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Largest Ever Ravens Last Chance Meet Set to Begin Friday night

by linkinbioLocal

Anticipation is high as the Carleton Ravens USport Last Chance Meet gets set to kick off this evening at the Dome @ Louis-Riel. Nearly 40 teams, including 14 esteemed university programs are set to battle it out on the track and in the field this weekend in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of athletic prowess and fierce competition.

The excitement kicks off on Friday night at 7:00 PM with a select number of events and relays, resuming Saturday morning with the U16 section

The excitement kicks off on Friday night at 7:00 PM with a select number of events and relays, resuming Saturday morning with the U16 section at 9:00 AM and the open section at 10:30 AM, attracting a diverse array of talented athletes eager to test their skills on the track.

Among the notable competitors gracing the event are Olympians Lauren Gale and Salomé Nyirarukundo, proudly representing the host Ottawa Lions. Additionally, spectators can expect to witness the incredible talents of world championship competitors Bianca Borgella (Lions), Jean-Simon Desgagnés, and Lionel Muteba as they vie for victory.

This prestigious competition serves as a crucial final test for university squads before they head into the conference championships next weekend and the highly anticipated USports Championship three weekends from now, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition.

An impressive lineup of 18 athletes featured in the USports top-12 rankings will be in action, accompanied by six relay teams, promising an electrifying display of athleticism and sportsmanship.

With nearly 600 entries for this weekend’s event, the Carleton Ravens USport Last Chance Meet is poised to captivate those in attendance and showcase the incredible talent and dedication of athletes from across the nation.

For more information and updates, please visit our website.

(Ottawa, Canada---20 January 2024) Jorai Oppong-Nketiah competing at the 15th annual uOttawa Winter Classic by the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club at the Dome @ Louis-Riel. Copyright 2024 Miles Ryan Rowat / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Sprinters heat up track at uOttawa Winter Classic

by linkinbioLocalUniversity

A chill in the air outside, did nothing to cool the performances inside the Dome @ Louis-Riel this past weekend. With nearly 400 athletes in attendance for the 15th annual uOttawa Winter Classic, Lions athletes brought the heat, setting the stage for two days of intense competition and unforgettable moments.

Outstanding Performances:
The meet produced an impressive total of 90 personal bests, reflecting the commitment and hard work of our athletes. Among the standout performances, Jorai Oppong-Nketiah stole the spotlight by breaking the Club U18 60-meter record. In the heats, Oppong-Nketiah set the new record with a time of 7.61 seconds. She followed up with a 7.62 run in the final, securing second place behind the University of Ottawa’s Katie Manor, who triumphed with a 7.61 clocking.

Günther’s Triumphs:
Nina Günther showcased her prowess with a remarkable double feat. On Friday night, she placed third over 3000 meters, breaking the 10-minute barrier with a time of 9 minutes and 57.70 seconds—marking her as the 42nd woman in Club history to achieve this milestone. Günther doubled back on Saturday, conquering the 1500 meters with a swift time of 4:32.18.

University of Ottawa Gee-Gees Dominance:
The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees made a resounding statement at the meet. The women’s 4×200-meter relay team—comprising Bianca Borgella, Emma Martins, Katie Manor, and Sarah Ouangre—claimed victory Friday night with a time of 1:42.57, ranking as the sixth fastest performance in school history. Notably, the quartet’s time currently stands as the 7th fastest in USports this season.

More Victories and Records:
The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees continued their dominance by narrowly winning the 4×400-meter relay in a time of 3:55.33, and securing the 6th position in USports rankings. Third year human kinetics student Vienna Courteau soared to victory in the long jump with a leap of 5.25 meters, while graduate student Heather Grandy secured her third triple jump competition win of the season with an impressive 11.50-meter jump. Ella Gilbert set a new Carleton Ravens record in the triple jump, bounding out to 10.73 meters.

Field Events Excellence:
Jessica Gyamfi of the Gee-Gees claimed second place in the women’s shot put with a personal best throw of 12.39 meters, propelling her to 11th in the USports rankings. She also dominated the weight throw at 14.05 meters. Brianna Asiamah of Carleton emerged victorious in the shot put with a best throw of 13.09 meters.

