Athletics: A Stroll in the Park for Bennacer and Quinn at Spring Run Off 8K

Toronto. 3rd April 2004:

The 26th Annual Spring Run Off 8K turned out to be a stroll in High Park for Mustapha Bennacer and Tara Quinn, as both were comfortable winners in the opening event of Canada Running Series 2004.

Bennacer, the defending Series Champion from Montreal, showed that he means business for the new season, as he led from wire to wire for the victory with a strong 23:45 clocking--42 seconds clear of Danny Kassap of Toronto, with Andrew Smith another 17 seconds back. It was never close.

After an early duel with teenager Diane Nukuri of Pickering, Quinn also broke away for a 43 second victory, in 27:48.

The 2,000 starters in the 8K, and the almost 500 fitness folks in the Easter Seals 5K enjoyed a beautiful morning in Toronto's finest park. Conditions were ideal, at around 8 celcius and no wind. And as the Weather Network forecast it last night, "the risk of some sunshine" came true.

Complete results and online registration for all Canada Running Series 2004 events at www.canadarunningseries.com.