Thousands of enthusiastic runners gathered on a vibrant Sunday morning in Montreal for the city’s 33rd annual Beneva Marathon. The event brought together a total of 19,000 participants, with 5,500 challenging themselves in the full 42.2-kilometer race from Île Sainte-Hélène to Parc Maisonneuve, and another 13,500 opting for the half-marathon distance of 21.1 kilometers. The unique setup allowed spectators to witness a thrilling finish as runners from both categories crossed the line together.
This year marked a significant milestone for the marathon, with a record-breaking turnout of 32,500 runners across all races, surpassing the previous year’s number by 5,500 participants.
Beyond the physical challenge, the marathon had a profound impact on the community, raising nearly $1 million for close to 60 charitable organizations through the Du cœur à la course initiative. Major sponsor Beneva generously awarded $25,000 in grants to standout groups, further supporting the noble causes.
The event prioritized the well-being of all participants, with Urgences-santé deploying the largest team of 300 medical professionals to ensure the runners’ safety. Additionally, over 300 security guards were strategically placed along the route to provide a secure environment for the runners.
In a heartwarming display of teamwork and expertise, medical teams successfully performed 50 interventions on-site in the previous year, including the life-saving resuscitation of a runner who experienced a cardiac arrest.
The marathon weekend wasn’t just about the long-distance races, as participants in the 10-, 5-, and 1-kilometer races had their moment to shine on Saturday.
Among the standout performances, Marta Hirpato Yota claimed victory in the women’s elite marathon with a time of 2:37:08, while Geoffrey Brgen clinched the men’s elite title in 2:18:12. In the general category, Solene Thubert emerged as the top female finisher in 3:02:07, with Valentin Emmanuel leading the men with a time of 2:33:25.
