Claire Babiuk is quickly becoming one of British Columbia's standout young distance runners. Over the past two seasons, she has shown steady improvement and proven that she can compete and win against older, more experienced athletes.
During the 2024 cross-country season, Babiuk made a name for herself by placing second at the Vancouver Island Zone Championships in 20:39. As a Grade 9 athlete, she raced up in the Senior Girls AAA division and finished second behind Alexa Dow, who has since gone on to compete for NC State in the NCAA. Babiuk capped off her breakout season with an impressive fourth-place finish at the BCSS XC Championships, crossing the line in 19:19.
Her momentum carried into the 2025 outdoor track and field season. Stepping onto the provincial stage once again, Babiuk earned silver in the Senior Girls 1500m, running 4:35.68. She finished behind Adrianna Buitelaar, who ran 4:25.86, and ahead of several senior athletes including Rory O'Brien and Brea Gillette, who placed third and fourth respectively.
Now, in the 2025 cross-country season, Babiuk has reached new heights. She has stood atop the podium multiple times, claiming victory at the Arbutus XC Rumble in 18:33, the Vancouver Island Zone Championships in 19:00, and most recently, the BCSS XC Championships, where she ran 18:22 to take the win. Once again, she raced up in the Senior Girls division as a Grade 10 athlete and continues to prove she belongs among the province's best.
A Season of Wins
With Nationals just a few weeks away, Babiuk will look to carry her winning form onto the national stage. Each season she is racing faster, stronger, and more confidently, setting the stage for what could be an exceptional high school career ahead.