Title defence complete

Chaisson defends P.E.I. Marathon title; Peterson wins first title

Defending a P.E.I. Marathon title, or winning your first Marathon is just as sweet as Stan Chaisson and Jocelyn Peterson can attest to after completing the feats on Sunday.

Chaisson crossed the finish line in a time of 2:35:24, three minutes and 34 seconds off his record time of 2:32:58 set in 2009, but faster than last year’s time by over six minutes.

Peterson won her first P.E.I. Marathon in 3:18:51 and finished 13th overall.

The wire-to-wire win was Chaisson’s third and his second fastest time in the Island Marathon.

The Bear River native, who credited his better time to better training, said he wasn’t aiming for a new record, but it seemed possible, especially when he had a 1:17:40 split time.

“The thought crossed my mind after the halfway point, but it wasn’t on my racing plan. I just wanted to run at a steady pace,” said Chaisson, who lives in Charlottetown.

“Compared to last year, I prepared a lot better. I trained in the Bonshaw hills, in the new trail system, and (it helped) my legs be stronger in the (course’s) hills.”

For Peterson, her first win ran over one goal, but didn’t quite reach another.

“(My time) is OK. Finishing in 3:15 was my primary goal, but sub-3:20 is supposed to make me happy. So I’m happy. I’m feeling pretty good right now. Better training this year. I followed it,” said Peterson, laughing.

“My whole family runs, so I just tried to keep up with them.”

Kris Taylor of Hunter River finished second in 2:48:09, and Vincent Merriam of Stratford was third (2:50:14).

Amber Spriggs of Charlottetown was second on the women’s side in 3:22:29.

Allie Keedwell, also of Charlottetown, was third in 3:31:11.

Half marathon

Summerside’s Ryan Merrett won the half marathon in 1:18:16. Bree Bates of Dartmouth, N.S., was the first women’s half-marathoner to cross in 1:28:07. Bates placed fifth overall.

Weather wasn’t a factor at all, given the warm overcast day and virtually no wind. That’s a rarity for the Marathon, which has seen rain, snow, gales, blazing sun and brutal cold, sometimes in the same day, over its long run.

As for the 35-year-old Chaisson, his winning time has him looking forward to next year.

“I’m optimistic I can go faster,” he said.

Meanwhile, Peterson has a few celebration plans on the go.

“One of my kids had a (downhill ski) team barbecue, so I’ll probably celebrate there,” she said.

“And it’s back to work Monday.”

KATIE SMITH/THE GUARDIAN Stan Chaisson, winner of the full marathon, makes his way across the finish line in downtown Charlottetown after he completed his race in the 14th annual P.E.I. Marathon on Sunday.

KATIE SMITH/THE GUARDIAN Three generations of Charlottetown women took part in the 14th annual P.E.I. Marathon. Brenda McKenna, left, walks with her daughter Jennifer Dugay and her granddaughter, 10-month-old Allyson Dugay, in Charlottetown on Sunday.

KATIE SMITH/THE GUARDIAN Wayne Gairns, left, of Emyvale and Kevin Morrell of Miscouche didn’t know each other when the race began, but when they crossed the finish line together after completing the half marathon they shook each other’s hands.

KATIE SMITH/THE GUARDIAN Julie Gladstone from Brantford, Ont., flashes a big smile as she crosses the finish line in downtown Charlottetown on Sunday. Gladstone had just completed the half marathon.