Ben Flanagan observed the Chicago Marathon last weekend with increased focus, particularly for long-term research purposes and in readiness for his upcoming debut at the Toronto Waterfront on Sunday. Reflecting on his competitors’ strong performances, such as Alex Masai’s impressive third-place finish in Chicago and sixth place at the New York City Half Marathon, Flanagan acknowledged feeling somewhat behind due to his relative newness to marathons.
Despite initially aiming for a 2:08 or 2:09 finish in his debut marathon, Flanagan’s plans shifted as he faced challenges during his training, including a hip injury. Emphasizing a shift in priorities, Flanagan expressed a desire for this race to serve as a learning experience rather than a pursuit of a specific time goal, with winning the Canadian championship being his main objective.
Past Canadian champions of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, including Justin Kent, Thomas Broatch, and Trevor Hofbauer, have finished within the 2:11-2:16 range in recent years. Flanagan’s coach, Jon Green, emphasized the importance of Flanagan enjoying his marathon debut and competing for the Canadian title.
Ahead of his debut, Flanagan shared insights gained during his training, highlighting the challenges of marathon pacing and fueling strategies. Despite facing setbacks, including illness in the final weeks of preparation, Flanagan expressed readiness for the race and acknowledged areas for improvement. He also drew inspiration from other Canadian runners, such as Cam Levins, who set a Canadian men’s record during his marathon debut in Toronto.
With competitors like Andrew Alexander and Phil Parrot-Migas poised to challenge for the Canadian title, Flanagan acknowledged the rising competitiveness within the Canadian marathon scene. Looking ahead, Flanagan aims to continue improving and set his sights on future goals, including potential participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In the women’s marathon, athletes like Dayna Pidhoresky and Rachel Hannah are expected to deliver strong performances, adding to the excitement of the Toronto Waterfront event. Pidhoresky, a seasoned Olympian, and Hannah, a consistent performer in marathons, provide further depth to the competition on Sunday.