Copyright Brian Rouble/Shuttered Moments

Cassidy and Rushworth Claim Victories in Toronto; Sneddon Fifth in Stittsville

by linkinbioLocal

Ottawa Lions athletes were in action across Ontario this past weekend, taking on two of the province’s most popular fall road races — the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Stittsville’s 9 Run Run.

Canada’s fastest marathoner ever, Joshua Cassidy, made his return to racing at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon, trading his usual marathon distance for the shorter challenge as he continues to recover from a rotator cuff injury.

The veteran wheelchair racer proved untouchable, capturing victory in 48 minutes and 30 seconds, finishing more than an hour ahead of the next competitor.

Afterward, Cassidy reflected on the effort on Instagram, noting it was a “gorgeous warm and very windy morning” and that while his “shoulder felt good,” he’s “still gaining strength endurance back,” adding that “the half marathon was a good start.”

Just six weeks after winning the Rimouski Marathon in 2:39:31, Salome Nyirarukundo returned to the marathon start line in Toronto. The Ottawa Lions record holder ran strongly through halfway in 1:15:49, but was forced to withdraw shortly after the midpoint.

Also in Toronto, Terry Rushworth continued his strong season on the roads, claiming top spot in the men’s 50–54 category of the half marathon. Rushworth crossed the finish line in 1:20:31, placing 71st overall among men.

Closer to home, Lions masters athletes took to the streets of Stittsville for the annual 9 Run Run community event.

Jay Sneddon placed fifth overall in the 10km, clocking 36:22 — just 27 seconds shy of the podium. The race marked Sneddon’s first 10km appearance in 18 months following a year-long injury absence between May 2024 and May 2025.

In the 5km race, Kyle Fraser turned in a solid effort of 19:06 to secure sixth place overall.

(Canton, United States---21 September 2024) Andre Alie-Lamarche of Ottawa Lions TF Clubcompeting at the Ronald C Hoffman XC Invitational on the campus of St Lawrence University 2024 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Alie-Lamarche Claims Army Run 5km Title as Lions Excel on the Roads

by linkinbioLocalMasters

Downtown Ottawa played host to the annual Canada Army Run on Sunday, and it was André Alie-Lamarche who stole the spotlight. The University of Ottawa graduate broke the tape in the 5km, clocking 15 minutes, 23 seconds to claim both the overall win and the M25–29 title, leading a series of podium finishes for the Lions.

Lions Crowd the Podium in 5km

A number of Lions followed Alie-Lamarche’s lead, particularly the club’s younger athletes. Noah Mansouri took top honours in the M15–19 division with a time of 16:29, followed closely by teammates Brody Charbot (2nd, 16:51) and Dean Kontogiannis (3rd, 16:53). Charbot’s performance also vaulted him to #3 on the Club’s all-time U16 rankings.

In the boys’ 14-and-under race, Jaiden Taft claimed the win in 17:38, while Lilah Saibil topped the girls’ division in 19:47 and established a new U14 club record in the process.

Rounding out the age-group podiums, Stephen Robinson placed 2nd in the M25–29 division at 16:34, while Jay Sneddon (3rd, M30–34, 18:05), Terry Rushworth (3rd, M50–54, 19:53), and masters runner Barbara Saville (2nd, F60–64, 22:09) all added medals to the Lions’ haul.

Lions Stretch Their Success to 10km and Half

Success was not limited to the shorter distance with a number of Lions featuring in longer events. Hazel Pritchard captured the F14-and-under 10km crown, finishing in 51:17. Her result moves her to second spot on the Club’s all-time U14 list.

In the half marathon, Adam Yakimchuk topped the M15–19 division with a time of 1:23:21, with teammate Olivier Young joining him on the podium in 2nd at 1:24:04. Young’s result also places him #3 all-time on the Lions U18 rankings.

Masters Shine in Berlin

While the Army Run was the focus at home, two Lions were making their mark abroad at the Berlin Marathon, one of the sport’s six World Marathon Majors. Liz Maguire ran 3:25:02 to place 11th in the women’s 55–59 category, while Robert Muir clocked 3:18:09 for 101st in the men’s 55–59. Both results secured coveted qualifying standards for next spring’s Boston Marathon, adding an international highlight to a strong weekend for the club.

(Ottawa, Canada---16 July 2025) Wendy Alexis. Ottawa Summer Twilight Meet Seven. Photograph Copyright 2025 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Records Fall as Alexis and Cazabon Lead the Way at Twilight #8

by linkinbioLocal

The penultimate Ottawa Summer Twilight Meet of the season delivered another round of fireworks before the Canadian Track and Field Championships arrive at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility this week. Headlining the evening was none other than Wendy Alexis, who continues to redefine what’s possible in masters sprinting.

