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Winnipeg Free Press
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘I wish spectators were a little farther from the street'
A Manitoba Marathon race participant was attacked by a spectator's dog while running the half marathon on Sunday morning. Brendan Scott, a 28-year-old dental student at the University of Manitoba, was around the seven-and-a-half-kilometre mark of the race on Dunkirk Street, about to turn onto Kingston Row, when he was bitten by a dog who jumped out from the spectators watching on the sidewalk, inflicting two puncture wounds. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Brendan Scott, a 28-year-old University of Manitoba dental student, has some bruising on his arm and a small cut, after a dog bit him while he was running the half marathon on Sunday. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Brendan Scott, a 28-year-old University of Manitoba dental student, has some bruising on his arm and a small cut, after a dog bit him while he was running the half marathon on Sunday. 'Most of the half marathon up until the halfway points are pretty packed with runners,' said Scott. 'So I was trying to get a good time, and I'm weaving between people. At points a lot of runners are up against the sidewalk there where the spectators are. So nothing unusual for me or anyone. But running along the spectators, just trying to pass people, I guess I got a little close. Again, to me, nothing out of the ordinary, I see a lot of people running along close to the sidewalk.' 'But I just felt almost like a bang on my elbow. And at first, I just thought, like maybe I'd hit someone that had peeked out from the sidewalk, or even a traffic cone, I was really confused, but I looked back to see a dog owner pulling back the dog.' Scott said with the adrenaline rush of the race, he wanted to keep going and, at first, didn't see that there was broken skin. After finishing the half marathon with a time of 1:57:04, Scott realized there were two fang marks which had drawn some blood and started to bruise. 'I think a big problem with the marathon is just, I guess the amount of congestion there is for the first half of both the full marathon and the half marathon… So I'd like to see just even the marathon do a better job at making us go at different times.'– Brendan Scott 'I actually ended running the exact same time as last year, so a little disappointed that it wasn't a better time that I wanted,' said Scott. 'Honestly, yeah, it was just at points during the race that I was thinking, like, 'oh, I should really — I need to check this bite out after I finish running, like, properly.' But you know, couldn't really look fully down on my elbow while running.' He immediately attended the marathon's first aid station at the finish line inside Princess Auto Stadium before seeking medical attention at urgent care at Victoria General Hospital. 'I think the whole experience is just more shocking if anything,' said Scott. 'Just where I got the tetanus shot hurts the most. I can't really lift up my arm, but the dog bite itself is just a little bruise, nothing I can fully complain about. I just think the whole, again, experience was a little shocking and I didn't enjoy having to spend my Sunday in the hospital trying to figure out what to do about it.' Scott reported the incident to the City of Winnipeg and also hopes to see some changes made in upcoming marathons. Related Articles Father-son bond makes victory extra special as record number of Manitoba Marathoners compete In photos: 2025 Manitoba Marathon 'It really propels me forward': Women's half marathon winner digs deep Wildfire smoke changing outdoor sports landscape 'I wish spectators were a little farther from the street to allow runners to run by unopposed,' said Scott. 'Because I think it's a lot of people running the half and the full marathon, and it does get crowded, that people are running at different paces, and at times they have to go to the outskirts, and it's not uncommon.' The Manitoba Marathon had a record number of people run the full marathon this year, just shy of 1,300. Approximately 12,500 runners took part in the event, which offered a variety of race options including a 5K, 10K, half marathon, relay, and the full marathon. 'I think a big problem with the marathon is just, I guess the amount of congestion there is for the first half of both the full marathon and the half marathon, where there's a ton of runners running, and there's often just what feels like people colliding into each other or not being able to run at their proper pace. So I'd like to see just even the marathon do a better job at making us go at different times,' said Scott. Organizers of the Manitoba Marathon were contacted for comment but did not respond by press time.
