VANCOUVER, September 17th. Eric Gillis, who recently finished tenth at last month’s Olympic marathon, won today’s 4th annual Vancouver Eastside 10K, a Canada Running Series event. His time of 30:16 was enough to hold off BC Endurance project runner, Justin Kent, who put some pressure on Gillis between the 6-8K mark. Gillis finally got away at 8K and held on for the win. Justin had a time of 30:26, ahead of last year’s winner, Geoff Martinson who clocked in at 30:43.
"The race was a bit slower today because of the weather but it was all about the effort." Said Gillis, "I wanted to gain some much needed Canada Running Series points and get tuned up for Toronto next month"
On the Women’s side, it was first time Eastside 10K runner, Leslie Sexton who managed to beat out Vancouver locals Dayna Pidhoresky and last year’s winner, Olympian Natasha Wodak. Leslie, who was in third place for the majority of the race, had a surge at the 7.5K mark and clocked in at 33:17 under rainy skies. Dayna’s time of 33:35 was enough to hold off the always competitive Wodak who finished with a time of 33:42.
"This is a great race," said Leslie. "I wanted to use this race as a tune up for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon coming up next month so I was extremely pleased with my result."
Despite the weather, the event attracted 2,300 competitors and raised over $20,000 in support of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, Watari Support and Counselling, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and the Breakfast Club of Canada. Participants can continue to fundraise online until October 2nd on line at www.eastside10k.ca
"We were so thrilled with the turnout today," said Canada Running Series president Alan Brookes. "Canada Running Series events are all about community and the Eastside 10K is a perfect example of people coming together to support their local charities."
Information and complete race results can be found at Eastside10K.ca.
For more information on Canada Running Series events, please visit CanadaRunningSeries.com
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