The 70-year-old Alexis once again lowered her own W70 world record in the 100 metres, stopping the clock in 14.44 seconds—shaving a tenth of a second off the 14.54 mark she set just 12 days earlier. It marks the third time this season Alexis has rewritten the record, having now taken 26 hundredths off the 14.70 standard that stood at the season’s outset.

Not to be outdone, rising star Maxime Cazabon etched his name into the club’s history books with a record-breaking performance in the triple jump. The soon-to-be Grade 10 student became the first U16 boy in club history to surpass the 13-metre barrier, soaring 13.14 metres with a legal tailwind of 2.0 m/s. His leap eclipsed the previous club U16 record of 12.89m, set by Victor Chan at the 2009 Canadian Legion Championships.

There was more success in the triple jump pit as Atalia Williams joined the record books, cracking the 10-metre mark for the first time in her career. Her 10.03m effort moves her to ninth on the all-time club list for U16 girls.

In total, 23 personal bests were recorded across Wednesday night’s competition, setting the stage for a high-powered showing at this week’s national championships.

(Ottawa, Canada---12 June 2024) Youth Program athletes competing at Ottawa Summer Twilight Meet #2 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Copyright 2024 Miles Ryan Rowat / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Bell Let’s Move! Youth Fun Fest Set for August 2 at Canadian Championships

by linkinbioLocal

The Ottawa Lions are thrilled to host the Bell Let’s Move! Youth Fun Fest as part of the 2025 Bell Canadian Track and Field Championships. Introduced at last year’s Olympic Trials, Bell Let’s Move! is a initiative aimed at promoting health and fitness by encouraging Canadian youth to get active through the sport of track and field.

The headline event of the Fun Fest will be a free Youth Pentathlon, running Saturday, August 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Open to kids ages 7 to 12, the pentathlon will include five fun and fast-paced events: 60m mini hurdles, 100m, 400m, long jump, and shot put.

Spots are limited and registration is required. Secure your place at:
🔗 Bell Let’s Move! Youth Fun Fest Registration

Held during the mid-day track break of the Canadian Championships, the Bell Let’s Move! Youth Fun Fest offers a unique opportunity for young athletes to get involved right on the championship track. Following the pentathlon, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., participants will be invited to a special meet-and-greet, autograph session, and Q&A with Olympians — an unforgettable chance to connect with Canada’s best.

All registered participants will receive free admission to the Saturday evening session of the Canadian Championships. Parents and guardians will also be offered a 15% discount code for general admission.

Join us in inspiring the next generation of track and field stars. Let’s get moving!

(Ottawa, Canada---11 July 2025) Sydney Smith competes in Ottawa Summer Twilight Meet #6 & CTFL Final at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Copyright 2025 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

CTFL Final Delivers World Record, Club Top-10s, and Nationals Standards

by linkinbioLocalMasters

The Canadian Track and Field League (CTFL) Final, held in conjunction with the sixth meet of Ottawa’s Summer Twilight Series on Friday night, delivered a string of standout performances, including a world record, multiple personal bests, and national championship qualifiers.

Headlining the results was once again Wendy Alexis, who continues to redefine the limits in masters sprinting. The veteran runner shattered her own world record in the W70 100 metres, clocking 14.54 seconds—an improvement on her previous mark of 14.64 set earlier this season. Alexis came heartbreakingly close to rewriting the record books two weeks ago with a 14.51 effort, only to see the wind reading come in at 2.1 m/s, just above the allowable limit. She’ll look to lower the mark even further next month at the Canadian Masters Championships in Laval, QC.

The 800 metres proved particularly fruitful for Lions athletes. Fresh off her fourth consecutive Ontario title, Sydney Smith capped off her week with a tactical win in the CTFL final, crossing the line in 2:05.09. Holding back through the early stages, Smith surged past Royal City’s Sadie-Jane Hickson over the final 200 metres to take the victory.

Sixteen-year-old Ellie McGregor continued her breakout summer with a personal best 2:09.38—nearly two seconds faster than her previous mark—to place fifth overall. She was followed closely by Brooklyn McCormick, whose 2:10.63 was just shy of the lifetime best she set the night before in Toronto (2:10.46).

