The big story of this year’s race is Rossmore’s Amy Quilty, 50, who won the women’s race with a time of 3:32:41 — and competing in the age group 50-59. She placed 17th overall.

It was her third time running the local race — always the charm.

“I was really fighting to hold on to the pace at the end,” she said, adding she was really happy with her time.

Ms. Quilty was challenged down the stretch by Brooklyn O’Reilly, 25, of Gatineau, who placed second with a time of 3:32:56. Ms. O’Reilly

Rachel Windsor, 28, was third with a time of 3:44.39

As for the men’s race, Owain Jones, 40, cruised first across the line in 2:54:54 in his first ever County Marathon.

When he looked up past winning times, Mr. Jones thought he had a good chance of a finish among the top runners, depending on who showed up to race.

“I was happy with my run today. It’s a great course. It can be a bit lonely out there compared to races in the city, but there were lots of volunteers, lead cyclists and a lead motorcycle. You can tell it’s well supported by the community so that’s nice to see,” he said.

It was Mr. Jones’s first win as a marathoner. He and his family were excited about the victory. Will he be back to defend his title in 2025?

“I’m not sure I can answer that question right now,” Mr. Jones said with a slight chuckle as he tried to catch his breath between sips of chocolate milk provided by the Prince Edward County Dairy Farmers.

Over 600 runners took part in the 21^st annual County Marathon on the last Sunday of September. Participants came from all over, including Peru, Manilla, The Netherlands, British Columbia, and Quebec. But it was Harrowsmith and Rossmore that delivered this year’s winners.

Conditions were nearly perfect. Volunteers were in ample supply, and keen residents dotted the route to cheer on strangers as they raced from Wellington to Picton by way of West Lake.

Rookie Race Director Brian McLean said it was a fantastic day for all the runners, sponsors and volunteers.

“We had more than enough volunteers and the support from the residents and local businesses was outstanding. We sincerely appreciated their time and patience in allowing the runners to run the Prince Edward County Marathon,” he said.

The race saw more seasonable early fall temperatures compared to the heat wave that plagued the 2023 race. A slight easterly head wind made life difficult for some runners on County Road 11 but most managed to tread on.

Shengan Li of the Queen’s University Cross Country team won the Half Marathon with a time of 1:15:34. Elania Raponi of Lennox & Addington took the women’s half in 1:24:06.

Martin Lavoie of Saguenay (4:38:04) and Robin Leriche (4:50:48) were the winners of the Ultra 50 km race.

The event was a fundraiser for the Prince Edward County Hospital Foundation’s Back the Build Campaign. Proceeds will be announced soon.

“Plans have already begun to make next year’s marathon even better, with more community support,” Mr. McLean said. The 22nd running of The County Marathon takes place Sunday 4 October, 2025. Mark your calendars.