MONTREAL – About 35,000 runners took part in the 25th annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal Marathon, with runners enjoying live concerts taking place at various venues along the way.
The event took a tragic turn however, after a 34-year-old woman passed after going into cardiac arrest.
Dr. François de Champlain, Medical Director for the Montreal Marathon issued the following statement:
“We regretfully confirm that a participant passed away at today’s Montreal Marathon. As fellow runners we are deeply saddened by this tragic situation and wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the participant’s loved ones.”
Another man collapsed at the finish line, but is now in a hospital recovering.
It was a competition that attracted talent from across the world.
Alex Bennett, vice-president of events for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, noted that 53 countries were represented, as were all 50 states in the United States and all the provinces in Canada.
But it was ultimately runners from Quebec who finished on top.
Thirty-four-year old marathon champion, Nicholas Berrouard was all smiles after his hard work and efforts finally paid off.
“I’ve been training for seven years because my first marathon was in 2008. But this year, I really pushed up the volume,” he said.
“It’s the second time someone from Quebec wins the marathon in 25 years, so I’m pretty proud of that.”
It was neck and neck up until the finish line.
“The battle was really hard up to the end. It was just 13 seconds between me and the second,” added Berrouard.
In the female category, it was 27-year-old Geneviève Asselin Demers, from Repentigny who walked away with the 1st place prize.
“I am very very very happy. And I don’t have any words to describe how I feel,” she said
“I don’t have any sponsors. I just run because it’s my passion.”
The race raised significant funds for charities.
“We have 18 different charities involved with this race. The main one is Tel-jeunes, who we wrote a check to for $32, 000 earlier,” Bennett told Global News.
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