Surrey’s Wodak wins Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon women’s title
Published 10:40 am Monday, June 29, 2026
Surrey’s Natasha Wodak was the fastest woman among Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon runners on Sunday, June 28.
Thousands of runners filled streets of Vancouver for the event, hosted by Canada Running Series.
Wodak, course record-holder and two-time Canadian Olympic long-distance runner in 2016 and 2020, finished the 21-kilometre route in the first-place time of 1:14:48.
“I love the opportunity to race in my hometown, especially when it’s an ASICS event and Canada Running Series,” Wodak said later. “I had fun out there and am grateful to come away with the win.”
On the men’s side, Ben Preisner claimed his fourth Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon title in 1:06:43.
Wodak’s women’s event record of 1:13:52 remains, as well as Justin Kent’s course record of 1:05:09, both set in 2024.
Sunday was a record day for the event with nearly 5,200 participants for the Half Marathon and 1,300 for the 5K race.
Participants travelled from 11 Canadian provinces and territories and 33 countries to run on a course through UBC and Kitsilano to a Museum of Vancouver finish line.
The half-marathon’s Charity Challenge program saw 39 charitable organizations participate, collectively raising more than $310,000 to date and tracking toward $500,000 before donations close on July 12. Funds raised will support a wide range of community initiatives across British Columbia and beyond.
Canada Running Series returns to Vancouver on Sunday, Sept. 27 for the 2026 Under Armour Eastside 10K.