Men’s Events Highlights:
In the men’s 1000 meters, Lucas Zanetti secured the top spot with a time of 2:31.97, while Cameron Robertson and Eli Mordel showcased their prowess in the pole vault, each clearing a personal best height of 3.20 meters. Connor Fraser of the Carleton Ravens continued his unbeaten streak in the shot put, dominating with a best throw of 14.84 meters and currently holding the 7th position in USports rankings.

Up next:
The varsity programs return to action on Friday as day one of the famed McGill Team Challenge kicks off at Tomlinson Fieldhouse on the campus of the Montreal based school.

Results

Photos

Ottawa Lions Rankings

University of Ottawa Gee-Gee Rankings

Carleton Ravens Rankings

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Timeo Atonfo and Zachary Jeggo Receive Orléans Outstanding Youth Awards

by ClublinkinbioLocal

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is thrilled to announce the outstanding achievements of two remarkable athletes, Timeo Atonfo and Zachary Jeggo, recipients of the prestigious Orléans Outstanding Youth Awards for their exceptional contributions to athletics throughout the 2023 calendar year.

Timeo and Zachary with their Orleans Outstanding Youth Awards

Timeo Atonfo’s Remarkable Track and Field Achievements in 2023:

Timeo Atonfo, an outstanding member of the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club, showcased his exceptional athletic prowess throughout the 2023 season. Atonfo secured a triple-medal victory at the OFSAA Track and Field Championships held in Ottawa, including silver medals in the junior boys long and triple jump events, and a bronze in the 100-metre hurdles. His achievements continued with a pair of bronze medals at the Ontario U18 Championships and valuable contributions to three relay teams at the provincial championship level. Atonfo concluded his outstanding season with a silver medal in the long jump at the Canadian U18 Championships.

Zachary Jeggo’s Phenomenal Season Highlights:

Zachary Jeggo, another exceptional athlete from the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club, had an outstanding season, beginning with a pair of gold medals at the OFSAA Track and Field Championships in the 300 metre hurdles and 400 metres, respectively. At the provincial level, Jeggo secured a bronze medal in the U20 400 metre hurdles. Following two 4th place finishes at the Canadian U20 Championships, Jeggo claimed three silver medals at the Canadian U18 Championships, excelling in the 400 metres, 400 metre hurdles, and as a key member of the record-setting 4×400 metre relay team.

Celebrating Excellence in Youth Athletics:

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club extends heartfelt congratulations to Timeo Atonfo and Zachary Jeggo for their well-deserved recognition with the Orléans Outstanding Youth Awards. Their remarkable achievements not only bring pride to the club but also serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the community.

 

(Ottawa, Canada---30 September 2023) Nina Gunther (546) of the Ottawa Lions races at the 2023 Capital XC Challenge at Mooney’s Bay Park in Ottawa. Photograph Copyright 2023 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Günther tops field at Capital XC

by High SchoollinkinbioLocalUniversity

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/

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Lions celebrate success of 2022-23 season at awards banquet

by ClublinkinbioLocal

Under the famous sunset of the Terry Fox Athletic Facility, the Ottawa Lions celebrated the best of the 2022-2023 season Saturday night at their annual Awards Banquet. The evening provided all involved with an excellent opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments of the past season including a second straight Canadian Championship for our U18 girls cross country team, multiple international medalists, and a number of Canadian records. 

The highest honour bestowed upon a Lions athlete is the Gilbert Award, named in honour of Olympic Champion Glenroy Gilbert. Handed out to the most outstanding male and female athletes in the Club for both track and field events. 

For the second straight season, Lauren Gale took home the honour in the women’s track category. The 23-year-old set a new Club record this year at 300 metres with a time of 37.02 seconds. Gale now holds Club sprint records at 200, 300, and 400 metres. 

