2025 RunNB's Awards Banquet - Saint John, NB

Donald Wade - Chairman's Message

RunNB proudly celebrates the more than 10 thousand runners who crossed the finish line as part of the 69 races on the RunNB race calendar.

Out of those thousands of runners, some deserve to be recognized for their speed, others for their promising outlook, others for their exceptional achievement and yet others for the inspiration they convey to others.

All 69 races have equal importance to us but a few have attracted and impressed even more the running community and they deserve to be recognized for their excellent work.

We also count in our midst people who contribute exceptionally to promote running in their communities. It is important to recognize this important contribution and we will present to you an example of what this award represents.

Nineteen runners, 4 women and 15 men, have completed the Run the Cycle, meaning that they ran all 5 calendar distances, the 5km, 5 miles, 10 km, half marathon and the marathon. It is an exceptional feat and we are proud to recognize their discipline and stamina.

For the past 5 years, RunNB has offered an annual challenge to help keep runners motivated throughout the year. The Circle NB Challenge saw some runners achieve amazing results. We wish to thank them for their commitment to running and their personal discipline.

Finally, I wish to express my gratitude to the members of the RunNB Board for their unwavering commitment to running. Thank you, Daniel, Michel, Nathalie, Sara, Bruce, Jeff, Alex and Gilles. Your input during our 5 Board Meetings and numerous discussions on Messenger have demonstrated your keen judgement, your attention to details and your fairness.

I also want to thank Alex for organizing the Annual RunNB Awards event in Saint John and posting excellent articles on our Facebook page.

Congratulations to all who help make 2025 another successful running season!

NB Records set in 2025

Click to see all NB Records

2025 Trackie SuperSeries Winners

Click link Trackie SuperSeries page to view results of the Top winners of each category.

Event of the Year

47th Annual Fredericton Marathon - Fredericton, NB

Fredericton Marathon: A Lasting Legacy

Record-breaking 47th Stewart McKelvey Fredericton Race Weekend

In 2025, the Fredericton Marathon hit a new participation high at its 47th annual race weekend, with 3,234 runners across marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k, and children's events. Despite heavy rain, all participants showed enthusiasm for Fredericton's scenic routes.

New Course and Features

The 2025 marathon introduced a northside trail to its route and brought back staggered starts, improving the participant experience.

Elite 5K Competition

Atlantic Canada's first road race label event featured 39 elite athletes on Saturday, marking the only Athletics Canada Road Race Label race east of Quebec City.
 

Race directors, Christine Little & Bruce Macfarlane with male winner Miike Tate of London, ON	Race directors, Christine Little & Bruce Macfarlane with female winners Eileen Benoit of Sweets Corner NS and Katie Richard of Charlottetown PE

Fredericton Marathon Community Fund

The Marathon launched a permanent fund in partnership with the Fredericton Community Foundation to support local charities. Contributions are pooled and managed to maximize impact, with tax receipts provided.

Community Spirit and Volunteers

For 48 years, the Marathon has united the community beyond running, now extending its legacy through the Community Fund. Volunteers remain essential, ensuring the event runs smoothly and fostering community connection.

RunNB is proud to award the the 47th Fredericton Marathon as the 2025 Event of the Year, a celebration of community, movement, and the shared joy of crossing the finish line together.

Photo above: The 47st Fredericton Marathon of Fredericton, NB is the 2025 Event of the Year	Photo above: Donald Wade, RunNB Chairperson presents Christine Little, Race Director of the 2025 Event of the Year award. (Photo by Sofie Gautreau)

Male Runner of the Year

Hayden Hollowell - Moncton, NB

Hayden Hollowell: Inspiring Runner and Community Leader

2025: A Year of Remarkable Achievements

In 2025, Hayden Hollowell delivered an outstanding performance in the Canadian marathon scene. He achieved two top marathon results, including a third-place finish at the Bluenose Marathon with a time of 2:38:47, and claimed first place at the Legs for Literacy Marathon in Moncton, crossing the finish line in 2:39:24.

Hayden also posted a competitive half marathon time of 1:15:31. His speed carried over to shorter distances, earning him second place at the St Andrews 5 Miler with a time of 27:46, as well as a strong 5K performance of 16:22.

Contribution to the Greater Moncton Running Community

Hayden is highly active within the Greater Moncton running community. Having recently moved from Alberta to Moncton, he now teaches Physical Education at a local middle school. His impressive racing credentials have inspired many young students to pursue running, fostering an environment of enthusiasm and participation in sport.

Leadership and Humility

Despite his many accomplishments, Hayden remains humble and approachable. He is well-liked and respected both on and off the racecourse, serving as a true inspiration to those around him.

