Ottawa, April 8, 2025 – The stage is set for an epic battle at the Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa, as two of Canada’s most celebrated distance runners, Natasha Wodak and Malindi Elmore, go head-to-head for the Athletics Canada 10K Canadian Championship title on Saturday, May 24 2025.
With both athletes boasting Olympic experience, national records, and decades of dominance across distances from the track to the marathon, this high-stakes duel promises to be one for the ages.
Wodak, Canada’s marathon record holder and 2020 Olympian, is known for her blistering speed over the 10K distance and a deep history of championship victories. Elmore, a two-time Olympian, and the former Canadian marathon record holder, who made a remarkable transition from middle-distance track racing to the marathon, will be defending her 2024 10K championship title against 2023 champion Wodak. With neither athlete backing down, fans can expect a fierce and strategic contest on the Ottawa 10k’s fast and scenic course.
Tale of the tape
Personal bests
| Distance | Natsha Wodak | Malindi Elmore |
| 5km road | 15:36 (2019) | 15:40 (2007) |
| 10km road | 31:59 (2015) | 32:35 (2023) |
| Half marathon road | 1:09:41 (2020) | 1:10:11 (2023) |
| Marathon | 2:23:12 (2022) | 2:23:30 (2023) |
Recent Race Results:
- June 2024: At the Canadian Half Marathon Championships in Winnipeg, Wodak secured first place with a time of 1:12:56, finishing 13 seconds ahead of Elmore, who took second place with a time of 1:13:09.
- May 2024: Wodak and Elmore faced off for the title of Canadian 10K Champion at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2024, with Elmore placing first with a time of 32:50 and Wodak finishing third with a time of 33:21.
- September 2022: Wodak set a new Canadian marathon record at the Berlin Marathon, finishing in 2:23:12.
Although both athletes have impressive careers, Wodak holds the current edge in recent performances and national records.
“Malindi and Natasha are two of the best distance runners in Canadian history,” says Stephen Andersen, Run Ottawa’s Elite Athlete Coordinator. “Their longevity, durability and range are impressive and almost inconceivable. We are super excited to welcome both of them back to the Otto’s Ottawa 10K and for another epic battle. We know both athletes will return to Ottawa hungry to win another Canadian title and continue to chase that long-time Canadian record.”
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