Hannah, Gillis Canadian half-marathon champs in Montreal
Eric Gillis successfully defended his Canadian half-marathon title on Sunday in Montreal.
Gillis took command of the race over Toronto’s Sami Jibril, and cruised to victory in 1:04:28. He has now won the Scotiabank 21K race three times.
The Speed River Track Club runner has now won back-to-back Canada Running Series events, after his win two weeks ago at Toronto’s Yonge St. 10K.
Jabril hung on for second place, fading back to 1:06:05 after staying with Gillis for much of the race, and local runner David Le Porho took third (1:08:30).
In the women’s race, Toronto’s Rachel Hannah continues to dominate this spring. She beat pre-race favourite Krista DuChene, after trailing by over 10 seconds for much of the race, winning in 1:13:37, a huge personal best.
Two weeks ago in Toronto, Hannah pulled off her first big upset, out-sprinting DuChene to the line for the win. Erin Burrett of Nanaimo, B.C. took second with a strong showing in 1:15:02. DuChene slid back to third in 1:16:37, limping over the finish line on one leg. She had to be carried off the course by race director Alan Brookes. She later indicated that she fractured her femur.
Fractured femur. Waiting for surgery in Mntl after CDN 1/2 marathon champs. Very teary but God is good. Thx @RunCRS & @AthleticsCanada
— Krista DuChene (@kristaduchene) April 28, 2014
Dramatic morning in MTL! Excited for a 5 min + PB but my heart goes out to @kristaduchene We hope for a speedy recovery. #Scotia21kMlt
— Rachel Hannah (@RachelHannahRD) April 27, 2014