Canadian Olympians jet-setting to Puerto Rico to race NACAC
Athletics Canada has chosen four athletes to soon fly to Puerto Rico to compete fast races at NACAC.
Two of the Canadian running scene’s favourite Olympians Eric Gillis and Lanni Marchant will soon be packing their bags for Puerto Rico in preparation to board a plane to San Juan.
The two have been named by Athletics Canada to represent Canada, along with Luc Bruchet and Rachel Cliff, at the 2017 NACAC Road Race Cup. That is taking place at the World’s Best 10K in Puerto Rico on Feb. 26. The course has received IAAF Gold Label status.
RELATED: Luc Bruchet and Rachel Cliff start off 2017 with wins at Pioneer 8K
Canadians will be proud to watch these four put their 10K speed to the test as each of them has added some brag-worthy accomplishments to their resume as of late.
Less than six months ago, Marchant completed her historic double running the 10,000m in Rio and then turning around and running a strong marathon a couple days after. Not only did she complete both races in such a short time frame, but she also ran competitively in both. Watching her run on Feb. 17, spectators should know that she was the top NACAC finisher last year.
Joining her in the women’s race is Rachel Cliff who resides in Vancouver. Cliff is not stranger to the podium as she has earned herself a spot in the last four Canadian Cross-Country Championships. Her 10K PB is 32:21.98.
As for the men, most Canadian running fans are well acquainted with Gillis’ accomplishments. He’s an example of someone who trains hard, keeps focused and is able to bring consistently impressive results year after year. He placed 10th in Rio in the marathon and held Canada’s top 10K time last year (30:16).
And finally, Luc Bruchet. The Olympian who represented Canada in the 5,000m in Rio this past summer ran the fastest Canadian 10,000m time in 2016 (28:45.81). He also wrapped up the 2016 season by placing third in the Canadian 5K Road Championships.
More recently, Bruchet and Cliff earned even more respect by being the first across the finish line at the prestigious Pioneer 8K. Bruchet crossed the finish line with 23.24 on the clock while Cliff finished in 26.51.
Canadians at NACAC
Men
Eric Gillis, Guelph, Ont., Dave Scott-Thomas, Speed River
Lucas Bruchet, White Rock, B.C., Richard Lee, BC Endurance Project
Women
Lanni Marchant, London, Ont., Dave Mills, London Western
Rachel Cliff, Vancouver, B.C., Richard Lee, BC Endurance Project
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