'I'll be back next year to win it again': 2 Halifax runners win Blue Nose Marathon Sunday
'I'll be back next year to win it again': 2 Halifax runners win Blue Nose Marathon Sunday
Two new Haligonians won the Blue Nose Marathon Sunday, and for both, it was their first time winning a marathon.
Nathan Ryan O Hehir placed first among the male racers, finishing the 42 kilometre race in two hours 42 minutes and 27 seconds.
"Speechless," he said. "First marathon victory. I’ll be back next year to win it again."
O Hehir just moved to Halifax from Cork, Ireland at the end of the January. He works from home as a web developer.
"That was the hardest race I’ve ever done. The hills down in Point Pleasant completely declined by speed. I can’t even form a thought properly at the moment," he said.
Aisling Wydysh was the first woman to finish at three hours 34 minutes and two seconds.
"Amazing. I had no idea," Wydysh said.
She said when she was at kilometre 30, a woman riding on a bike next to her told her she was second.
"And I was like 'no way.' And I just pushed the last 10 kilometres and got through it.'"
Wydysh said she had no idea at the beginning of the race if she was near the start because the 10 kilometres and half marathon happened alongside.
"I was like 'just keep going. Just keep going.' Just do what feels good and conserve cause you still have a long way to go," she said.
She had recently moved to Halifax from Victoria. She works in the recruiting centre of the Canadian Armed forces.
More than 6,000 people participated in the event this weekend, which included a kid’s race Saturday and several others Sunday.
"We’re finally back in May on Victoria Day weekend. It’s been four years since the event has taken place on Victoria Day weekend," said Sherri Robbins, executive director of the Blue Nose Marathon.
"We are in Dartmouth this morning. It’s also been about four years since we’ve sent all our races to Dartmouth."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Border restrictions to enter Canada extended until at least Sept. 30
The federal government announced Wednesday all existing border restrictions to enter Canada will remain in place until at least Sept. 30.

Air Canada to reduce flights this summer amid 'customer service shortfalls'
Air Canada is planning to reduce its flights in July and August, according to a statement from the company's president, as the airline continues to deal with 'customer service shortfalls.'
R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in sex trafficking case
Fallen R&B superstar R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday for using his fame to subject young fans - some just children - to systematic sexual abuse.
Police investigating possibility of 3rd suspect in Saanich, B.C., shooting
Police in Saanich, B.C., say they continue to investigate the possibility that a "third suspect" was involved in a fatal shooting at a bank that left two suspects dead and six officers injured Tuesday.
'What were they waiting for?' Woman inside Saanich bank amid shootout describes 'calm' gunmen
A woman who was trapped inside a bank during a robbery and fatal shootout with police near Victoria on Tuesday says there is one question still plaguing her a day later: Why didn't the gunmen just leave with the money?
Where do the inquiries into the 'Freedom Convoy' protests and use of Emergencies Act stand?
Five months ago, the first 'Freedom Convoy' trucks rolled into Ottawa. After the federal government took the unprecedented step of invoking the Emergencies Act to end the protests, a series of inquiries and probes have been initiated. With the nation's capital bracing for more protests over the Canada Day weekend, CTVNews.ca takes a look at where the main commissions and studies stand.
Mother forced to spend night sleeping on Toronto Pearson floor because of Air Canada delays
A mother of three children is speaking out after spending a night on the floor of Toronto Pearson Airport with her young kids in a nightmare weekend of travel.
Virginia man dies by suicide after toddler left in hot car dies
A toddler accidentally left in a vehicle for hours died Tuesday and police said his father was found dead in an apparent suicide at their Virginia home, police said.
Canada to lead upgraded NATO combat force in Latvia
Canada has signed an agreement to upgrade the NATO battlegroup it leads in Latvia to a brigade, a move that signals a commitment to the military alliance even as the federal Liberals resist calls to boost defence spending to two per cent of GDP.