in the 45-49 category and tenth overall.
Full results from the Capital XC Challenge and a link to photos are available at https://ottawalions.com/results/2023-results/