Fostering the Next Generation of Runners

In addition to his teaching duties, Hayden coaches cross-country at a Moncton middle school. Through his guidance, he introduces students to running and helps nurture their passion for the sport.

RunNB is proud to present Hayden Hollowell with the Male Runner of the Year Award for 2025.

Hayden running 455 edition of the Demi-marathon de l'Acadie.  [Photo by: Donald Wade]	Hayden after winning the Legs for Literacy marathon. [Photo by: Unknown]	Sarah Young, RunNB board member present Hayden the Male Runner of the Year. [Photo by: Sofie Gautreau]

Female Runner of the Year

Julia Reid-Howell - Fredericton, NB

Julia's Remarkable Comeback Season

Return to Top Form

Julia’s return to competitive running after welcoming her baby this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. Demonstrating incredible resilience and determination, she quickly regained her elite status within the New Brunswick running community.

Outstanding Race Performances

In 2026, Julia achieved the third fastest 5k time among all female runners in New Brunswick. She dominated the rankings, holding the top position in the 5 mile, 10k, and half marathon events. Notably, her impressive half marathon time of 1:21:14 placed her in the top ten all-time performances for the distance, a remarkable feat that highlights her exceptional talent and dedication.

Consistent Victories and Accolades

Throughout the season, Julia’s racing prowess was evident as she secured numerous victories and posted top times across multiple race distances. Her consistency and excellence earned her a prominent place in the SuperSeries standings, further cementing her reputation as one of the province’s top athletes.

Balancing Motherhood and Athletic Success

Julia’s accomplishments are made even more impressive by the fact that she achieved these results less than a year postpartum, all while nursing. She managed to win every race she entered and set several new personal bests, showcasing her remarkable ability to balance the demands of motherhood with elite athletic performance.

RunNB Event Participation

Julia competed in 14 RunNB events over the course of the year, consistently delivering top performances. She holds the fastest times for 5 miles, 10k, and the half marathon, and ranked third in the 5k, underscoring her versatility and dominance across different race distances.

RunNB is proud to name Julia Reid-Howell as 2025 Female Runner of the Year.

Julia running the Arlene Donaher 5K in Miramichi in November  [Photo by: Norma  MacLean]	Julia racing at the 15Km de Grande-Digue in April 2025. [Photo by: Grande-Digue Race Committee]	Michel Robichaud (L) Treasurer of RunNB presents Julia Reid-Howell with the 2025 Female Runner of the Year award. [Photo by: Sofie Gautreau]

Up and Coming Female Runner of the Year

Brianna Kao- Harvey, NB

Accomplished Marathon Runner

Background

Originally from Harvey, NB, Brianna Kao is currently working and training in Moncton.

Race Achievements

Brianna has achieved remarkable results in 2025, including completing a marathon in under three hours, winning the Grande-Digue 15Km race in less than one hour and posting the 3rd fastest 10K time in New Brunswick.

Her outstanding performance at the Fredericton Marathon this year saw her finish with a time of 2:56:43. According to RunNB statistics, this is the 13th fastest marathon ever run by a New Brunswick woman, with only three women recording faster times. She also ran two fast 10km races this year, both finishing in under 40 minutes.

Brianna’s time at the Fredericton Marathon was the fastest female finish in 2025, nearly eight minutes ahead of the next competitor.

Historical Significance

Completing a marathon in less than three hours is a remarkable accomplishment. Brianna’s time of 2:56 makes her only the sixth different New Brunswick woman to achieve this feat, placing her as the fourth fastest woman in the province’s history. She ranks behind accomplished runners Shelley Doucet, Paula Keating, and Sacha Hourihan, all of whom have been multiple-time recipients of the Runner of the Year award.

Personal Reflection

Brianna shared with the press at this year’s Fredericton Marathon that her victory was especially meaningful because she was unable to finish the race the previous year. Additionally, she should be proud of maintaining the same pace in the 2025 marathon as she did in the 2023 half marathon, where she finished fifth among women.

RunNB has selected Brianna as the Up and Coming Female Runner of the Year not only for her running accomplishments thus far, but for the incredible potential she holds for the future.

Brianna at the start of the 15Km de Grande-Digue [Photo by: Grande-Digue Race Committee]]	Brianna during the 407edition of the Demi-marathon de l'Acadie [Photo by: Guy Lanctot]	Winner, Brianna Kao, of the 2025 Fredericton Marathon. [Photo by: ???]

