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July 18, 2026

Barry Wright/The Independent

Competing against runners mostly in their 20’s and 30’s, Sarnia teenager Chase Capes finished fifth in a field of 245 runners at a recent 800 metre Night Run in Toronto.

His time of 1:48.68 is the sixth fastest in the world this season in the U18 classification.

Meantime, Capes’ time of 3:44.86 in the U18 1500-metres set last month in Hamilton is now recognized as the eighth fastest in the world this outdoor season by World Athletics.

After the Hamilton event, Capes told Canadian Runners Magazine there was a lot of great competitors at the event but he was able to push through at the end.

“I’m definitely one of those hard kickers at the end,” he said.

Capes added he’s excited to go to the World U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

“I already went in back in January for World Cross country,” he said. “My mindset is to just enjoy and be humble because I’m sure there are other athletes are going to bring it to me. It’s such an amazing experience being able to go at this age. I’m just so grateful for it.”

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