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.