A runner from Campbellton shines in Vancouver

Like fellow New Brunswicker Lee Wesselius, Mohamed Ajab is building a solid reputation as a cross-country long-distance runner. Two weeks after winning the Montreal Half Marathon, the Campbellton athlete did it again on Sunday in Vancouver.

Completed the 21.1 km wonder in 1 hour 06 55 minutes.

A relatively slow time, given his time in Montreal, which took 1h05min43, but it must be said that Aagab is currently suffering from a slight injury to his left leg.

“I’m satisfied,” says the 29-year-old. Due to a minor leg injury, I wasn’t able to train as well as I had hoped. So I was careful on Sunday.

Despite it all, Aagab was easily ahead of the big names on the Canadian scene, starting with Olympian Lucas Brochet (1h07min17) and rising young star Nathan Dehghan (1h08min17). They were followed by American Dillon Quintana (1 hour 08 minutes 34) and New Zealander Gene Beveridge (1 hour 08 minutes 42).

“The temperature was perfect,” says Wonder. “It was 12 degrees and there was no wind. It was perfect for racing.”

The Moroccan is now planning to prepare for the Ottawa Tamarack Marathon, which he will run on May 28th.

“I think it is possible to achieve a time below the 2:12 mark,” he said. But my ultimate goal is to run around 2:10. I believe in my chance of getting there. Either way, I work hard.”

Note that his marathon record is 2h15min19 achieved in October at the Waterfront Marathon in Toronto.