Hannah, Gillis Canadian half-marathon champs in Montreal

Photo: Athletics Canada
Photo: Athletics Canada

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).

Hannah wins. Photo: Athletics Canada
Hannah wins. Photo: Athletics Canada

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.

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