Canadians fare well at Bolder Boulder 10K

Sexton, Marchant, Arsenault, Jibril, Pawluk and Watson run for Canadian team at tough altitude 10K.

The Bolder Boulder 10k is well known for it’s massive turn out (it is the largest running event in the United States with over 50,000 runners) and it’s brutal elevation (5,430 feet).

This year’s international challenge featured six Canadian elite runners. Representing the women’s contingent were Marilyn Arsenault, Lanni Marchant and Leslie Sexton. The Canadian men’s side was represented by Rob Watson, Samuel Pawluk and Samil Jibril.

Many other countries were represented in the international team competition, including Kenya, Australia, Japan, the United States and Mexico. Overall, the Canadian men and women fared well, with both teams placing eighth respectively. Ethiopia took the team competition on the men’s side, with three runners placing in the top 5 overall. On the women’s side, Ethiopia was also the team champion, led by overall women’s winner Mamitu Daska. Daska also won the event in 2009 and 2010, and placed second last year.

Marchant of London, Ont., placed 11th with a 35:01.21. Sexton (38:19.19) and Arsenault (38:29.90) finished close together in 28th and 29th.

On the men’s side, Watson placed 21st overall, battling a pre-race migraine to a 32:34.13. Jabril, who runs with Athletics Toronto, placed 23rd (33:01.29), followed by Pawluk in 25th (33:22:69).

Kenya’s Allan Kiprono was the overall winner in a time of 29:54.43. Three time women’s winner Deena Kastor placed third this year. Kastor still hopes to qualify for the American Olympic team in the 10,000m.

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