Ben Flanagan and Rachel Hannah Win Canadian Marathon Titles in Toronto

UPDATE: In a thrilling finish at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Ben Flanagan of Kitchener, Ontario, claimed the Canadian men’s marathon title in his debut, clocking in at 2:15:39 and finishing 10th overall on October 19, 2025. His impressive performance has marked a significant milestone in his career, as Flanagan, a 2024 Olympian, transitions from shorter distances to the marathon.

Rachel Hannah, hailing from Port Elgin, Ontario, also made headlines by winning the Canadian women’s title for the first time with a time of 2:33:47. Both athletes showcased outstanding resilience against a competitive field, with Flanagan describing his victory as “a new chapter” in his athletic journey.

The race saw Kenya’s Leonard Langat take the overall men’s title with a remarkable finish of 2:08:04, just 24 seconds ahead of fellow competitor Noah Kipkemboi. In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Shure Demise secured her third Toronto title, finishing in 2:21:03, narrowly missing the course record set last year.

Hannah’s victory is especially poignant as she navigates the challenges of competitive sports, marking her first national marathon win. She was followed by Makenna Fitzgerald from Kamloops, B.C., who earned silver, and Toronto’s Brittany Moran, who took home the bronze.

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon has become a pivotal event for showcasing athletic talent, with both Flanagan and Hannah proving that perseverance and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements.

As the marathon community celebrates these victories, eyes will now turn to upcoming marathons and the preparations of these champions as they look to further their success on the international stage.

Stay tuned for more updates on these athletes and their journeys as they continue to inspire fans and fellow runners alike.