Record-Breaking Performances
A remarkable number of new standards were set in 2026, highlighting the depth and quality of racing across both elite and masters divisions.
Thomas Nobbs secured third overall while setting a new M25–29 record with a time of 1:03:42.
Craig McMillan lowered the M45–49 mark to 1:08:29. Duncan Marsden continued the record streak with a 1:11:18 run in M50–54, and Drew Kilback established a new M70–74 standard of 1:30:07, an exceptional performance at any age.
The women’s side delivered equally historic results. Fiona Fraser clocked 1:17:22 to break the 19 & Under record, while Olympian Dayna Pidhoresky set a new F35–39 benchmark at 1:12:41.
The performance of the day belonged to Maria Zambrano, whose 1:18:07 not only broke the F55–59 record but also earned the Dan Cummings Memorial Award for the top age-graded performance. Zambrano surpassed the previous category champion record set by Allison Blackmore (1:25:24 in 2022) by an astonishing 7 minutes and 17 seconds.
Records continued to fall in the senior ranks. Allison Blackmore set a new F60–64 event record of 1:30:22, while Roslyn Smith rewrote the F75–79 standard with an inspiring 1:52:40.
Podium-Level Racing Across the Field
Three-time Olympian Cam Levins captured another First Half win in 1:01:46, second only to his own event record of 1:00:18 in 2023, still the fastest half marathon ever run on Canadian soil.
Justin Kent took second in 1:03:29, his new First Half personal best by two seconds. Kent’s times now also ranks fifth and sixth all-time in the event’s history, which dates back to 1988.
Youth champion Ryan Ng took the M16–19 title in 1:17:56, while Liam Dwyer delivered a strong 1:05:18 in M20–24 to finish 7th overall. Masters standout Robert Nissen powered to the M40–44 win in 1:12:42, placing inside the Top 50 overall.
On the women’s side, two-time Olympian and Canadian marathon record holder Natasha Wodak secured her fifth First Half title with a dominant performance, clocking in at 1:11:50. This time also led the F40–44 age category. Wodak now holds three of the event’s top four best times, including the event record of 1:10:17 set in 2023.
Sevanne Ghazarian in 1:13:27, Rachel Hannah in 1:13:53, and Jenna Melanson in 1:13:56 round out the First Half 2026 Podium and Top 5 in an extremely fast field that includes 55 athletes going sub 1:14
Among additional age-category winners, Amelia Pfohl led F20–24 in 1:16:27, Sevanne Ghazarian topped F25–29 in 1:13:27, and Ally Ginther won F30–34 with a fast 1:14:12. Strong victories followed from Kate Guy (F45–49, 1:25:46) and Tara Atkinson (F50–54, 1:27:26).
Inspiring Performances at Every Age
The senior divisions showcased remarkable endurance and determination. Annette O’Brien won F65–69 in 1:34:21, Marie Chapman claimed F70–74 in 1:47:19, and Jane Wintemute captured F80–84 in 2:34:19 – embodying the spirit of lifelong participation.
From teenage breakthroughs to masters legends redefining what’s possible, the 2026 First Half proved once again why it is known as Canada’s fastest half marathon. With a wave of new age-category records, podium-level racing, and personal bests achieved across the field, the event delivered unforgettable performances at every stage of the running journey.
