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Manitoba Marathon in Winnipeg on June 21, 2026. (Sofia Frolova, CityNews)<\/p>\nA record 14,000 runners took part in the Manitoba Marathon on Sunday, making the 48th annual event the largest in the race\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
Thousands gathered at the University of Manitoba campus and Princess Auto Stadium for the Father\u2019s Day tradition, which featured participants ranging from first-time runners to longtime veterans.<\/p>\n
Manitoba Marathon in Winnipeg on June 21, 2026. (Sofia Frolova, CityNews)<\/p>\n
Organizers said about 70 per cent of participants were new runners, while a record 1,700 people completed the full marathon.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope it inspires a whole lot of Canadians to get out and try a new sport,\u201d said Sasha Gollish, the women\u2019s half-marathon champion.<\/p>\n
Rachel Munday, executive director of the Manitoba Marathon, said organizers are already looking ahead to further growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrowth comes with some challenges, but we are ready for it and looking forward to \u2013 gosh! \u2013 2027,\u201d said Munday, adding organizers hope participation could reach 15,000 or even 16,000 runners next year.<\/p>\n
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Manitoba Marathon in Winnipeg on June 21, 2026. (Sofia Frolova, CityNews)<\/p>\n
Among the participants was George Steciuk, 89, who completed the 10-kilometre race. Steciuk said he first entered the event at age 75 and hopes to tackle the half-marathon next year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I can do it at 89, anybody can do it,\u201d said Steciuk.<\/p>\n
The marathon has long been a Father\u2019s Day tradition in Winnipeg, with many participants running alongside family members.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust having some quality time for Father\u2019s Day with my dad. Crossing that finish line with my dad is so nice,\u201d said Brady Braha Friesen, who completed the 10-kilometre race.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo cross that finish line together it\u2019s that core memory that we always cherish,\u201d said Darryl Friesen.<\/p>\n
Janine Zajac repeated as the women\u2019s full-marathon champion, saying the victory carried special meaning because she has participated in the event with her father since she was five years old.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels amazing! Words can\u2019t explain how good it feels,\u201d said Zajac.<\/p>\n
The men\u2019s full-marathon title went to Calgary-based runner Nageso Nyafaro Tuse, who completed the race in two hours and 18 minutes.<\/p>\n
Tuse, who arrived in Alberta from Kenya as a refugee in 2024, also won the Servus Calgary Marathon last month.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou always work really hard. I feel really proud and happy,\u201d said Tuse.<\/p>\n
Organizers said the record turnout reflects growing interest in road racing across Manitoba and Canada, with thousands of newcomers taking part in this year\u2019s event.<\/p>\n
\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n
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