The Capital XC Challenge unfolded on a beautiful sunny fall day at Mooney’s Bay Park, where leaves painted in autumn colours framed the course. More than 250 athletes took to the start line, each aiming to be the first across the track finish of one of Canada’s most unique and demanding layouts. The 6km route tested competitors with two punishing stretches along the 450-metre beach sand and two climbs up the park’s signature hill, a four-storey ascent squeezed into just 60 metres.
Laval’s Rouge et Or emerged with both team titles, extending their dominance in U SPORTS cross country. It was a nail-biter in the women’s standings, with Laval edging Queen’s by just two points, while on the men’s side the Rouge et Or pulled clear for a comfortable 27-point victory over RSEQ rival Sherbrooke Vert et Or.
Vroom Leads Queen’s to Silver Finish
Leading the Queen’s Gaels to within two points of the team title, fourth-year standout Elizabeth Vroom narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in 22:39.20. The former U SPORTS Rookie of the Year ran aggressively from the gun, leading through the opening lap before sitting in third on the final circuit. Vroom was eventually overtaken by Montreal’s Victoria LeBlanc in the last 500 metres, conceding bronze by just three seconds. Rookie Tessa Knight also impressed, placing 37th in 24:29.40.
For the University of Ottawa, Zoe Gardiner led the way. The McGill transfer and first-year medical student placed ninth overall in 23:05.70. Rounding out the Gee-Gees scorers were Merissa Anderton (60th), Daphnée Houde (66th), Sophia McIntyre (71st), and Ciara Villeneuve (72nd). Notably, Houde, McIntyre, and Villeneuve are all in their first year of study.
Carleton’s top performer was Sarah Gross, who finished 51st in 25:03.30.
Mortimer Breaks Through
High school senior Charlie Mortimer stepped up from the junior ranks and proved he belonged against university competition following his seventh place finish. The Hillcrest student crossed the line in 19:06.50, less than six seconds shy of the top five, signaling strong form ahead of his bid for the OFSAA title later this fall.
For the Gee-Gees, Ben Pascali was the top scorer, placing 17th in 19:25.50. Teammates Nathaniel Sneyd (48th, 20:02.40), Max Wilson (55th), William McLeish (63rd), and Zachary Sikka (66th) rounded out the scoring five.
Queen’s rookie Saul Taler contributed to the Gaels’ third-place team finish with a 24th-place showing in 19:37.10. Carleton’s best was first-year student Duncan Gray, who placed 80th in 21:03.50.
Mansouri and Lauter Top High School Races
The Lions also enjoyed success in the high school events at Friday’s Gryphon Open. Noah Mansouri claimed the men’s 5km title in 16:11.60, with clubmate Owen Recoskie taking third in 16:40.20. On the girls’ side, Kyra Lauter topped the field, winning in 18:43.80.