Professional distance runner Ben Preisner is set to make a comeback at the Canadian cross-country championships in London, Ont., this weekend. Preisner, seeking a break from his marathon training, is gearing up to face tough competition, including three-time U Sports champion Philippe Morneau-Cartier, local favorites Phil Parrot-Migas and Connor Black, the reigning 2022 national champion, and the last-minute entrant and decorated distance runner, Moh Ahmed.
Ahmed, a prominent figure in Canadian distance running, faced setbacks in the 2025 track season due to a calf injury but is making a return to competition at the cross-country championships. The event, featuring a challenging 10-kilometre race on a grass course with rolling terrain and technical elements, will test Ahmed’s abilities outside of the track where he has excelled, including winning an Olympic medal in the 5,000 metres at the Tokyo Games.
Preisner, a seasoned competitor transitioning from track events to marathons, acknowledges the level playing field that cross-country races provide, where track speed doesn’t always translate to success on varied terrains. Despite Ahmed’s impressive track record, Preisner anticipates a competitive race with strategic challenges and uncertainties, especially in the later laps.
The race in London serves as a qualifier for the upcoming World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, where a strong performance by Ahmed and others could secure them a spot on the national team. Preisner, optimistic about his own prospects in the race, looks forward to the opportunity to gauge his form and enjoy a different style of competition closer to home.
For Preisner, who aims to focus more on competitive racing rather than strict time goals, the cross-country championships present a chance to assess his strengths and readiness for future major marathons in Tokyo, Boston, and London. With a solid season behind him, Preisner remains motivated and eager to test his abilities in the upcoming race.
