On May 24, 2025, Charles Philibert-Thiboutot achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the Canadian men’s 10K road race record at the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.
In his debut at the Ottawa 10K, the 34-year-old Quebec native clocked an impressive 28:06, surpassing the previous national record of 28:09 set by Ben Flanagan just a year earlier at the same event.
This victory not only secured his first national 10K title but also marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
(CTV News, Canadian Running Magazine)
A Strategic Race Unfolds
The race commenced with Canadian marathoner Cam Levins setting a brisk pace, aiming to establish an early lead.
A group of four runners, including Philibert-Thiboutot, closely followed Levins, passing the halfway mark in under 14 minutes—well ahead of the record pace.
As the race neared the 8K mark, Philibert-Thiboutot made a decisive move, accelerating past Levins and maintaining his lead to the finish line.
His performance was a testament to his strategic planning and exceptional endurance.(Canadian Running Magazine)
A Career Highlight
This victory adds to Philibert-Thiboutot’s impressive list of achievements.
In 2022, he set a Canadian record in the 5K with a time of 13:35 in Boston and later improved his 10,000m personal best to 28:11.81 at the Canadian Championships in Burnaby.
His versatility across various distances underscores his status as one of Canada’s premier middle- and long-distance runners.(Wikipedia)
Looking Ahead
As Philibert-Thiboutot continues to excel, his recent triumph in Ottawa serves as a springboard for future endeavors.
With the 2026 World Athletics Championships on the horizon, his performance in Ottawa positions him as a formidable contender on the international stage.
Athletics Canada and fans alike eagerly anticipate his next race, hopeful that he will continue to push the boundaries of Canadian distance running.
Charles Philibert-Thiboutot’s achievement in Ottawa is a testament to his dedication, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the sport of athletics.