In addition to her record setting performance, the 2020 Olympian took home bronze and silver medals in the 200 and 400 metres respectively at the Ontario Championships. As well, she finished the season ranked second nationally over 200 metres.

Long jumper Maria Okwechime took home the award for top female in the field events. Okwechime moved to number four on the Club’s all-time list early this season with a leap of 6.13 metres at the Bob Vigars Classic. She would equal the mark two months later as she finished in the top spot at the Canadian Championships. 

On the men’s side, the track award was shared between two recent victors – David Adeleye and Stephen Evans. Adeleye, the winner in 2022, set a Club U23 record indoors over the 60 metre hurdles and followed that up outdoors with his first ever sub-14 second 110 metre hurdles race. The University of Toronto student was also named to his first national team in athletics, representing Canada at the NACAC U23 Championships. Adeleye rounded out his season with his first senior national medal, finishing in the bronze medal position.

Evans finally produced the breakthrough season he had been working for. After besting the Club’s 1000 metre record indoors, the University of Ottawa graduate focused his attention on one of the longest standing records – the 800 metres. The previous mark of 1:47.24 had been set nine years before Evans was born, and in the national final Evans bested it by more than two tenths on his way to picking up his first national medal – bronze. 

Bianca Borgella was recognized for the third straight year as the Club’s top para athlete. The Sam Estwick Award winner had a banner season in 2023 that included her first national team appearance. Competing at the World Para Athletics Championship in Paris, Borgella signalled to the world that she will be a strong medal contender next year at the Paralympics. The University of Ottawa student captured bronze in the T13 100 metres and silver in the 200 metres – both in Canadian record time.

Among the age group award winners, Connor Fraser and Elizabeth Vroom each took home top honours in the Under-20 category. Fraser was a double provincial champion in the shot put and discus in addition to winning gold in the shot put at the Canadian Championships. Vroom placed second in the 3000 metre steeplechase at nationals and was provincial champion. The Queen’s University student also took home the honour of Most Outstanding Cross Country performer. 

Quinn Coughlin and Zachary Jeggo continued what has felt like the longest game of “anything you can do, I can do” as the pair took home top honours among U18 athletes. The pair of grade 11 students had dominating seasons in both the 400 and 400 metre hurdles, with each finishing fourth in both events at the Canadian U20 Championships and picking up a pair of individual medals at the Royal Canadian Legion Championships. 

Topping the U16 category were a pair of record breakers in sprinters Jorai Oppong-Nketiah and Ange-Mathis Kramo. Oppong-Nketiah was a dominating force this summer taking top spot at the provincial championships with the second fastest 100 metres in Canadian history by a 15-year-old. She would follow that up a week later by becoming the first woman in Club history to claim gold in both the 100 and 200 metres at a single Legion National Championship. 

Kramo smashed the Club’s U16 record at 300 metres with a dazzling 35.64 second clocking this summer. The Paul Desmarais student also posted top-5 all-time performances over 100 and 200 metres and helped the Lions’ U20 4×100 metre relay to a provincial title. 

Honours in the Under-14 category went to Atalia Williams and Maxime Cazabon. The pair combined for four medals at the Ontario Championships. Cazabon was provincial champion in the high jump and completed the full set of medals with silver in the 300 metres (Club U14 Record) and bronze over 80 metres. Williams captured a pair of silver medals over 80 and 150 metres.

The remaining award winners were as follows:

  • Mike Conway & Erinn Joseph – Masters
  • Nina Günther & Liz Maguire – Road Running
  • Saul Taler – Cross Country
  • Seb Lalonde & Kirk Dillabaugh – Sean Cole Memorial Award (Dedication to Club Service)

For a full list of current and past award winners, please visit the Annual Awards section of our website.

(Langley, British Columbia ---25 June 2022) Lauren Gale competing on day four of the Canadian Track and Field Championships at McLeod Athletic Park. Photograph 2022 Copyright Miles Ryan Rowat / Mundo Sport Images

Gale sets new Twilight record

by linkinbioLocal

A Twilight Meet Record, a number five all-time performance, and nearly 70 personal bests. If you said “What are three things that happened last night,” you would be right.

