Running: Quebecers take Mississauga Marathon Race Titles

Monday, May 12, 2008 - 02:23 PM

Nathalie Goyer, of St. Bruno Quebec, was the first women to cross the finish line and break the ribbon held by Mayor Hazel McCallion and Canon representative Wayne Doyle, during the 5th annual Mississauga Marathon. Goyer completed the run early Sunday morning in 2:53:20.
Steven Der-Garabedian

More than 2,000 runners participated in the Mississauga Marathon, which started across from Square One and ended at Lakefront Promenade Park, Terry Gehl of St. Charles, Quebec, was first to cross the finish line at 2:28.28. "It's finally good to get the victory," said 39-year-old Gehl, who finished second the previous two years. "It's getting better with age."

In the women's open, Nathalie Goyer of St. Bruno, Quebec won her third straight Mississauga Marathon, coming in at 2:53.20. Goyer, 40, said she was very happy with her time. "It was more windy this year," said Goyer, who competed in her 27th marathon. "I'm hoping to come back next year."

In a few weeks, Denis Bazinet will turn 39. However, his upcoming birthday is the last thought on his mind. Three weeks ago, his sister Helen Plouffe was diagnosed with cancer. His best friend Kurt Schafer, who has been in hospital for the past six months, was recently discharged.

The Mississauga resident said they were his inspiration for the 42-kilometre run when he decided to run this year's fifth annual Mississauga Marathon. "Kurt was my inspiration during my training," said Bazinet, who started running three years ago. "My sister gave me the added inspiration I needed." Bazinet, who has his sister's and best friend's initials inscribed on his left arm, also dedicated his run to his deceased parents and wife's (Michelle) grandfather, who recently died. He has their initials on the right arm. "They came across the finish line with me," said Bazinet. "It was a good finish. This race was definitely dedicated to them."

Bazinet crossed the finish line in a time of 4:06.49, reaching his goal of going under 4:15. "This was my first marathon," said Bazinet, who placed 794th overall. "The strong wind at the end made me lose a bit of time."

Bazinet's wife, also a marathon runner, guided him through the race, cheering at every possible section. "I'm very proud of him. He did an awesome job," said Bazinet, who ran the very first Mississauga Marathon. "He's my hero."

Yvan Gagnon, 50, was the top Mississaugan, placing 32nd with a time of 3:06.39.
"I feel great," said Gagnon, who completed his 66th marathon. "I've been running marathons for the past 20 years, so I guess you can call me a vet." The Erin Mills resident, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday, said he runs for the pure enjoyment. "I love running," said Gagnon. "This was a late birthday present to myself."

Mississaugans Frank Nicholson, 68, and Les Turner, 60, were also first in their respective age groups.

In the half-marathon, Brian Brand placed 11th overall while Wendy Gualtieri finished third overall in the women's open. "It was a rough and windy course," said Brand, 41, who placed seventh last year. "But I'm happy with my run. I'm just trying to stay fit as I get older." Gualtieri said running was like an addiction because you're always trying to beat your time.

"I also enjoy it because it's stress-free," said the Meadowvale resident, who will be turning 41 in July. "The outcome is good both physically and mentally."
The Marathon weekend kicked off Saturday with Biovail's "The Hazel" five-kilometre run and concluded this afternoon with The Mississauga News two-kilometre Family Fun Run/Walk and MaraFun.