47th Manitoba Marathon sets record for most full marathon participants
Posted June 15, 2025 1:48 pm.
Thousands of runners came together Sunday for the 47th annual marathon, finishing inside Princess Auto Stadium.
It’s perfect weather for a run, personal bests are being set, the medals are flowing, and everyone is having a great time.
“Yeah, it’s just cool, the Bombers stadium right on the field, yeah, just the whole atmosphere, the environment, the cameras and speakers and music and all that it’s just a super fun day on Father’s Day, everyone out with family, so it’s great,” said Caleb De Jong, the men’s first place finisher of the full marathon.
De Jong won the full marathon, while Janine Zajac took first place for women. Both being from Winnipeg, they said it was extra special to do it in their hometown, with friends and family present.
“Definitely yeah, home course is so nice having a bunch of family and friends in the stands, on the field. Actually, my dad is running the full marathon too, even though he’s in his 60s, so yeah, just having so many friends and family on my home course, it’s just great,” said De Jong.
Zajac said, “I feel amazing. This is my first win for a marathon, so I couldn’t be happier.” Adding, “I love running around people that I know, my parents and my sister are out there cheering for me, so it’s just the best feeling.”
Over 12,000 runners participated, with a 5k run, a 10k run, a half marathon, a relay, and of course, the full marathon to choose from.
This year set a record for full marathon runners with nearly 1,300. Executive director Rachel Munday says it is special to see the running community here in Manitoba and nationally continue to grow.
“Seeing all the community groups getting together and running, and doing things for each other, and helping each other out. That’s also part of what this is: bringing the community together. And then race week, all of our little activities and bringing them together in the expo, and seeing them cheer each other on, you know it’s all of those things, it’s just amazing,” said Munday.
