As has become tradition, several Yukoners logged impressive performances at the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Leading the way was Lindsay Carson, 25, the top female in the eight-kilometre event.

The defending champion ran the race in 27:32, finishing fifth overall and first among women.

“It was slower than last year, but I feel I put in a good effort,” she said of her victory. “I’ve only run this race twice, but it has become special to me.

“It’s become Thanksgiving tradition. My friend’s grandparents kind of adopt me for Thanksgiving dinner after the race, and it’s a great atmosphere.”

Fellow locals Jake Loos and Darby McIntyre also ran the eight-km race, with Loos finishing seventh in the men’s 25 to 29 division in 33:17.

Meanwhile, McIntyre ran a 33:24, good for fourth in the men’s 13 to 15 age group.

More than 85 local runners boarded an Air North charter flight to the British Columbia capital Friday to spend the weekend in warmer temperatures.

Standout Carcross runner Denise McHale ran the full marathon, finishing as the sixth female overall, but second in the masters category.

The 42-year-old finished in 2:57:13, her second-fastest marathon all-time.

“I was 32 seconds off my marathon PB from two years ago in Victoria,” she said of the experience. “You’re never happy, unless you run faster. But I have to be happy when I put it in perspective.”

McHale is a mom of two, including a seven-month-old daughter. She said the race is special for her.

“So many Yukoners go and there’s a really good spirit to it,” she said. “I think we did really well as a territory.

“We really represented well. There was a lot of age-group placings, and I think we should be pretty proud.”

Logan Roots was the top Yukoner in the half marathon, finishing eighth overall and first in the men’s 20 to 24 age category in 1:10:56.

“Still moving in the right direction,” Roots tweeted after his run. “The strength was there, flat speed was not.”

Still, the 22-year-old was happy with a half marathon personal-best performance.

Yukon cross-country skier Graham Nishikawa also ran the half, finishing 13th overall in 1:14:47.

A large group of Yukoners enjoyed the Victoria Marathon for charity purposes.

Team Ross and Finn – raising money for Whitehorse brothers Ross and Finn Beaulieu, who suffer from Duchenne muscular dystrophy – raised $20,000 through local events, including an ’80s dance and silent auction, a five-km charity run around the Millennium Trail, and an ice bucket challenge at Golden Horn Elementary.

In total, more than 9,000 runners took part in the Victoria Marathon.