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Top Canadians in NYC

Though the country’s pros skipped out on New York this year, there was no shortage of fast Canadians who made the trip down to race through the five boroughs. We talked with Canada’s top finishers from the world’s biggest marathon about what they run for and why they love the big-city race.

Canada’s fastest male this year was Alister Gardner. Originally from England, Garder moved to Bromont, Que., in 2006 with his wife who grew up in the province. A snowboarding fan, he fell in love with the mountains in the region which soon led to trail running and road running.

Photo courtesy: Alister Gardner
Photo courtesy: Alister Gardner

Canadian Running: I believe you’re usually a trail runner, correct? Why did you want to run the NYC Marathon? Was it your first time running the race?

Alister Gardner: I think I am just a runner in general but trail is, by far, my most preferred terrain. It’s just that I love the metrics and competition on the road as well. No matter where it is, running is running and everyone is out to take on a challenge of some sort. New York City was my third ever marathon. I chose it for the experience as much as to achieve a new PB. So all in all, it was a success.

CR: What have been some of your most memorable races or runs?

AG: Every time I am running the trails it is a memorable event. I love being in nature and seeing the forests change with the seasons. There is always a bit more adrenaline with trail running (the downhills) and an opportunity to go exploring new paths and scenery. When it comes to memorable races, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc 2012 in France was a big one for me. I put a lot of energy into training for it and things went well on the day, despite the heavy snow and rain up on the mountains. I always look forward to local races too; getting to see friends push themselves and celebrating the work they put into their training.

CR:Have you run any other marathons?

AG:I ran Ottawa back in 2013. It was a bit of a disaster as I chased the leading girls and burnt out before I even got to the halfway mark. Live and learn!

CR:What’s up next for you, with the winter not far and the marathon behind you?

AG: The North Face Endurance Challenge Series Finale is in San Francisco in December and so I am winding up the season with that. Then my attention will be geared towards the London Marathon in April. It will be tough to train for that with the cold and snow here in Quebec but I am willing. Then it will be back to ultra trail and preparing for the UTMB in August, my first 100-miler.

Paula Keating is a N.B. doctor and marathon runner. Photo: RunNB
Paula Keating is a N.B. doctor and marathon runner. Photo: RunNB

The top women’s runner last Sunday was New Brunswick’s Paula Keating, a 48-year-old mother, wife and doctor. She’s a regular of the NYC Marathon and holds masters records over a handful of distances in New Brunswick.

Keating started running nine years ago for fun and, after finishing second in a half-marathon, took up the sport more seriously. She’s also an avid skier, swimmer and golfer.

Canadian Running:You keep going back to the NYC Marathon. What keeps taking you back there?

Paula Keating: New York was my first international half-marathon in 2007 and first marathon in 2009; I love the city, the atmosphere and have had such positive experiences. I can’t say enough about the exceptional hospitality of the NYRR , in particular David and Jane Monti, Jonni Lord and all the staff associated with the elite and sub-elite programs.

CR: You were the first Canadian finisher. Did you expect that?

PK: I was very pleased and surprised at being the first Canadian female. My time was about five or six minutes slower than what I was aiming for; the conditions were very challenging and I ran pretty much solo for the last 30-32K, save for the thousands of cheering fans, but couldn’t work with them to lessen the impact of the blustery headwinds!

CR: What’s up next for you, with the winter not far and the marathon behind you?

PK: I’m going to take a few weeks away from running, enjoy some recovery, then next on my agenda is Boston 2015. After that no definite plans; my competitive years are winding down. I hope to continue to run healthy for many years!

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