David MacLennan wins his ninth Johnny Miles Marathon, sets record

David MacLennan won the Johnny Miles Marathon in New Glasgow, N.S. on Sunday for the ninth time.

MacLennan, a dominant east coast masters runner, set the record for most wins at the race, surpassing Bob Russell’s eight victories. His time of 2:46:44 was more than enough to hold off second place finisher Scott Clark of Summerside, P.E.I., who came at 2:51:29,

MacLennan, 48, has now raced 50 marathons and won 25 of them, including 4 victories at the Bluenose Marathon in Halifax. He discussed the importance of the Johnny Miles race for him, telling the Chronicle Herald, “The big thing for me is this is our local marathon,” said MacLennan, a proud supporter of the race. “It wouldn’t matter if it was nine, eight or seven, I still would have been there.”

MacLennan has won all nine of his races in New Glasgow since 2000, including a six year streak.

Russell, the previous record holder, put together eight wins in a row between 1981 and 1989.

Cathy Jeffrey of Fredericton was the female winner, in 2:53:31.

MacLennan promises to be back next year to run one of the events at Johnny Miles, but is as of yet uncertain whether he’ll attempt a 10th win or choose to race a shorter distance.