With our squad split between hosting the third Twilight Meet of the summer and competing in the Royal City Inferno, the Lions put up a great series of performances.

Kicking off the night in style was Lauren Gale as she opened the Twilight #3 with a meet record at 400 metres in her season opener at the distance. The Club record holder crossed the line in 53.28 seconds to best the previous standard of 53.52 set by Windsor’s Nicole Sassine in 2016. Finishing in second was OFSAA champion Quinn Coughlin in 57.88 seconds. 

Also in Ottawa, one of the Club’s newest members, Malachi Kenny made a dazzling debut as he took top spot in the men’s 800 metres. Covering the two lap distance in 1:57.24, Kenny bested his junior boys winning time from the recent OFSAA Track and Field Championships. The Bishop Smith student’s time is the sixth fastest in Club history by a U17 athlete.

In Guelph, Sydney Smith ran a new personal best over 800 metres to move into fifth on the Club’s all-time list. The University of Ottawa graduate found herself in a field akin to a national final and rose to the occasion, crossing the line in 2 minutes and 4.75 seconds. Her time is now ranked 10th in Canada this year.

At 1500 metres, André Alie-Lamarche bettered his near year old personal best with his ninth place finish at the Inferno. Alie-Lamarche stopped the clock at 3 minutes and 48.10 seconds – exactly a tenth of a second faster than his previous best set at last season’s Canadian Track and Field League Final. He now ranks 24th in Club history.

For updated Club Rankings, please visit https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ottl_rankings/

(York, Canada — 3 June 2022) Timeo Atonfo of Gis?le-Lalonde - Ottawa competing in the sprint hurdle heats at the 2022 OFSAA Ontario High School Track and Field Championships held at the Toronto Track and Field Centre at York University. 2022 Copyright Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images.

Records fall as Lions begin road to OFSAA Championships

by High SchoollinkinbioLocal

The march to the OFSAA Track and Field Championships has begun and three athletes have already made it known they should be considered forces to be reckoned with after record setting performances at both the National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association East and West Conference Championships taking place last week. 

In just her first high school season, Jorai Oppong-Nketiah quickly made her name known as one to keep an eye out. The grade nine student at Pierre-de-Blois set records in both the 100 and 200 metre sprint events at the West Conference Championship.

Oppong-Nketiah bested former Lion Remy Wade’s 10 year old 100 metre record in the preliminary rounds, stopping the clock at 12.39 seconds. Wade’s old mark was 12.44 seconds. Jorai was a hair slower in the final, finishing in 12.40 seconds. 

Over 200 metres, Oppong-Nketiah equalled the meet record of 26.03 seconds in the heats before taking top spot in the final with a blazing time of 25.96 seconds. The previous record had been set by Shelani Fernando in 2010. 

At the East Conference Championship, it was the wind that kept Timeo Atonfo from breaking a pair of records for the second year in a row. The Gisèle-Lalonde student captured top spot in the junior boys long jump with a leap of 6.44 metres to eclipse Japhet Divita’s seven year old mark of 6.40. 

The record is the second long jump record for Atonfo at the East Conference meet. He set the novice boys mark a year ago.

On the track, Atonfo topped the junior 100 metre hurdle race with an impressive 14.04 second clocking – besting the previous meet record by more than three tenths of a second. Unfortunately for the grade 10 student, the wind gauge registered a trailing wind in excess of the allowable 2.0 metres per second (+2.6), nullifying the record.

Atonfo made it a three gold medal day as he hopped, skipped, and jumped his way to top place in the triple jump. His best mark of the day was 13.04 metres, more than 1.2 metres ahead of second place. 

Rounding out the record breakers was Olivia Baggley in the senior girls 3000 metres as he took down Alex McGowan’s nine year old mark of 10:21.96. The Gloucester senior completed the seven and half lap race in 10 minutes and 20.83 seconds to best the next closest competitor by nearly two full minutes. 

All three athletes and a host of others will compete this Wednesday and Thursday at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility for a spot at the East Regional Championship. The top five finishers at the city championship will advance to regionals.