On the men’s side, Safwan El Mansari finally got the breakthrough he’d been chasing all season. The University of Ottawa student chopped more than half a second off his indoor PB to clock 1:51.81, good for sixth in a tightly contested final and a move from 10th to 7th on the Club’s U20 all-time list.

Also climbing the Club rankings was Jocelyn Giannotti. The University of Guelph runner has dropped a remarkable 10.5 seconds from her 1500m personal best so far this summer, most recently stopping the clock at 4:31.75.

At even longer distances, 18-year-old Daniel Cova made an impressive debut over 5000 metres, finishing fifth in 15:02.13. The time moves him to fifth all-time in the Club’s U20 rankings and meets the qualifying standard for this summer’s Canadian Championships. Teammate Derek Strachan also dipped under the standard, placing seventh overall in 15:20.66.

In the CTFL 400m hurdles final, David Moulongou recorded his fastest time in two years, finishing fifth in 52.29 seconds—just a second behind Jamaican winner Sean Kalawan. Moulongou’s time ties him for seventh on the Club’s all-time list with Stuart Pearson.

In field events, Jessica Gyamfi continued her winning ways, claiming top honours in the CTFL shot put final with a best of 13.25 metres. In the men’s competition, Liam Davis led the field with a throw of 15.10 metres. Meanwhile, Maria Okwechime posted a season’s best of 5.91 metres in the long jump as she sharpens up for the Canadian Championships.

Rounding out the night’s highlights, Zachary Jeggo raced to a runner-up finish in the CTFL men’s 400m final, stopping the clock at 47.74 seconds.

With the Canadian Championships now less than three weeks away, Friday’s performances offer plenty of momentum heading into the season’s most anticipated competition.

(Ottawa, Canada---14 December 2024) Charlie Mortimer competing at the Candy Cane Relays hosted by the Ottawa Lions at the Dome @ Louis-Riel. Copyright 2024 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Rising Stars ShineBright at Canada Day Run

by linkinbioLocal

There was no shortage of fireworks on the course Tuesday morning as a group of determined Ottawa Lions athletes lit up the Canada Day Run in Kanata with a series of standout performances that etched their names into the Club’s all-time rankings.

Leading the charge in the 5km race was Charlie Mortimer, who delivered a commanding performance to take the overall men’s title in 15:28. The 17-year-old surged ahead early and never relinquished the lead, crossing the line 18 seconds clear of former Lion Nicholas Pedersen. The winning time not only sealed a decisive victory, but also vaulted Mortimer to #3 on the Club’s U18 all-time list, underscoring his rising presence in the local distance scene.

Joining Mortimer in the top-10 were teammates Jay Sneddon, 7th in 17:08, and Fred Parent, 10th in 17:42 — a strong collective showing for the Lions in a deep field.

On the women’s side, Ciara Villeneuve stepped up in more ways than one. Typically known for her success over 800 metres during the high school season, the transition to 5km proved no issue as she emerged as the top female finisher, placing 5th overall in 20:58. Jacqueline Aubin added another solid result for the club, finishing 10th in 21:37.

In the 10km event, Dean Kontogiannis added another strong result to his breakout year, finishing 7th overall in 36:57. The performance moved him to #6 on the Club’s U20 all-time list, continuing his upward trajectory at the longer distances.

Perhaps the most eye-catching result of the day came from 13-year-old Jaiden Taft, who impressed in his 10km debut with a 41:14 clocking — good for 19th overall. The effort places him #5 all-time among U16 athletes in Club history and marks an exciting start as he prepares to enter high school in the fall.

From breakthrough performances to historic milestones, the Lions used the Canada Day stage not just to race — but to rise.

(Ottawa, Canada---11 June 2025) Mikel Fortier competes in Ottawa Summer Twilight Meet #2 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Copyright 2025 Miles Ryan Rowat / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Lions Shine at Legion District Meet with 37 Medals, Five Nationals Standards

by linkinbioLocal

Sixteen athletes from the Ottawa Lions kicked off their road to Nationals in style last Sunday, collecting a remarkable 37 medals at the Royal Canadian Legion District G Track and Field Meet held at Thousand Islands Secondary School in Brockville. With 18 golds among the haul, the regional qualifier served as a strong start toward the Legion National Championships set for August in Calgary.

Leading the charge was Eric Combasson, who stood atop the podium no fewer than three times in the U14 division, claiming gold in the 80m, 80m hurdles, and high jump. He also added silver medals in the javelin and long jump, and a bronze in the 300m—an impressive six-medal outing.

