October 2025 Run-Down

Tammy Williams
5 days ago
4 min read

The weather is getting colder but the racing has not slowed down! Check out the accomplishments from the club this month.

In This Issue

Marathon finishes despite P'tit Train derailment

14th Annual Russell Run

Fall Colours

CMC Fall Road Race 2025

Great Canadian Hike

Great Big Cookie Run

If you want to get all the updates in real-time, follow us on Social Media or sign up for weekly emails.

Facebook - Instagram - Newsletter - Strava

Join the Russell Run Club Community Facebook Group to see what’s happening with our Members.

Marathon finishers despite P'tit Train derailment

Club members, Crystal MacKinnon and Patricia Yates toed the start line for what would prove to be a challenging P'tit Train du Nord marathon.

Temperatures were unusually warm for October resulting in race officials cancelling the event the health and safety while loads of runners were still out on course. While Pat dodged the marshalls and managed to cross the finish line, Crystal had her bib taken away and was forced to board the sweep bus.

But all that training was not put to waste! Club members and their families came out to support Crystal in her own 42.2km challenge just a few weeks later with some of them joining her to complete their own marathon distance run. 'Team Overwatch' ensured there were aid stations, cheering stations, bicycle escorts, pace runners and flags.

Congratulations to Pat on her 4:50:08 P'tit Train marathon and congratulations to Crystal and her supportive team on turning a derailed marathon attempt into a unique marathon experience!

14th Annual Russell Run

The Russell Run was another huge success this year with record breaking registration numbers reaching almost 300!

So much to celebrate and so many beautiful pictures to share. Click the button below to read all about the event, the athletes, the sponsors and the volunteers that all made it happen.

Fall Colours

The Fall Colour race is always a beautiful one. There may have been more but we've tracked down results for four club members that took on one of the many distances on offer.

Half Marathon

Norm Fortin 2:03:44

Erika Morris 2:27:39

Julie Huot-Hebert 2:36:10

10km

France Girard 1:15:21

Congratulations everyone on your race finishes.

CMC Fall Road Race 2025

Congratulations to Dave and Clair Sadler and Maurice Bonneville for toeing the line at the Cornwall Multisport Club Fall Road Race on Saturday, October 25th.

Our own Michelle Leduc was also there spreading positive club energy volunteering for the event.

Great Canadian Hike

We can all pat ourselves on the back for getting the club into first place in the Great Canadian Hike! The Russell Run Club and Community logged 5445km!

Top Challenge Participants

Shelby Cunningham – 468 km (22nd overall in Canada — top among the RRC Team)

Shiloh Gillard – 326 km (41st overall)

Norman Shippee – 246 km (69th overall)

Not only did we log the km - we raised $924 to support the preservation and improvement of the Trans Canada Trail system

Top Fundraiser:

Laura Andrew – $365 raised

We’re proud to be part of this national movement — and even prouder of the community that made it possible. We've even been highlighted on the Trans Canada Trail website. Click the button below to check out the article.

Great Big Cookie Run

Congratulations to Kathy Falldien who graduated from our Learn to Run program this year and has been taking advantage of race season. Kathy completed the Russell run 5km and then tackled the Great Big Cookie Run 5km a week later in a time of 36:17. Kathy is showing no signs of slowing down with her sights set on a December event too.

Race or Training Recaps

Races and runs are full of highs, lows, and unexpected moments. Help us inspire the RRC community by sharing yours—no need to be poetic, just be real.

Send us Your Race Report

Send Your Results

What Was the Russell Run Club Up to This Month?

Here are some successes, challenges and just good vibes:

"Cross country race for Charlotte and Logan this week. They both placed 2nd in their divisions. They are getting faster every week. Logan ran his fastest 5km ever last week with a 20:30 on a very hard course. We will see if he can get sub 20 before the season is over"

~Tom.

"Loved marshalling... and loved watching my dudes on the course. Russell Run is such a fun community/family day that we enjoy each year.

~Erica D.

"Finally I"m back in triple digits. It felt like it took forever to get here."

~Craig P.

"May have decided to run too fast, but it was beautiful out this morning. Great week overall!"

~Norm S.

"2019 Russell Run and 2025 Russell Run. My nieces are in both pictures. 2019 they were being carried in a stroller and a belly and this year they tackled the 1.2 and 5km event."

~Michelle L.

"Great experience on a longer distance technical trail race! One thing I learned is the trails are miuch more quiet and lonely then road races that tuypically have lots of energy and ppl along the course. I expected this but didn't expect how mentally tough it would be!"

~Jay A.