The Canadian Cross Country Championships returned to Fanshawe Golf Club in London, Ont., on Nov. 29, bringing together some of the nation's top distance talent. With a coveted spot for the senior athletes on Team Canada for the 2026 World XC Championships in Tallahassee, Fla. at stake, this year's fields were among the deepest in recent memory.
Here are some of the standout athletes from the Championships, but the final vote is yours. Who impressed you the most this weekend?
Kavita Dhillon - U16 Girls 4km National Champion
Racing unattached, Kavita Dhillon won the U16 Girls 4km national title in 14:44.8, finishing more than five seconds ahead of her closest competitor. Katerina Mihaiescu of the Newmarket Huskies and BC Speedfarm's Claire Babiuk completed the podium in 14:51.0 and 14:59.5.
Riley Simmonds - U18 Boys 6km Silver Medalist
The U18 Boys 6km race ended in a photo finish. Riley Simmonds of the Valley Royals crossed the line in 18:46.7, just 0.3 seconds behind national champion Kenneth Champ of South Simcoe, who ran 18:46.4.
Adrianna Buitelaar - U18 Athlete Wins U20 8km Title
Competing against older athletes, Adrianna Buitelaar ran the U20 8km race in 28:14.6 to take the national title. She finished ahead of Kayley Torrie of the Cochrane Endurance Project, who ran 28:21.2.
Ceili McCabe - Senior Women's 10km Champion
In the senior women's 10km race, Olympian and national team member Ceili McCabe ran 32:57.3, the only athlete under 33 minutes. With this win, McCabe earns a spot on Team Canada for the 2026 World XC Championships, adding another international achievement to her impressive career.
From rising youth talent to seasoned Olympians, the Championships at Fanshawe Golf Club provided thrilling performances and a clear view of Canada's depth in the world of distance running.
The Canadian Cross Country Championships returned to Fanshawe Golf Club in London, Ont., on Nov. 29, bringing together some of the nation's top distance talent. With a coveted spot for the senior athletes on Team Canada for the 2026 World XC Championships in Tallahassee, Fla. at stake, this year's fields were among the deepest in recent memory.
Here are some of the standout athletes from the Championships, but the final vote is yours. Who impressed you the most this weekend?
Kavita Dhillon - U16 Girls 4km National Champion