CTV News
15-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Thousands run in the 47th annual Manitoba Marathon
About 12,000 runners came out for the 47th annual Manitoba Marathon on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Thousands of runners gathered for the Manitoba Marathon Sunday morning, raising funds for those living with intellectual disabilities. The 47th annual event began at 7 a.m. at the University of Manitoba Fort Garry campus, with participants able to partake in several events — including the 42.2-kilometre full marathon. Rachel Munday, executive director with the Manitoba Marathon, said the event has raised over $7 million since its inception to support those living with intellectual disabilities. 'We provide assistance for them to move out, move out of institutional care and live independently in the community,' said Munday. She said that about 12,000 runners came out for the course today which ended at the Princess Auto Stadium. Caleb de Jong from Winnipeg finished the full marathon with the overall best score at two hours, 26 minutes and 47 seconds. Caleb de Jong Caleb de Jong was the first man to complete the full marathon on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) De Jong said he has been running for about 10 years, adding that 'a lot' of training has been going on behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Janine Zajac was the first woman to cross the finish line for the full marathon with a time of two hours, 58 minutes and 17 seconds. Zajac, also from Winnipeg, said that she felt 'pure joy' following her victory. Janine Zajac Janine Zajac was the first woman to complete the full marathon on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) 'I haven't won a race I think in like 11 years since high school,' said Zajac. 'I'm going to take probably maybe a few weeks off, maybe a month, and then get back to training and maybe run something in the fall.' Expand Autoplay 1 of 13 Manitoba Marathon Participants of the Manitoba Marathon line up near the start of the course on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba Marathon Participants of the Manitoba Marathon line up near the start of the course on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba Marathon Participants of the Manitoba Marathon line up near the start of the course on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba Marathon A Manitoba Marathon spectator holds a sign of encouragement on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba Marathon Participants of the Manitoba Marathon leaving the start of the course on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba Marathon Participants of the Manitoba Marathon leaving the start of the course on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba Marathon Participants of the Manitoba Marathon leaving the start of the course on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba Marathon Participants of the Manitoba Marathon leaving the start of the course on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba Marathon Manitoba Marathon runners after completing the course on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba Marathon Caleb de Jong finished the full marathon with the best time overall on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba Marathon Janine Zajac was the full marathon women's winner on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba Marathon Manitoba Marathon runners after completing the course on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba Marathon Allison McPherson was the half marathon women's winner on June 15, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Munday said that one of the older runners included an 88-year-old partaking in his 30th half marathon, whereas about 300 children under the age of eight participated in a run event yesterday. Road closures due to the marathon route included University Crescent between Chancellor Matheson and Pembina Highway and scattered partial closures on Wellington Crescent.
CBC
15-06-2025
- Sport
- CBC
'Pure runners high' as thousands hit the pavement at Manitoba Marathon
Janine Zajac had a goal in mind while preparing for the Manitoba Marathon: she wanted to be one of the three first women to cross the finish line. With 18 of the 42.2 kilometres of the race to go that aspiration was still in check. But Zajac started to push herself and not long after, the crowd was cheering for her as she turned into the corner to the Princess Auto Stadium leading the race into the finish line. "[It was] an adrenaline rush, nothing like it, it's just pure runners high," Zajac said. "I haven't won a race in like 11 years, since high school — it's pretty freaking cool." The Winnipeg runner has been lacing up her trainers and hitting the pavement running since she was seven years old. On Sunday, at the age of 28 she was the first woman to finish the full marathon after running for two hours, 58 minutes and seven seconds. "You can start from zero and who knows where you'll go, right? As long as you put in the work," she said. The Manitoba Marathon kicked off at 7 a.m. in south Winnipeg. Runners participated in a number of races, including the full and half-marathons, a marathon relay, as well as 5K and 10K runs. Caleb de Jong was the first man to cross the finish line of the full marathon with a time of 2:26:47. "I could hear people just outside the stadium, in the stadium, shouting my name … it's just a super fun day," he said. De Jong has run for more than a decade, competing in three half Manitoba Marathons and even helping a friend with pacing for a full race. But Sunday marked the first time he reaped victory at the full Manitoba Marathon. 'A running boom' At the age of 57 Ron Lang wanted to try out something different. The idea of doing something that could help him be healthy was also on his mind, so when his family asked him to join them in the marathon he said yes, even though it would be his first time. "I am surprised I made it but I did," he said. "Of course I came in last, it was my first one, so whatever — it was enjoyable," Lang said. About half of the nearly 12,500 participants who signed up for this year's event are new runners, Rachel Munday, the executive director of the race, told CBC. "It's a running boom," she said. The Manitoba Marathon is just the latest example of races throughout the country seeing an increase in overall participation, Munday said. Just shy of 1,300 people registered for the full marathon, Munday said, marking one of the largest numbers recorded in the race's history. "It's not just about the numbers … it's a new demographic, it's a diverse group, there's people from every background and it's really exciting to see everybody in the community," Munday said. Graceful weather Clear skies, fresh temperatures and clean air quality graced the streets with what some runners hailed as the ideal weather for the marathon. "We couldn't have asked for better weather," said Phyllis Reid-Jarvis. The marathon, an annual tradition during Father's Day in Winnipeg, has been a family affair for Reid-Jarvis who over the last two decades has run alongside her relatives — this time crossing the finish line with her husband and niece. "The moment we turn the corner and we hear the music, we're like, yeah, we can do [it]," she said referring to the end of the 10K course they ran on Sunday. "It is so exhilarating." The marathon is in its 47th edition this year. Arthur Chow has hit the ground running during every one of them, fundraising for people living with intellectual disabilities so they can live independently. "It's been a passion for him forever," said his son Peter Chow. While Peter said he might not be in the cutting shape his father is at the age of 88 to run a marathon, spending Father's Day with him on the course is the best he could ever hope for. Buddhika Madduma and his 11-year-old son Jeth were another father-son duo at the marathon. They ran the 10K circuit after they completed the 5K last year. "I thought it would be much easier, but no, I still beat my dad," said Jeth. Both tend to run alone, but to be part of a group of people at the marathon came with the excitement of feeling supported and part of a greater community.