For updated Club rankings, please visit https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ottl_rankings/

For full results from the East and West Conference Meets as well as the LCIAA and UOVHSAA Meets, please visit https://ottawalions.com/results/2023-results/

Toronto, ON -- 10 August 2018: Canadian head coach Glenroy Gilbert at the 2018 North America, Central America, and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) Track and Field Championships held at Varsity Stadium, Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images).

Gilbert and U18 XC girls recognized as best in city

by ClublinkinbioLocal

When Glenroy Gilbert stepped off the track for the final time as an athlete he knew he didn’t want to stray too far from the sport that took him from the sand pits of Laurentian High School to the top of the Olympic podium. Less than a year later, Gilbert was back in the sport as a coach. In the 20 years that have followed, the man affectionately known as “G” has again risen to the top of his craft. On Wednesday night, he was once again recognized as Ottawa’s Male Coach of the Year – the fifth time he has been bestowed the honour.

It was a banner year for Gilbert in 2022. The national team head coach led Canada to its highest ever finish at the World Athletics Championship, a tie for sixth with China. However, in the eyes of most, Gilbert’s major success will be as the leader the men’s relay program and the image of Andre DeGrasse crossing the finish line of the 4×100 in Eugene, arms fully stretched out in celebration, as Canada claimed its first global title in the event since 1997. Coincidentally, Gilbert was a member of that team too. 

With his fifth Coach of the Year Honour, Gilbert inches closer to famed Carleton basketball Coach Dave Smart’s record of six. 

After reaching the top of the podium at the Canadian Cross Country Championships last November, the Lions U18 Girls were named Ottawa’s Female Team of the Year. It is the second straight year the team has been honoured at the Ottawa Sport Awards. 

Led by scorers Amelia Van Brabant, Joceyln Giannotti, Louise Stonham, and Quinn Coughlin the U18 girls team enjoyed a 30 point cushion over second place South Simcoe Dufferin. The victory was the Club’s 12th national team title and the team became only the second in Club history to win back-to-back championships.

On an individual level, Lauren Gale was recognized as the City’s top performer in Athletics. The 23-year old had the best season of her career as she set three new Canadian Records indoors and was a first team All-American in the 400 metres after her eighth place finish. She continued the strong running outdoors, setting new Club records at 200 and 400 metres and helping the Lions set a new Canadian Club Record in the 4×400 metre relay. Her season culminated at the World Championships where she became the first Club member to ever compete in two individual events at a global championship.

A triple gold medalist at the Canadian Championships, Bianca Borgella was recognized as Ottawa’s top Parasport athlete. The University of Ottawa student set national records in both the T13 100 and 400 metres enroute to gold medals at the national championships before anchoring the Lions U20 4×100 team to gold. Borgella finished the 2022 season ranked third and seventh globally in the 100 and 400 metre events respectively. 

Saul Taler was recognized as the city’s top cross country runner for 2022. The grade 10 Glebe student had a impressive string of performances last fall, beginning with a gold medal at the OFSAA championships – the first by a Lions since 2017. He followed that performance up with a silver medal at the Ontario U16 Championships where he also led the Lions to a team title. He rounded out the season with a top-50 finish in the U18 boys race at the Canadian Championships.

Matteo Padoin-Castillo was recognized as a member of Immaculata High School’s OFSAA winning junior boy’s cross country team. Matteo finished 54th overall in the race and was Immaculata’s third scorer. 

Former Lions, Mike Evelyn (bobsleigh) and Mirela Rahneva (skeleton) were also recognized Wednesday as the top athletes in their respective sports at the Ottawa Sport Awards. Both athletes were members of Team Canada at the Beijing ‘22 Olympic Winter Games last February. 

(Langley, British Columbia ---25 June 2022) Lauren Gale competing on day four of the Canadian Track and Field Championships at McLeod Athletic Park. Photograph 2022 Copyright Miles Ryan Rowat / Mundo Sport Images

Gale and Manor set records at Winter Classic

by linkinbioLocalUniversity

This past weekend the Lions hosted the Ottawa Winter Classic – the first indoor track and field meet in the City since February 29, 2020. After the nearly three year wait, the athletes did not disappoint with a number of exciting performances – including a staggering 113 personal bests.

