Running family from Winnipeg still riding high after Manitoba Marathon
Posted June 29, 2025 5:45 pm.
Two weeks after crossing the finish line first at the Manitoba Marathon, Caleb De Jong is still basking in the moment—one that was about more than just the win.
“On Father’s Day, with my dad running, with my family in the stands, with friends—all that coming together at one place, one time—for sure it’s very special and fun,” said Caleb.
The 24-year-old from Winnipeg captured his first-ever marathon title in front of a hometown crowd. Making the moment even more meaningful, he did it alongside his father, Doug De Jong, who completed the final marathon of his own 20-year running career that same day.
“Having my dad in his 60s, 20 years after his first one, and he wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to do it or not with an injury or two, but he was able to do it—and then on Father’s Day,” said Caleb. “So those three things in one day just made it really great.”
Doug, now officially retired from marathon running, was just as emotional reflecting on the day.
“It’s one thing to run a marathon, right? Like, I’ve run marathons, and I don’t win them,” he said, laughing. “But for him to win it, and especially when I’m doing my last one—and for him to win it the same day—that’s special, right?”
Running has been part of the De Jong family’s fabric for over two decades. Caleb’s siblings are also avid runners, and though Doug once had a competitive edge in his prime, times have changed.
“To be honest, not very long,” Caleb said with a laugh, when asked how long it would take his dad to keep up with him these days. “I’m just so much younger and quicker. Some friends were joking about LeBron James and Bronny James being in the NBA at the same time, so I thought that was a funny comparison.”
As for what’s next, Caleb plans to defend his title at next year’s Manitoba Marathon. While Doug has officially laced up for the last time, he’s not ruling out one more race.
“I know they’re having their 50th in three years,” he said. “So I’m just saying—I’m officially retiring from marathon running, but I’m going to reserve the right to come out of retirement for one day and maybe run that if I’m doing good.”
For Caleb, sharing the milestone with his father was the true victory.
“My dad just loves running, and it means a lot to him,” he said. “And to not only run, but to win, was definitely a special thing.”
