Cold doesn't slow down runners at Cross-Country Running Nationals

The CCAA Cross-Country Running National Championships, organized this year by Collège Lionel-Groulx, hosted teams from 36 colleges and universities from across Canada under blue skies but with near-freezing temperatures. The cold, however, did not dampen the courage and determination of the athletes as they competed for the national title.

130 women took the start. As the lead group quickly distanced itself from the pack, Jade Bérubé of the Collège Lionel-Groulx Nordiques was on the heels of UBC Heat’s Veronika Fagan for almost three quarters of the race before the PACWEST athlete built the gap that would earn her the individual title. Third place went to Sophia Nowiki from the Lethbridge College Kodiaks.

On the men’s side, 134 athletes lined up at the start. The leaders slowly distanced the field, as Perry MacKinnon of the Cégep de Sherbrooke Volontaires and Matthew Travaglini of the SAIT Trojans battled for first place. Travaglini ultimately carved out enough of a lead to ensure the win. His Trojans teammate Jacques Saayman took third.

The atmosphere after the race was filled with pride and camaraderie, a testament to the commitment and determination of these collegiate athletes, as well as the mutual respect between them.