Ben Flanagan closely observed the Chicago Marathon last weekend, paying more attention than in previous years. This was both for long-term research purposes and to prepare for his upcoming debut at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday. Flanagan, a native of Kitchener, Ont., expressed a mix of intimidation and excitement after witnessing his competitors perform well in Chicago. He mentioned feeling slightly behind due to his relative newness to marathon running.
One standout performer, Alex Masai from Kenya, achieved a personal best time of 2:04:37 in Chicago, placing third. Masai’s recent successes, including a sixth-place finish at the New York City Half Marathon, have motivated Flanagan. Initially aiming for a 2:08 or 2:09 finish in his first marathon after recovering from a hip injury, Flanagan’s goals have evolved to prioritize different aspects of the race.
Flanagan, who transitioned from track running to marathons after competing in the 5,000 meters at the 2024 Olympics, emphasized that his focus for this weekend’s marathon has shifted. While acknowledging the challenges he faced during his training, he highlighted that his main objective is to win the Canadian championship, rather than achieving a specific time goal.
In the past three years, Justin Kent, Thomas Broatch, and Trevor Hofbauer have claimed the Canadian elite men’s championship at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, finishing in the 2:11-2:16 range. Flanagan’s coach, Jon Green, emphasized the importance of Flanagan enjoying his marathon debut and competing alongside other athletes in the final stretch of the race.
Reflecting on his training journey leading up to the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Flanagan noted the physical and mental preparations he undertook. Learning about the nuances of marathon running, including pacing and fueling strategies, has been crucial for Flanagan. Despite facing setbacks such as illness during his training, Flanagan expressed readiness for the challenges ahead and the improvements he has made.
Looking ahead to the race, Flanagan acknowledged the competitive field, with athletes like Andrew Alexander and Phil Parrot-Migas posing a challenge to his pursuit of the Canadian title. Flanagan expressed a desire to excel in future competitions, aiming to achieve faster times and establish himself as a top performer in the sport.
In the women’s marathon event, elite athletes like Dayna Pidhoresky and Rachel Hannah are expected to showcase their talents on race day. Pidhoresky, a seasoned Olympian, and Hannah, known for her consistent performances, are anticipated to deliver strong performances in the women’s race at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.