Following a successful track season that included ten top-10 Canadian Championships performances, including 2 National medals, the London Runner Distance Club now looks forward to the 2010 Fall/Cross Country Season. Along with school-based competitions, LRDC athletes are training towards the Canadian 10k road race Championships on October 16th, the Ontario Cross Country Championships on November 14th, and the Canadian Cross Country Championships on November 27th. Other open events will include the New Balance Vic Matthews Open September 18th, the Mustang Open October 7th, the Pinery road races October 17th, and the Halloween Haunting road races October 31st.

Key Additions Helping LRDC Build Towards 2011 and Beyond

The club will need to be firing on all cylinders to match their 2009 XC success, which included placing 4th overall at the Ontario Championships and picking up the Senior Mens bronze medal at the Canadian Championships. While the group may need until 2011 to be able to surpass these accomplishments, the coaching staff has taken a big step forward this year with the addition of Paul Roberts. With a focus on the Steeplechase event group during the 2010 Track Season, Roberts was instrumental in the success of LRDC athletes Kyle O'Neill - 6th at the Canadian Championships - and Patrick Hartman - bronze medalist at the Canadian Youth Championships. Another key addition to LRDC this year is Leslie Sexton, who placed 3rd at the Canadian Championships in the 5,000m event. Looking down the road, Sexton states "I hope to help build a strong post-collegiate group in London in the long-term." With other LRDC athletes looking to do the same, it'll be an exciting next several years for the London Runner group.

In support of LRDC coaches Paul Roberts, Nathan deWitt, and Steve Weiler, the group has seen increased leadership from the addition of Team Captains. Particularly influential during the 2010 Track Season were Senior Captains Jeremy Walsh and Bronwen Douglas, who have helped continue to build up the LRDC Senior ranks and bring a new level of team spirit and camaraderie to the group.

You can follow the 2010 LRDC XC Season online with occasional video coverage, race results, and further articles.

London Runner Distance Club – Have Fun, Run Fast!