Skyline Fall Race Round-

Fall racing always has a special feel. Cooler mornings, big goals that have been in the works since summer, and a whole lot of grit as everyone balances their fall commitments alongside training.  It has been a privilege watching each person chase what matters to them. Here’s a look back at a season full of heart, hard work, and some inspiring moments.

A Strong Season on the Trails

Andrea D opened her fall at Black Lung, tackling her very first trail race ever. She showed up willing to push limits, trust her body, and try something new with friends. At Dam Hard 20, Heather M returned to the course and knocked a huge chunk off her time from last year- a reminder of what consistent, focused training can do over time.

Mike took on the Valley Harvest Ultra and didn’t just meet his sub-4-hour goal, he shattered it, taking 46 minutes off last years’ time and finishing second overall. Meanwhile, Brianne and Michelle dug deep at the Grizzly Ultra and Whistler 50K, each conquering their first solo 50K distances with a whole lot of heart. These weren’t just races- they were breakthroughs built over months.

Police Half & Boulderthon

The Calgary Police Classic brought big energy and meaningful milestones. Hollie completed her first half marathon after months of steady work and transformation. Brenda and Taylor battled hard conditions and executed smart races, while Meredith ran strong coming off injury, fuelling well and finding a patient rhythm. At Boulderthon, Erin executed beautifully on a hilly course, trusting the plan and staying composed when it counted. 

Royal Victoria Marathon 

Victoria was a highlight weekend with athletes toeing both the half and marathon start lines. Jenn M was aiming for sub-1:40 and delivered with a 1:37:52 while Josie earned her third PB of the year with a 1:41:49. Christy and Kristina raced beautifully while returning from injuries, pacing with patience and finishing proud and strong.  Jennessa also returned to Victoria and ran over seven minutes faster than last year. All these ladies executed intentional and focused builds this past summer.

In the marathon, Phil locked into his goal pace and delivered a near-perfect execution to break 3:30, and Ali continued to elevate her marathon journey with another major step forward and a shiny new personal best of 3:16:16! 

WFPS & TCS Toronto

In Winnipeg, Trina leaned into learning the art of the taper and showed up confident and steady, while Christopher earned a huge PB (1:55:56). Both these performances are proof of what happens when you commit to the long game.

Toronto Waterfront Marathon brought the heat- literally. Heather persevered through humidity, travel hiccups and tech challenges to finish with grit, while Shannon stayed patient through a tricky build and finished healthy and ready for what's ahead. These two efforts were the definition of resilience.

World Marathon Majors Season

We also had Skyline athletes line up on some of the most iconic streets in the world. 

Andrea returned from major injury to run a composed, strong race in Berlin, followed by Ericka who used Berlin as a meaningful stepping stone toward CIM. Cortney came back from a stubborn injury to deliver a 3:16:54 at the Chicago Marathon. This was her biggest build yet and something to be seriously proud of.  Jamie soaked in every moment of the New York City Marathon which was an achievement years in the making. Getting to these start lines was a victory and finishing them was the celebration.

Consistent Efforts and Community WinsCloser to home, Meredith and Sharon had big days at Dash of Doom, with Meredith pacing herself beautifully to a negative split and Sharon tackling her first 10K with determination after a tough stretch of illness this fall. Geoff showed up ready to go at the Red Deer Halloween Half and delivered a massive breakthrough, cutting 38 minutes from his previous time- a true reflection of his steady work through the summer.

Paul and Gladwin brought sharp legs to Dino Dash, while Jeff ran a well-executed tune-up before securing the Alberta Road 5K record for the 60–64 division at the Sports Experts 5K. Chelsey and Calvin also made the most of their fall fitness at the First Responders 10K, each earning a podium spot and showing how discipline in training translates to race-day confidence.

We also had athletes shine beyond Alberta. Micaela leaned into effort-based running at the Columbus Half, racing without her watch and closing strong to finish in 1:53:59. Omer kept the speed sharp with a fast, smooth 5K at the Run for Palestine, turning it into a great benchmark and momentum-builder heading into winter.

The Meaningful Ones

Some races weren’t about splits at all.

Heather F approached Melissa’s Half with joy as the goal- showing up, running happy, and soaking in the moment. Taylor and friends brought fun and Halloween spirit to Dash of Doom (with quite the group costume!). Sherry stepped bravely into training that challenged her each week leading into Last Chance. 

Looking Back, Looking Forward

While it looks impressive, we don’t define this season by numbers. To us, it was defined by courage, consistency, and community. By learning when to push and when to rest. By trusting the process through injury recovery, new distances, emotional stretches, life stress, and everything in between. We are so proud of every finish line earned, every lesson learned, and every morning (or evening!) you chose to show up for yourselves.

Congratulations Team!!