Athletics: Lions Athletes Dominate Kick Off To Spring 5K

From: Gilles Lamenoise

Race Doubles In Size From 2003

Ottawa, ON. - The Ottawa Lions Track and Field club's own athletes claimed the individual men's and women's honours at the 2nd annual Kick Off to Spring 5 km road race on the grounds of la Cité Collegiale on April 3rd, 2004.

Ottawa's Mike Woods, who represented his club and and country at the recent World Junior Cross Country Championships in Belgium was the class of the men's field at the Lions fundraising event, going hard off the line to establish a formidable lead, which he never relinquished winning in 15:18.70.

"It was a good test of fitness today," said Woods, who will look to again represent his country at this summer's World Junior Track and Field Championships in Italy. "Obviously from the cross-country training, I'm in pretty good shape right now. It is great to have a run to support our club and I'm glad to be part of it."

Ottawa Lions' athletes Berry De Bruijn was second in 15:50.78 followed by Josh Karanja in 16:05.98.

On the women's side, Michelle Cormier showed the results of a recent club training camp in Florida to break apart the race with a 17:30.06 winning time followed by junior Lions athletes Hilary Egan and Tess Acton who were 19.43.06 and 19:43.69 for second and third spots.

"I felt really good and I'm happy with my result," said Cormier. "It is a neat course out here, a nice change from the canal. From the training camp and this, I know I'm on track to run some fast times this summer."

This is the second year the Lions have hosted this race to help raise funds to support programming that promotes the sport of track and field in the national capital region.

"Last year we ran the race in the middle of a blizzard so this year the conditions were far better," said Scott MacDonald, Executive Director of the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club. "We are very happy with the response to the race from the community and appreciate the support. We essentially doubled in size, so the growth of the race is encouraging."

For full results of the race visit: www.ottawalions.com.

This summer join the Lions every Wednesday night starting June 9th, 2004 for a series of track and field meets, open to everyone, regardless of age or ability. The club provides the perfect opportunity for those who wish to compete and achieve personal bests. For meet information and event schedules, please visit: www.ottawalions.com.