SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. - After months of training, thousands of kilometres ran and the unwavering drive to succeed, the best collegiate runners were set to tackle the Crimson Ridge course at the 2016 CCAA Cross Country Championships hosted by Sault College.

The biggest supporter of this national event seemed to be Mother Nature as temperatures hovered around 10 degrees with the sun breaking through creating optimal racing conditions for Canada's best and a far cry from the traditional cold and wintery weather in Sault Ste. Marie this time of year.

The student-athletes did not disappoint as well great times as the challenging Crimson course was fast and dry. The women's five kilometre race saw Cegep Garneau's (RSEQ) Jessy Lacourse defend her 2015 national title by setting a new course record of 18:11 leading from start to finish in a blistering pace. She was pushed throughout the race by Cambrian College's (OCAA) Mary Strain who finish second in a time of 18:24 and Jade Berube of College Lionel-Groulx (RSEQ) in third at 18:39.

For the men, Fanshawe College's (OCAA) Seth Marcaccio improved on his 2015 CCAA silver medal by leading the field from wire to wire, crossing the line in another course record time of 25:39. Centennial College (OCAA) William Chemno held off a late charge of Cegep de Sherbrooke's (RSEQ) Felix Lapointe-Pilote finishing second by two seconds with runners crossing the line at 25:59 and 26:01 respectively.

All the student-athletes will celebrate the championships Saturday evening with the 2016 CCAA Cross Country Championships Banquet to be held at the Quattro grand ballroom in Sault Ste. Marie.

A complete release of all championship awards will happen after the Banquet.
Complete race results can be found at www.chiptimeresults.com or follow the championships at www.ccaa.ca.

Source: Sault College