On Sunday, two Vancouver-based athletes dominated the 2024 Canadian Cross Country Championships in London, Ont. Andrew Davies and Leslie Sexton, both members of the Vancouver Thunderbirds Track Club, captured victories in the men’s and women’s 10K races, respectively.
In the men’s race, Davies bided his time with the lead pack through the first three laps, executing a strategic move heading into the final lap. “The plan was to give it everything, suffer, and then hold on,” Davies shared about his decisive finish. He surged to the win, claiming his first senior national title in 30:38. Max Turek of Whitby, Ont., and Mitch Ubene of Tecumseh, Ont., rounded out the podium, finishing second and third.
Despite freezing temperatures, Davies praised the 2.5-kilometre course at Fanshawe Golf Club. Growing up in nearby Sarnia, Ont., he was cheered on by many family and friends. A highlight of the day for Davies was seeing his former McMaster Marauders teammate, Turek, finish right behind him. “I had to be careful not to swear in excitement,” he laughed. “The last thing I wanted was to have us both disqualified.”
Sexton triumphs in women’s race
The women’s 10K came down to a closely contested battle, with marathoners Leslie Sexton and Rachel Hannah and U Sports standout Paige Breedon fighting for position as they entered the final 2.5-kilometre loop. Breedon pushed the pace, but Sexton, a seasoned 2:28 marathoner, put her strength on display by breaking away to win in 36:33.
Breedon earned her first national podium with a strong second-place finish in 36:45, while Alyshia Alkerton of Brockville, Ont., surged on the final lap to secure third place in 36:46.
Having relocated to Vancouver three years ago to escape southern Ontario’s unpredictable climate, Sexton laughed at the irony of winning in snowy, sub-zero conditions. “I knew today wasn’t going to be easy,” she said. “But in tough moments, I remind myself that I’m a marathoner—built for races like this.”
The 37-year-old, who lived in London, Ont., for nine years before moving west with her coach and partner Steve Weiler, described her victory as a homecoming. “It felt amazing to win here,” Sexton said. “I’m happy to take the individual title and help secure the team championship for the UBC Thunderbirds for the second year in a row.”
For full results from the 2024 Canadian Cross Country Championships, click here.
