On Sunday, Mississauga, Ont.’s Kevin Smith smashed the Canadian 55+ half-marathon document on the TCS Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon, ending in a speedy 1:15:42. Simply three weeks after finishing the Berlin Marathon, 55-year-old Smith proved he nonetheless had extra to offer, clocking a time that may go down within the books. Smith beat a long-standing document of 1:16:21, set in Toronto on Sept. 29, 1996, by Robert Moore.
Toronto’s Kevin Smith broke the 55+ 🇨🇦 document within the half-marathon at @TOwaterfront42k, working 1:15:42.
That is vindication for Smith, who says he’s been chasing these information for 15 years–ever since changing into a grasp’s athlete💪🏼#chooseToRun pic.twitter.com/eJMxB6VHlz
— Canadian Operating (@CanadianRunning) October 20, 2024
Smith stated he felt each drained and thrilled post-race. “A complete bunch of feelings have been streaming by means of me in the previous couple of minutes after I realized it lastly might occur as a result of I’ve been chasing this [an age group record] for 15 years.” On Sunday, Smith lastly conquered the elusive aim he’s pursued since changing into a masters runner. “..lastly to do it simply feels so, so rewarding,” he added.
Smith stated he knew he was on monitor for the document. “I had been planning this for an extended, very long time and I knew the place I used to be, however there are moments on the market whenever you ebb and circulate and I assumed I may be dropping it,” he defined. “As soon as I hit a few late good kms, and I knew it was only one km to go, I began to go, you recognize, it’s a couple of minutes of anguish or no matter simply to get there.”
Hunter Grimshaw-Surette and Eliyah Brawdy win TCS Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon
Smith’s success falls solely weeks behind a prime ten age-group end within the Berlin Marathon, the place he ran 2:42:56 (eighth in M55-59). Though his legs have been contemporary off a tough effort, Smith wasn’t able to decelerate. “I assumed, I don’t know if I’ll get well in time… however I’m in good condition, so I’ll threat it.” That threat paid off.
Sunday’s 2024 Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon topped two first-time champions: Hunter Grimshaw-Surette of Central Chebogue, N.S., and Eliyah Brawdy of Smithers, B.C. Grimshaw-Surette broke the tape in entrance of Toronto Metropolis Corridor, ending in 65:13 in his debut on the distance, whereas Brawdy shaved seven minutes off her earlier finest, crossing the road in 1:13:34.
For full outcomes of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon and related races, click on right here.
