The International Chiba Ekiden marathon road relay takes place next Monday November 24 in Chiba City, Japan. Canada will be represented by a team of eight athletes facing teams from around the globe in the most prominent annual event of its kind.

Canadian coaches Chris Johnson of Vancouver, B.C., and Eddie Raposo of Toronto, Ont., have finalized the running order for the mixed gender marathon relay.

Leg 1 (5km) – Luc Bruchet (White Rock, B.C.)
Leg 2 (5km) – Jessica O’Connell (Calgary, Alb.)
Leg 3 (10km) – Kelly Wiebe (Swift Current, Sask.)
Leg 4 (5km) – Natasha Labeaud (Kelowna, B.C.)
Leg 5 (10km) – Sami Jibril (Toronto, Ont.)
Leg 6 (7.195km) – Lanni Marchant (London, Ont.)

Female alternate – Rachel Cliff (Vancouver, B.C.)
Male alternate – Pier-Olivier Laflamme (L’Ancienne-Lorette, Que.)

Coach Johnson shares his outlook, “I’m looking forward to being part of the Athletics Canada team at the Chiba Ekiden Relay. This is a great event and the Japanese are excellent hosts with a passion for distance running. The team is strong; we’re looking to improve on past performances at this event. Being on a National team is always and honor and I am confident that the athletes selected will do their best to run to their potential on race day.”

Coach Raposo on the Canadian athletes, “This year’s Canadian Ekiden team is a very strong one. All team members are healthy and in good shape. The team has the potential to place very well. The female representatives are especially strong and have plenty of international experience. The male athletes, although lacking in international experience, have the ability to perform at a high level. This will be a coming out party for some of them. We have two very strong capable and fit alternates who are ready to jump in if needed. The athlete’s personal coaches have done a wonderful job preparing them for the competition.”

-AC-