Five Lions hit national standards, earning valuable qualifications for the summer finale. Mikel Fortier delivered a strong performance in the U18 boys 2000m steeplechase, stopping the clock at 6:29.69—a personal best that clinched his ticket to Calgary. Fortier didn’t stop there, returning later to win the 3000m in 9:40.79.

Pole vaulter Eli Mordel soared to 3.30m to match the national benchmark and secure top honours in the U18 boys event. He also clocked a windy 14.50 seconds to take gold in the 110m hurdles.

Sprinter Chloë Martineau secured a coveted spot at the Ontario Championships with her runner-up finish in the U18 girls 100m. Her time of 12.65 seconds also cleared the national standard. Martineau completed her day with a victory in the 200m, running a wind-aided 26.21.

Fresh off his OFSAA triumph, Parker Baetz was a dominating force in the throws. The U18 standout notched wins in the javelin (47.76m) and shot put (12.41m), and also hit the national standard in discus with a personal best throw of 40.60m.

Elsewhere, Moussa Cisse showed continued progress with personal bests in all three of his events. He earned a silver and two bronze medals on the day and secured his Ontario Championships berth with a 12.21m leap in the triple jump.

Farrah Henderson battled the heat and came away with a golden double in the U18 girls 1500m (5:37.23) and 3000m (12:39.38), further adding to the Lions’ medal tally.

With more meets ahead before provincial and national teams are finalized, Sunday’s results showed there is much to look forward to this summer season. The next stop on the path to Calgary is the Ontario Legion Championships, set for York University July 11–12.

Let me know if you’d like a shorter version for social media, or if you’d like to highlight specific athletes in future posts.

Salome

Records, Near Misses, and Dominant Wins: Lions Impress at Ottawa Race Weekend

by linkinbioLocal

The 2025 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend once again turned the capital into a runner’s paradise, with more than 30,000 participants weaving through the streets of downtown Ottawa in one of Canada’s most celebrated running festivals. From emerging teens to established elites, Ottawa Lions athletes delivered a string of standout performances.

Leading the charge in the elite women’s 10km was Salome Nyirarukundo, who claimed a brilliant fourth-place finish. Clocking an even-paced 33:23 off 5K splits of 16:33 and 16:50, Nyirarukundo’s time now ranks as the second-fastest ever by a Lion, just two seconds shy of Sarah Dillabaugh’s club record. The performance reaffirmed her status as one of Canada’s top road racers heading into the summer season.

Behind her, Liz Maguire delivered a masterclass in age-group dominance. The veteran road warrior finished in 40:11, placing 66th overall among women and a commanding 1st in the women’s 55+ category. Her margin of victory? More than six minutes over the next closest competitor.

In the 5K, Noah Mansouri and Zachary Sikka pushed the pace early and came within seconds of their personal bests. Mansouri placed 4th overall in 15:58, just six seconds off his PB from last year’s 5K event. Sikka followed closely in 7th with 16:16.

Keira Ganton, only 13, turned heads with a 19:35 finish in the 5K. The time earned her 9th place overall among women and 2nd in the U20 division. Her time is also the third fastest among Club U16 athletes.

One of  the biggest statements came from Adam Yakimchuk in the half-marathon. The 16-year-old ran a sensational 1:18:44, good for 31st overall and 1st among U20 men. The result shattered both the Ottawa Lions’ U18 and U20 club records.

Also competing in the elite men’s 10K field was Clive Kyeyune, who ran 32:39 to place 54th overall. 

Full results from Race Weekend are available on Sport Stats website and updated Club Rankings are available at https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ottl_rankings/

Sultana Frizell celebrates bronze medal in hammer throw at 2015 Pan Am Games. Copyright Miles Ryan Rowat

Frizell to Be Inducted into Perth and District Sports Hall of Fame

by linkinbioLocal

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is proud to celebrate another milestone in the remarkable journey of Canadian hammer thrower Sultana Frizell, who will be inducted into the Perth and District Sports Hall of Fame on May 25th. Born and raised in Perth, Ontario, Frizell’s upcoming induction is not only a recognition of her athletic excellence on the world stage, but a celebration of the lasting legacy she has created in the very community where her story began.

Frizell’s path to becoming one of Canada’s most accomplished throwers started at just 14 years old, when she claimed a pair of national titles at the Royal Canadian Legion Championships. From there, her ascent was rapid. She would go on to capture 13 Canadian age-class titles before heading south to the University of Georgia, where she continued her development into a world-class athlete.

