{"id":146581,"date":"2025-10-07T15:29:48","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T19:29:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/runningmagazine.ca\/?p=146581"},"modified":"2025-10-08T12:04:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T16:04:08","slug":"lauren-mcneil-and-maximilien-filion-named-under-armour-athletes-of-the-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/runningmagazine.ca\/u-sports\/lauren-mcneil-and-maximilien-filion-named-under-armour-athletes-of-the-week\/","title":{"rendered":"Lauren McNeil and Maximilien Filion named Under Armour Athletes of the Week"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2025 U Sports cross-country season is well underway, with top collegiate athletes from across Canada hitting the grass and getting muddy as they chase national glory. The national U Sports Cross-Country Championships<\/a> will be returning to Sherbrooke, Que., on Nov. 8 for the first time in 15 years; Canadian Running<\/em>, in partnership with Under Armour, will spotlight the country\u2019s standout performers each week as the Under Armour Athlete of the Week.<\/p>\n

This week, we are highlighting UBC Okanagan’s Lauren McNeil<\/a> <\/strong>and UBC’s Maximilien Filion <\/strong>for their top performances at the Western Canadian Challenge at Calgary’s Canmore Park on Saturday.<\/p>\n

\"Lauren
Lauren McNeil wins the 2024 U Sports XC Championships. Photo: Will Thompson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lauren McNeil,<\/strong> UBC Okanagan (CanWest)<\/h2>\n

McNeil, the reigning U Sports champion<\/a>, soared to a dominant victory over the 8K course, clocking 27:33 to cross the line more than a minute and a half ahead of the rest of the field. Marisha Thompson<\/strong> of the Victoria Vikes took the runner-up spot in 29:09 and Mackenzie Campbell<\/strong> of the UBC Thunderbirds took third in 29:26.<\/p>\n

The UBCO Heat runner and Buxton, U.K., native is establishing herself as an early threat for back-to-back national titles. Last year, she captured U Sports gold on home turf in Kelowna, B.C., taking control early before breaking away from the pack with two kilometres to go. She crossed the line in a blistering 26:31\u2013more than 10 seconds ahead of CanWest champion Constance Nankivell<\/strong><\/a> of the Trinity Western Spartans.<\/p>\n

\"Max
Max Filion at the 2023 Canwest Championships. Photo: Jeff Sargeant (UBC Communications)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Maximilien Filion, UBC (CanWest)<\/h2>\n

On the men’s side, Filion, a third-year Thunderbird from Candiac, Que., was the third overall male to cross the line, but the first university competitor. He clocked 24:51 over 8K, with Victoria Vikes runner Jaxon Kuchar<\/strong> taking second in 24:59 and Ian Teichler<\/strong> of the Regina Cougars claiming third (25:42).<\/p>\n

“I chose to take a more laid-back approach and stay relaxed rather than aggressive off the start,” Filion told Canadian Running<\/em>. “I tucked in behind the lead pack and focused on conserving as much energy as possible. At the bell, a few of my competitors started to pick up the pace. I stayed calm and trusted my body\u2013and it worked out even better than expected. Since I finished behind two other runners, I didn\u2019t realize I\u2019d actually won the collegiate race until after my cooldown.”<\/p>\n

\"Max
Max Filion at the 2025 Western Canadian Challenge at Calgary’s Canmore Park. Photo: Chris Lindsey\/Calgary Dinos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The performance comes less than a week after Filion placed second at the Vancouver Spirit Run, where Kuchar took the win\u2013showcasing a growing rivalry between the two. Last year, Filion finished eighth at the CanWest XC Championships and 17th at U Sports.<\/p>\n

The Quebec native admits he\u2019s now eyeing the CanWest title, but his main focus remains on U Sports in Sherbrooke. \u201cRacing in my home province, with friends and family cheering, will be special,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Western Mustangs and Queen’s Gaels end long droughts at 2024 U Sports XC Championships<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n