Up and Coming Male Runner of the Year

Thomas Van Steeg - Sussex, NB

A Rising Force in New Brunswick Road Racing

Overview

Other than a single 5k event in 2014, Thomas has only been actively competing in New Brunswick for the past two years. During this time, he has recorded impressive times across a range of distances: 16:32 for 5k, sub-29 minutes for 5 miles, sub-36 minutes for 10k, 1:17 for the half marathon, and 2:49 for the marathon.

Competitive Range and Performance

Thomas has shown himself to be competitive at all race distances. Notably, he ran 2:49:45 at the Fredericton Marathon.

Achievements in 2025

This year, Thomas completed the Run for the Cycle and secured qualification for the 2026 Boston Marathon in Fredericton.

Impact on the RunNB Scene

The Sussex runner made a significant impact on the RunNB racing scene in 2025, participating in seven races across the province. His performances in all five major distances ranked in or near the top ten for the year, with a standout sub-2:50 marathon. Thomas finished second in the Run for the Cycle, placing among the top 20 all-time in this event.

Profile and Future Outlook

A fast and dominant young athlete in his age category! He performed just as well on short distances as he does on long distances. Thomas will certainly be a dominant presence in the province's road races for years to come.

RunNB is pleased to recognize Thomas as the 2025 Up and Coming Male Runner of the Year.

Thomas on the left seen in a Sussex Trio at August Run For Renee  [Photo by: Chantal Beam]	Thomas completing the Legs for Literacy Marathon in Moncton [Photo by:Unknown]	Sara Young, RunNB Board Member presenting Thomas with RunNB's Up and Coming Male Runner of the Year. [Photo by: Sofie Gautreau)

Personal Achievement Award

Marcelle Breau- Tracadie, NB

Celebrating an Inspiring Running Journey

Marcelle Breau of Tracadie marked a truly special milestone when she completed her 100th Demi-marathon de l’Acadie (DMA) during the event’s 389th edition in 2020. Cheered on by fellow runners at the finish line, Marcelle was met with warm congratulations and genuine admiration for her determination, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Dedication Since the Beginning

Having taken part in the DMA since it first began in 1987—sometimes volunteering, sometimes running—Marcelle has watched the event grow to an impressive 457 editions. Her 100th DMA was especially memorable, as she braved snowy, windy weather to finish in 2:02:37, proving to everyone that age is never a barrier to chasing dreams.

Competitive Spirit and Record-Setting Performances

Marcelle’s love for running shines through in everything she does. She was the top runner in the 2025 Circle New Brunswick Loop Challenge, finishing ahead of her own husband, who took second place, and well-known runner Mathieu Hebert, who came in third. Competing in the 70-79 age group, Marcelle has set countless records, including a standout performance at the Subway Grand Bay Westfield Canada Day 10-mile race, where she finished just eleven minutes shy of the national record. She often completes half marathons in under two hours—a feat that inspires runners of all ages.

Boston Marathon and Recent Accolades

Last year, Marcelle once again completed the Boston Marathon, crossing the finish line in 5:08:29. Her remarkable achievements have earned her a well-deserved nomination for the Personal Achievement Award at the RunNB banquet.

Marcelle running the Demi-marathon de l'Acadie in February 2025 [Photo by: Donald Wade]	Marcelle in full stride at the 15Km de Grande-Digue in April 2025. [Photo by: Grande-Digue Race Committee]	Donald Wade, RunNB Chairperson presents Marcelle Breau with the 2025 Personal Achievement award. [Photo by: Sofie Gautreau]

Sylvio Bourque Memorial Award (Inspirational Person)

Denis Leblanc - Moncton, NB

An Inspirational Journey in Running and Community Advocacy

Remarkable Achievements in 2025

In 2025, a visually impaired runner completed an impressive ten Run NB events, including a full marathon at Legs for Literacy. Among these inspiring athletes, Moncton's Denis LeBlanc stood out for his dedication and perseverance.

Dedication to Sport and Community

Denis had an outstanding running year, successfully finishing all seven Run for Renee events. He also completed a 5K in Shediac, a 5K in Riverview, and achieved a major milestone by finishing his first marathon at Legs for Literacy in Moncton. Beyond running, Denis is an active participant in curling, goal ball, and hockey, balancing his athletic pursuits with family life as a father of two.

Overcoming Challenges

Denis’s inspirational impact is amplified by the fact that he accomplishes all these activities as a blind person. This extraordinary determination earned him the 2025 Sylvio Bourque Memorial Award Inspirational Person of the Year. Since birth, Denis LeBlanc has lived with a rare genetic disorder called “aniridia,” which is described as the partial or complete absence of the iris. Denis possesses only 10% of his eyesight, with his vision limited to a 10-metre radius.

Advocacy and Community Impact

Denis’s presence in the provincial running circuit is a privilege. He is a strong advocate for the blind community, encouraging participation in curling, goal ball, and hockey. His event photos are widely shared on social media, further promoting inclusivity and awareness.

