Neal runs to second consecutive Manitoba Marathon title

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This article was published 16/06/2024 (484 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A two-peat was too sweet for Winnipeg’s Dawn Neal, who was overcome with emotion Sunday after winning the full Manitoba Marathon for a second straight year.

“I can’t even believe. Can’t even believe it. Wow,” the 42-year-old said after crossing the finish line of the 42.2-kilometre course. “It’s an honour.”

An argument could be made that this completes the “hat trick,” as the mother of four was the unofficial 2022 champion of a race that was officially stopped due to dangerous heat and humidity. Neal made it count for real in the 2023 event, finishing in two hours, 57 minutes, 58 seconds.

This time? A sizzling 2:53:51.

“It hurt. Not gonna lie,” Neal said of toughing it out on a course that had been saturated by heavy overnight rain and storms. “I went out hard and just tried to hang on. So thankful to see my family at mile 19 again.”

Another local athlete, Jessica Wylychenko, was the runner-up once again to Neal (2:55;36), while Jaala Van Dongen of La Broquerie (3:15:28) made it an all-Manitoba podium.

“We’re moving out of province in the next two weeks (to Alberta), so this could be my last Manitoba Marathon and I’m just so grateful,” said Neal.

“Winnipeg has been amazing. This has been a great race.”

On the men’s side, 24-year-old Ohio resident Andrew Taylor quite literally ran away with the title with a winning time of 2:32:51. That was nearly 10 minutes ahead of Winnipeg’s Tyler Derksen (2:42:06).

“I definitely wanted to be on the podium. Once I got here I was like, ‘Let’s just go for the win,’” Taylor said of his mindset.

“We knew it was going to be a bit windy and humid out there. So kind of went out a bit conservative. At about 10 miles, from there I was pretty much by myself but the crowd kept me going the whole way.”

Taylor said he felt like a professional football player running into Princess Auto Stadium and crossing the finish line.

“The hospitality here has been amazing. To go out there, have people cheering the whole way, encouraging you the whole way to finish it off, just feels great,” he said.

American David Plotkin (2:48:51) finished third. He’s just three years removed from a devastating injury after getting hit by a truck that ran a red light, resulting in numerous gruesome injuries to his legs, ankles and wrists.

Turning to the Half Marathon, two-time Olympian and 20-time team Canada member Natasha Wodak added another impressive outing to her incredible resume by winning the event for a second time (2022 was the other).

It was just the emotional boost the British Columbia product needed after coming up short of qualifying for the Paris Olympics.

“I was pretty devastated and heartbroken. To be back seven weeks later and winning a national championship, it makes me just love the sport all over again,” said Wodak.

“I’m surprised. I didn’t think I was going to win today, so I’m very happy about that.”

Her time of 1:12:56 edged out fellow British Columbian Malindi Elmore (1:13:09) and another decorated Canadian runner, Anne-Marie Comeau of Quebec (1:15:20).

Wodak said this race was extra special, as she is now coaching young runners including three other participants on Sunday.

“Not only do I coach these women, they’re my friends. We have this incredible bond,” she said.

“They have introduced me to more of the run community than I have known. I’m now going to different events with them, being with the run community, going to these fun events like the beer mile. Just seeing people who love to run for the joy of it and not always running to win, a lot of people just love to run because it’s social and it’s fun.”

Two-time Olympian Cameron Levins of B.C. won the men’s half marathon in a time of 1:04:23 – a perfect tune-up to the Paris Olympics later this summer.

“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve got a lot of marathons under my belt now. Just get as ready and as fit as I can,” he said. “Any chance to represent Canada again on an international stage is great. Obviously the Olympics is the peak of that. Hopefully this will be my best one that I’ve done.”

Levins, 35, is no stranger to the winner’s circle around here. He set a course record in 2022 (1:03:23), then broke it last year (1:01:41).

“I know the course like the back of my hand now,” he said. “Lots of people are calling my name out there which is great. It’s a real friendly atmosphere. I’m happy they’re welcoming me back year after year here.”

Levins is the North American record holder in the marathon and the Canadian record holder in the half marathon, who also holds Canadian records in the men’s 10 kilometre, 15 kilometre and 20 kilometre races. He takes great pride in becoming a running role model and mentor.

“If I’m able to inspire any younger athletes that’s a win in my books,” he said. “I hope some of these athletes grow up one day and chase after what I’ve done and represent Canada, or at least enjoy the sport and kind of make it a lifelong thing.”

Vancouver’s Thomas Nobbs (1:06:15) finished second behind Levins, while Winnipeg’s Sam Vincent came in third (1:06:55). He just edged out hometown favourite Danel Heschuk (1:07:30) on the podium

”A little muggy, a little slippery, but it was a nice day,” Heschuk said of his second straight fourth-place finish.

“It was not as good as it has been in past years, just because of the slipperiness. But it’s still a beautiful course. I love running here. I’ve run other races in other cities before. Running here, being able to sleep in your own bed the night before, to be able to have the whole city come out to cheer you on, it’s always very special.”

More than 10,000 people registered for the annual Father’s Day event, which also included a marathon relay along with 5K and 10K runs.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg

zoe.pierce@freepress.mb.ca