The Eastside 10K was won on Sunday by Andrew Davies and Natasha Wodak. They finished in the time of 29:49 and 32:47, respectively.
The men’s race
The men’s race was tight between Ben Preisner and Davies. In a thrilling finish, Davies emerged victorious in the men’s race, securing a hard-fought win in 29:49. Ben Preisner took second place in 30:05. Thomas Broatch took third in the time of 30:06
Davies said, “I knew by the 8K mark that the race was mine.”
Erik Jackson won the Kill the Hill event in exactly 2:00.
The women’s race
On the women’s side, Natasha Wodak dominated and delivered a remarkable performance that claimed the top spot with a time of 32:47. The ‘kill the hill’ segment of the course adds a fun twist.
Leslie Sexton, who finished in second place, easily took on the challenge.
Sexton clocked a 33:45 performance, while Eliyah Brawdy took third in 33:56.
It was a Greater Vancouver sweep of both podiums.
Genevieve Lalonde, a two-time Canadian Olympian and multi-time national record holder raced for her first time after becoming a mother. The 3000m steeplechase specialist finished in 34:32 and in sixth place. Her partner John Rasmussen, who is on the national triathlon team races as well. He finished in the time of 31:32 and in seventh place.
The first non-Vancouver area runners were Daniel Zewdu of Victoria who finished fourth in 30:13. Lalonde was the first non-Vancouver area finisher, she also resides in Victoria.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Under Armour Eastside 10K is renowned for its commitment to giving back. This year, the event has raised over $50,000, which will be distributed to several local charities: Urban Native Youth Association, Kids Sport, Promise Vancouver, Downtown Women’s Eastside Centre, and PHS Community Services Society. These organizations provide support to vulnerable populations in the Downtown Eastside and promote sport in the community.
The Under Armour Eastside 10K continues to be a cornerstone of Vancouver’s race calendar, offering a unique opportunity for runners of all ages and abilities to come together and make a positive difference in the community.
Top results
Men’s Winners:
1st: Andrew Davies 29:49
2nd: Ben Preisner 30:05
3rd: Thomas Broatch 30:06
Women’s Winners:
1st: Natasha Wodak 32:47
2nd: Leslie Sexton 33:45
3rd: Eliyah Brawdy 33:56
Event records are 29:20 by Regina’s Kelly Wiebe from 2014 and Ben Preisner from 2022. The women’s record is held by Kelowna’s Malindi Elmore from her 2022 32:37 performance.
The Kill the Hill event starts at the 5K mark timing mat. There is a separate results for climbing the primary hill mid-race.
The Under Armour Eastside 10K celebrated its 11th anniversary with a resounding success, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 3500 runners across in the in-person and virtual race. The event, which enjoyed a third year of sunshine, not only showcased the athletic prowess of participants but also made a significant impact on the local community.
