Natasha Wodak and Matt Hughes first place at Canadian 5K Championships

The second annual Canadian 5K Championships took place Sunday morning downtown Toronto at the B&O Yorkville Run. Temperatures in the city have recently taken a dive feeling more fall-like. Runners lined up at the start line ready to race in cloudy, windy 14C weather.

This year’s championships races had a competitive field of fast elites in both men’s and women’s races with the first-place runners in each event taking home a $2,000 prize. Female elites had to run a sub 17:30 5K to be granted elite status. The men had to run under 15:30 to qualify.

Natasha Wodak and Matt Hughes were the winners of this year’s 5K Championships. Wodak made it to the finish with quite the lead over the other top runners to clock a 15:57. Hughes ran 14:16.

.@HugheSteeple wins @YorkvilleRun #Cdn5kChampionships pic.twitter.com/Gxy46zf5T2

— CanadianRunning (@CanadianRunning) September 13, 2015

The men’s race began with Hughes in the lead soon after the start. It looked at the start as if it could be a slower, tactical race. By halfway point, Hughes began to make his move pushing the pace and pulling away from the group. He was able to open up a 20m or so gap and ran strong through the finish in 14:16.

Evan Esselink came in not long after him to clock a 14:19 and Justin Marpole-Bird placed third running 14:25. The ten elite men came in all under 14:48.

In the women’s race, Wodak ran strong and fast from the beginning. She opened a large enough gap and easily took the first place win 17 seconds ahead of Rachel Hannah. Hannah however secured a strong second-place position running 16:14. Her second place wins her $1,000. Laura Batterink placed third with a 16:19. 

.@tasha_wodak easily takes the women’s title @YorkvilleRun #Cdn5kChampionships pic.twitter.com/9oA5smPLqE — CanadianRunning (@CanadianRunning) September 13, 2015

Here they come! #Cdn5kChampionships#YorkvilleRun15pic.twitter.com/p4uHllC8L1

— B&O Yorkville Run (@YorkvilleRun) September 13, 2015

The B&O Yorkville run has been a well-known event in Toronto for the past six years and is known for being a fast course. This year, it raised $250,000 for Victim Services Toronto. Over 1,000 runners show up ready to race. To get a sense of the atmosphere today, check out runners’ comments from social media.

Some of our great runners today in our different age categories! #YorkvilleRun15 pic.twitter.com/sV0e8BqsQD

— B&O Yorkville Run (@YorkvilleRun) September 13, 2015

Did you know that Supt. Kuck from @TPS11Div will be running w/ Dandy the dog tomorrow for @VSToronto #YorkvilleRun15 pic.twitter.com/1IWkOmAXYA

— Laurie McCann (@thecoffeecop) September 12, 2015

Some of dedicated @PROSTATECANCERC team at finish line of #YorkvilleRun15. Looking great after 5km race! pic.twitter.com/au3cIUUmOG

— Rocco Rossi (@roccorossiTO) September 13, 2015

We did it and for @VSToronto ! in just over 22 mins 5km #YorkvilleRun15 pic.twitter.com/Jyo1sDXAXS

— Laurie McCann (@thecoffeecop) September 13, 2015

Congratulations to our fastest runner of the day, @HugheSteeple! #YorkvilleRun15 pic.twitter.com/cSF3uuN1ny

— B&O Yorkville Run (@YorkvilleRun) September 13, 2015

Tremendous turnout for @YorkvilleRun #YorkvilleRun15 supporting charities incl @ProstateCancerC. Thx to all!! pic.twitter.com/YGETvOSIE9

— Rocco Rossi (@roccorossiTO) September 13, 2015

Fantastic run today! Thanks again for coming out! @thecoffeecop @TPS11Div @VSToronto @TorontoPolice #YorkvilleRun15 pic.twitter.com/qmSXt8kjF9

— B&O Yorkville Run (@YorkvilleRun) September 13, 2015