Inspiration to Others

One of Denis’s nominators expressed how his positive attitude during the Moncton marathon was a source of great inspiration. Many look forward to seeing Denis’s continued involvement and contributions in the future.

Recognition

RunNB is honoured to nominate Denis LeBlanc for the Sylvio Bourque Memorial Award Inspirational Person of the Year, celebrating his achievements and dedication to sport and community.

Denis running in one of seven 2025.Run For Renée [Photo by: Chantal Beam]	Denis running his first marathon at Legs for Literacy in Moncton [Photo by: Unknown]	Michel Robichaud (L) Treasurer of RunNB presents Denis with the 2025 Syvio Bourque Memorial Award (Inspirational Person) [Photo by: Sofie Gautreau]

2025 RunNB Outstanding Contributors

Greg Allan - Fredericton, NB

RunNB presented the Outstanding Contributor of the Year award to Greg Allan, an individual who has been coaching runners of all ages for over 30 years, an incredible milestone that speaks volumes about his dedication to the sport, his athletes and running community.

Over the decades, Greg has coached at the regional, provincial, and national levels, and international events leaving a lasting legacy at every stage.

His expertise spans across many disciplines, including road racing. He encourages the athletes he coaches to run in New Brunswick races as well as volunteer at local running races.

Greg goes above and beyond... he’s investigated universities for athletes he’s coaching and helped them in selecting, he’s driven athletes to workouts or track meets.

If you ask those who have had the privilege of being coached by this individual…. what makes him truly special is not the course record, or PB he’s led them to, but the genuine care and dedication he shows to everyone—helping anyone with a passion for sports achieve their personal best.

Even in a sport that’s often seen as individual, he is known for fostering a strong sense of team and community among all runners…. not just his athletes.

One of his current ventures is coaching the V-Maxxers team, a diverse and ever-expanding team with members ranging from ages 11 to athletes in their 50s and 60s.

Under his leadership, the team is thriving, with all the members achieving remarkable personal milestones.

His passion for running is infectious. Two of his daughters run and one is a member of the V Maxx team.

For his dedication to the sport of running and the countless lives he has positively shaped throughout his journey, the RunNB Outstanding Contributor of the Year 2025 award recipient is Greg Allan.

Greg The Coach shown above with many of track athletes [Photo by: Unknown]	Greg with in Julia Raye Reid-Howell and Mary Bartlett, two of his athlete [Photo by: Unknown]	Bruce MacFarlane (L) Councillor of RunNB presents Greg with the 2025 Outstanding Contribution Award  [Photo by: Sofie Gautreau]

Run For The Cycle

Suzanne Myers and Mathieu Hébert are the champions of Run For The Cycle for 2025!

Suzanne had a strong performance in all five distances especially her 3:14:24 marathon time at Legs for Literacy in October. It was a tight race with Courtney Burchill who finished second in a total time of 6:19:13 to Suzanne's 6:17:41.

Male: Mathieu Hébert - Moncton, NB / Female: Suzanne Myers, Moncton, NB 

Mathieu Hébert, 2025 male winner of Run For The Cycle	Run For The Cycle	Suzanne Myers, 2025 female winner of Run For The Cycle

2025 Circle NB Challenge

In 2025, RunNB launched Circle New Brunswick Challenge which began February 1rst and ended December 31rst.  The Challenge included 2000 km loops of New Brunswick allowing runners and walkers to challenge themselves to cover a 2000 km loop distance over a 11-month period.

Marcelle Breau, of Tracadie, the top winner of the two previous years RunNB Challenge, managed to cover an incredible distance of 6391 km. Her husband, Jean-Marie, finished second with 5330 plus km to his credit. Marcelle and Jean-Marie Breau both ran over 20 RunNB events and many training runs to total more than three loops around the province of NB.

Mathieu Hebert and Christophe Collard of Moncton and both avid runners respectively finished third and fourth in the NB Challenge. Odette Legere of Tracadie completed the Circle NB in fifth position by covering a distance of 3867 km.

Circle NB's Top 5

Pos Name Residence Prov Cat F/M Distance 1 Marcelle Breau Tracadie NB 70-79 F 6391 Km 2 Jean-Marie Breau Tracadie NB 70-79 M 5330 Km 3 Mathieu Hebert Moncton NB 30-39 M 4318 Km 4 Christophe Collard Moncton NB 40-49 F 3868 Km 5 Odette Legere Tracadie NB 60-69 F 3867 Km

Full Results

Banquet Photos & Award Winners Photos

Click here to view photos from the 2025 Awards Banquet