Winnipeg Free Press
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Father-son bond makes victory extra special as record number of Manitoba Marathoners compete
Caleb De Jong's first full marathon race since 2021 could not have gone better Sunday morning at the 47th annual Manitoba Marathon. With family and friends cheering him on, the 29-year-old completed the 42.2-kilometre course in 2:26:47, claiming his first-ever marathon race win on a sunny day in his hometown. Making the moment even more special for De Jong was seeing his father, Doug De Jong, also complete the full marathon. At 63 years old, Doug finished the race with a time of 4:35:41. 'It's super cool,' De Jong said after crossing the finish line in Princess Auto Stadium. 'Just the whole atmosphere and environment, all the music and speakers and cameras and all that. It's a super fun, fun day on Father's Day. Everyone out, family, it's great.' De Jong, who has been running for more than 10 years and previously competed in the half marathon at the past three Manitoba Marathons, placed fourth in the full event in 2021. He has also practiced the full distance before and even helped a friend with pacing a full marathon. But competing against the largest full marathon field in Manitoba Marathon recorded history is new territory. Just shy of 1,300 full marathoners registered this year — a record-breaking number of participants for the event, said Rachel Munday, executive director of the Manitoba Marathon. 'To be honest, both,' said De Jong when asked if his mindset is racing against others or his own personal best times. 'There's a little bit like, chip on the shoulder, and, like, prove to other people how fast you can run, and can you, like, run with someone and challenge yourself in runs and workouts and stuff with your friends. But there's also just prove it to yourself and can you be comfortable, even when it's hard… because it gets really hard, especially a long race like a half marathon or marathon.' Winnipeg's Tristan Da Silva came in second with a time of 2:32:35, and last year's winner, Andrew Taylor from Lafayette, Ind., placed third with a time of 2:34:09. 'To be honest, it was in the back of my mind,' said De Jong, who beat his 2021 time by almost 15 minutes, when asked if he thought about winning going into the race. On the women's side, the third time was the charm for Janine Zajac, who also claimed her first-ever marathon victory in just her third attempt at the full Manitoba Marathon. The 28-year-old Winnipegger, who has been running since she was seven years old, smashed her personal record on her way to the win with a time of 2:58:17. 'I feel amazing,' said Zajac after crossing the finish line. 'This is my first win for a marathon, so I couldn't be happier.' The last time she can remember winning a race was 11 years ago, back in high school. She graduated from Vincent Massey Collegiate in 2014. 'You never really know,' said Zajac if she knew she was going to win during the race. 'Someone can come out of nowhere at any point. I was in third until about maybe kilometre 18 and then I started to, I felt really good so I started to push it and just kept going.' Zajac placed 15th in her first Manitoba Marathon back in 2023 with a time of 3:38:08, and sixth in 2024 with a time of 3:21:58. She also recently completed the Boston Marathon at the end of April with a time of 3:11:03, heading into the Manitoba Marathon with a goal of finishing in the top three and breaking the three-hour mark. Zajac ended up being the only female racer to do so, with two other Winnipeggers following in second and third place: Ashley Elliott (3:05:16) and Maia Idzikowski (3:10:24). 'I love running around people that I know,' said Zajac. 'My parents and my sister are out cheering for me, so it's the best feeling.' Over in the Half Marathon race, Alison McPherson of Canmore, Alta., finished first with a time of 1:22:14. Last year's full marathon runner-up Jessica Wylychenko found herself in second place once again, this time in the half marathon event with a time of 1:23:39. A minute later came Elizabeth Tomczak of Regina, who placed third with a time of 1:24:52. 'I got some family here watching, so it's a pretty special day,' said McPherson. 'My partner's family's all here, and he's running the full, so I was thinking about him all day.' On the men's side, Benjamin Preisner from Vancouver, a 2020 Olympic athlete, came away with first place with a time of 1:04:21. For Preisner, the event serves more as a warmup in his marathon season. The long-distance runner will compete for Team Canada at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 13 to 21. 'It's a big race in Canada,' said Preisner on what brought him to Winnipeg. 'I'm just trying to build fitness into the marathon season in the fall, and Winnipeg always puts on a really good race.' Nageso Nyafaro Tuse of Calgary (1:04:34) was right behind Preisner, coming in second, with Collin Buck from Kalispell, Mont., (1:06:55) following in third. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'It's always great to celebrate running with communities around Canada,' said Preisner. 'Winnipeg really showed up today.' Around 12,500 runners registered for the race, according to race executive Rachel Munday and about half are competing for the first time. 'It's not just about the number of young runners,' said Munday. 'It's a new demographic, it's a diverse group, there's people from every background, and it's really exciting to see everybody in the community getting out and running.'
Winnipeg Free Press
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
In photos: 2025 Manitoba Marathon
This year's Manitoba Marathon kicked off Sunday morning. Caleb de Jong of Winnipeg won the Manitoba Marathon men's race with a time of 2:26:47. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Janine Zajac of Winnipeg won the Manitoba Marathon Women's full race with a time of 2:58:17. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Benjamin Preisner from Vancouver placed first in the Manitoba Marathon men's half marathon with a time of 1:04:21. On the women's side, Alison McPherson of Canmore, Alta. finished first with a time of 1:22:14. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS John WoodsPhotojournalist Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
