Long-distance runner Natasha Wodak is on a hot streak, with another strong finish at an international race.
The 41-year-old North Vancouver athlete finished 15th in the women’s marathon event at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary on Aug. 26.
With a time of two hours, 30 minutes and nine seconds, Wodak was less than six minutes behind winner Amane Beriso Shankule of Ethiopia, who crossed the finish line after two hours 24 minutes and 23 seconds.
In an interview with Canadian Running after the event, Wodak said she was a “little disappointed” with the result.
“I thought I could be top 10, and I went out a little fast after the 25 (kilometre), but I hung on,” she said. “Fifteenth in the world is nothing to cry about.”
In February, Wodak dominated the 2023 First Half, half marathon in Vancouver. She won her second-straight title there, breaking her own record with a time of 1 hour 10 minutes and 16 seconds.
Last year, Wodak shattered the Canadian women’s record, finishing 12th at the Berlin Marathon in September, stopping the clock at two hours 23 minutes 12 seconds.
Natasha Wodak 🇨🇦 on her 15th place finish in the women’s marathon:
— Canadian Running (@CanadianRunning) August 26, 2023
“It was really hard and I felt I did the best I could.” #teamcanada #wabudapest23 pic.twitter.com/xhMMrnlAlX