Heading the list of performances was undoubtedly Lauren Gale and her pair of wins in both the 60 and 300 metre events. Gale started the day with successive lifetime bests in the heats and final of the 60 metre, trimming more than a tenth from her previous standard as she won in 7.55 seconds. 

The 23-year-old then followed it up with a dominating victory at 300 metres as she crossed the line in a time of 37.19 seconds – nearly a full second ahead of 2022 World Championship teammate Aiyanna Brigite Stiverne. Gale’s time broke the previous Dome record of 37.49 set by Amonn Nelson in 2010 and also moved her up one spot into second on the Club’s all-time list.

Finishing second to Gale in the 60 metres, Katie Manor also managed to etch her name in the record books Saturday. The second year psychology student at the University of Ottawa posted a time of 7.57 seconds in the final to best the previous Gee-Gees record jointly held by Christianne Lela and Charifa Labarang at 7.61 seconds. Manor also ran her way to a new lifetime best of 40.07 seconds for 300 metres.

Sydney Smith took a step into the Club’s all-time top 10 list in the 1000 metres with her victory on Saturday. Smith out-kicked former Lion Emma Galbraith over the final 200 metres to win in a personal best time of 2 minutes and 47.60 seconds. The performance moved Smith to equal number seven in the Club with her former Colonel By Secondary School coach, Nathalie Coté.

On the men’s side, David Moulongou took top spot in the 600 metres with a personal best time of 1:20.06. The second year University of Ottawa student led virtually from wire to wire as he outpaced teammate Lucas Zanetti, who finished a second and a half back in second.  Moulongou’s performance also moves the 19-year-old to number eight on the Club’s all-time U23 list.

Other notable performances included Nina Gunther and Noémie Beareguard’s victories at 1500 and 3000 metres respectively. The two Gee-Gees each won in personal best times and Gunther’s time of 4:38.38 moved her into the USports top-12.

For full results, please visit: https://ottawalions.com/2023-results/2023-university-of-ottawa-winter-classic/

To view updated Club and Varsity Program Rankings, please visit:

Club: https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ottl_rankings/

University of Ottawa: https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/uottawatf_rankings/

Carleton University: https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ravenstf_rankings/

(Ottawa, Canada---10 August 2022) Adriano Padoin-Castillo competing in the 10,000m at Ottawa Summer Twilight Series meet #12. 2022 Copyright Photograph Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images.

Padoin-Castillo tops podium at Great Big Cookie Run

by linkinbioLocal

While the focus for many Lions runners may have been on cross country championships over the past week, a little five kilometre road race along the Rideau Canal enticed a few runners to lace up their shoes Saturday. The free cookies at the finish line of Run Ottawa’s Great Big Cookie run may have also helped.

The top of the podium had some very familiar names with Adriano Padoin-Castillo taking top spot in the men’s race with a personal best time of 16 minutes and 16.0 seconds. Clearly the Immaculata student still had some juice in the legs following Thursday’s run at the NCSSAA Cross Country Championships.

Also cracking the top-10 were Jay Sneddon and Gavin Westbrook who placed sixth and seventh respectively. Sneddon edged out Westbrook by just two seconds, finishing in 16 minutes and 47.0 seconds. Another notable finish goes to Jason Dunkerley and guide runner Alex Berhe who finished 14th and 15th with equal times of 17:25.

On the women’s side, it was former Lion and current CTV Ottawa journalist Leah Larocque taking top spot in 18 minutes and 7.0 seconds. She was followed by 15-year old Lion Grace Streek in second with a time of 18:21.0. It was the second race in three days for Streek as the grade 10 student had finished third in the junior girls cross country race at the City Championship to earn a spot at this week’s OFSAA Championship.

Full results from the Great Big Cookie Run can be found on Sport Stats.