A hat-trick that had never been achieved in this competition which was also in its 20th edition this year.
“I’m making it a classic. It’s an event that I really like, there are people cheering along the way. I try to always put it in my calendar and what’s more, it coincided with the provincial half-marathon championship this year,” explains the winner, barely out of breath a few moments after crossing the finish line.
Without necessarily mentioning that Lévis has become his favorite course, Senneville assures that he is very comfortable when the time comes to run on the South Shore of Quebec.
“This is where I set my career best time two years ago (1:04:56), it’s a fast course. I think I’m good at running downhill and that’s probably why I’m so successful.”
This personal best is still the fastest time in the history of the course.
Marc-Antoine Senneville a few moments after his victory. (Jean Carrier/The Sun)
A little help
If the second portion of the race is easier, the start had its difficulties with a strong headwind on Sunday morning. A situation which forced the front runners to support each other for a while.
“David suggested the guys take turns at the head of the peloton over short distances of 500m. I was very happy, we did that for the first six kilometers. I took control of the race at the seventh kilometer and I didn’t look back,” admits the man who believes he is not yet at the peak of his form at 29 years old.
The friendly athlete assures that he will compete again next year to defend his title.
Édith Pépin savors her victory among the women. (Jean Carrier/The Sun)
Nice surprise for women
It was a local runner who won the women’s race. Édith Pépin, who is used to half-ironman races, triumphed in the women’s race with a time of 1:20:05. An unexpected performance according to her.
“I came second at the Quebec marathon in October and led the majority of the race. There was no question of me being overtaken this time! I like winning,” she explains with a laugh.
Pépin admits that she uses this race as preparation for her half-ironmans.
“I live nearby and it’s a course that I really like. Of course I didn’t expect to win, but I’m very happy with the result.”
Valérie Gaulin and her father Mario who cross the finish line together for a seventh consecutive time. (Jean Carrier/The Sun)
An inspiring duo
Every running event always has its share of great stories. It is difficult to do better this year than Valérie Gaulin and her father Mario who are running together for a seventh consecutive time. The woman, who now lives in Montreal, makes it a point to participate in the event with her father.
“My father is a great sportsman and it was he who introduced me to running when I was young. We’ve been running together for about ten years now.”
Mario, who is now 67 years old, admits that the races are more difficult now than a few years ago.
“There is no doubt that it is more difficult than before, but I still had a better time than last year. It’s the last few kilometers that are the most difficult.”
The duo seems to really enjoy this family tradition.
“It’s not a course that is too difficult and it motivates each of us to do our training to prepare for the race. We like to do other activities together like cycling, but it’s always special to participate in this race. The goal is to do it again next year until we are no longer able to do it,” the father and daughter finish with a smile.
Easy logistics
With this new attendance record of 7,300 runners for the entire event, the organizers seemed happy to have held the event over two days this year. It would be surprising if this way of operating does not become the norm in the future of the half marathon, especially with the number of participants which seems to increase each year.