A two-time Olympian, Frizell first qualified for the Beijing Games in 2008 after setting the Canadian hammer throw record—a feat she repeated 11 more times over the course of her career. She eventually extended the national mark to 75.73 metres, a distance that stood as a North American record in 2014. That same year, she won her second straight Commonwealth Games gold medal, cementing her place as one of the sport’s elite performers.

In total, Frizell represented Canada internationally 18 times, including appearances at three World Championships and two Pan American Games, where she captured both silver and bronze medals. She also collected seven national senior titles and earned a reputation not only for her strength and skill, but for her generosity, leadership, and spirit.

While her accolades speak volumes, those who know Sultana best will tell you her most lasting impact may be the inspiration she’s offered to generations of Canadian throwers—especially young women pursuing power events. Humble, kind, and always ready with a smile or word of encouragement, Frizell has been a role model both on and off the field.

Her induction into the Perth and District Sports Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a hometown hero whose roots have remained as strong as her throw. On behalf of the entire Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club, we congratulate Sultana Frizell on this well-earned honour and thank her for all she has done for the sport—and for the community that first launched her remarkable career.

SB20250215RavensLastChance21-Enhanced-NR_web

Peaking at the Right Time: Lions Athletes Shine Before Championships

by linkinbioLocalUniversity

Ottawa Lions athletes delivered commanding performances at last Saturday’s Ravens U SPORTS Last Chance Meet—rewriting record books, setting personal bests, and solidifying national rankings as the championship season looms. With a mix of established stars and rising talents, they demonstrated they are peaking at the perfect moment, using this pivotal competition to fine-tune their preparation and build momentum for the championship season.

Gale Matches Canadian Record in 300m

Olympian Lauren Gale once again proved her dominance, equalling her own Canadian record in the 300m with a blistering 36.48-second performance. Having originally set the mark at this very meet in 2024, Gale’s time remains among the top four in the world this year. The 25-year-old aims to cap off her indoor season on a high note this Friday as she gears up for the Arkansas Qualifier in Fayetteville. 

Asiamah Extends Shot Put Record Again

Brianna Asiamah continued her historic season by extending her own Carleton Ravens shot put record for the second time this month. Her winning throw of 13.39m not only clinched victory but also reinforced her status as a top contender for a U SPORTS medal—a prize that has eluded her in three previous national championship appearances. Asiamah enters this weekend’s RSEQ Championship in Sherbrooke as the heavy favourite to repeat as conference champion with the next best entry a metre and a half behind.

Vroom’s Breakthrough 1000m Performance

Lizzy Vroom continued to deliver the season of her career on Saturday. The third year engineering student at Queen’s University clocked her fifth personal best in four weeks as she placed second in the women’s 1000 metres in 2 minutes and 48.70 seconds – a near 10 second improvement. Heading into championship weekend, Vroom currently holds 13th position on the U SPORTS rankings—just one spot shy of qualification—so expect her to push even harder at the OUA Championships in Windsor.

Basu Closing in on Carleton 60m Record

For the second straight week, Rose Basu lowered her 60m personal best, clocking 7.69 seconds to move up to second on Carleton’s all-time rankings. Now within striking distance of the school record (7.54s), Basu enters next week’s RSEQ Championships ranked fourth in the conference, setting the stage for a potential podium placing.

Gilbert Soars to New Triple Jump Record

Ella-Grace Gilbert rewrote Carleton’s triple jump record for the second time this season, leaping 11.67m to surpass her previous best of 11.51m. Now tied for 16th in U SPORTS, Gilbert will aim to further improve at the RSEQ Championships as she seeks to secure a spot at Nationals with a victory in Sherbrooke..

El Mansari Cracks Gee-Gees Top 5

First-year University of Ottawa runner Safwan El Mansari continued his standout rookie campaign, claiming second place in the 600m with a time of 1:20.10. The performance moved him up to fifth on the Gee-Gees’ all-time rankings, marking another milestone in what has been a breakthrough season in the Garnet and Grey. 

McGregor Climbs Ottawa Lions’ U18 Rankings

Despite being just 15 years old, Ellie McGregor proved she belongs among elite company, finishing eighth in the women’s 600m in a time of 1:34.62. The youngest top-eight finisher by six years, McGregor’s performance propelled her to fourth on the Ottawa Lions’ U18 all-time list, surpassing none other than Olympian Melissa Bishop-Nriagu.

With records falling, national rankings shifting, and personal bests tumbling, Lions athletes have firmly asserted themselves as a force to be reckoned with heading into the championship season. With the OUA and RSEQ Championships just days away, our varsity athletes are primed to leave their mark on the conference stages.