Logan Roots entered this year’s Yukon River Trail Marathon with three goals on his mind.

The 22-year-old accomplished them all en route to his third title in four years, completing the 42.2-kilometre course in 2:59:16.

“I had three goals today,” he told the Star post-race. “Number one was getting under that three-hour mark. ... I also wanted to have enough in the tank in case Dave (Eikelboom) caught up to me so I could outkick him in the last two km.

“The third one was make sure I’m running every time I passed a reporter with a camera. I think I did all three of those things, and the race just unfolded perfectly.”

Last year, Roots finished the course – then two kilometres shorter – in 2:50:49.

The usual shorter-distance speedster averaged 14.12 km/h this year on the route that included an extra out-and-back near Chadburn Lake to make it a true marathon.

The trail marathon is the only full-distance run Roots has ever competed in and he has finished in the winner’s circle each time he has entered.

“I’m happy to win,” he said, noting the trail was in excellent shape despite heavy downpours a day earlier.

“I like this one because my house is in Riverdale and I know every single metre of this entire course.”

Can’t-miss Carcross endurance runner Denise McHale won the women’s marathon title in 3:41:50 but was unavailable for comment post-race.

Former race champion David Eikelboom finished second to Roots in 3:02:23. The duo was light years ahead of the competition, with Sam Herreid of Fairbanks coming in third at 3:26:31 and fourth-place male Scott Williams crossing the finish line at 3:48:13.

“This was my quickest trail marathon yet,” said Eikelboom, 28, adding he truly enjoyed the experience.

“It’s a race like no other. It’s 42 gruelling kilometres with beautiful views. It’s close to home, there’s lots of volunteers and I know them all by name.”

The picturesque route began at Rotary Peace Park and weaved its way along the Yukon River and Schwatka Lake, before finishing back at the park.

Chadden Lake and Hidden Lakes were featured along the course, which highlights the capital city’s spectacular single-track trail system.

The marathon was the 606th 42.2-km race completed by 61-year-old David Lewis of London, while fellow Brit Carla Hayes, 51, ran her 210th full-distance event.

“This is a fantastic race,” said Lewis, who noted he’s competed around the world. “It’s tough, relentless, gruelling.”

“This is the hardest one that I’ve completed in Canada,” added Hayes, who has run marathons in every Canadian jurisdiction except British Columbia.

In the half marathon, Jonathan Zaugg and national team runner Lindsay Carson took home victories.

Zaugg, 28, finished the 21-km course in 1:33:28 while Carson, 25, hit the finish line in 1:37:33.

“I enjoy getting out on the trails,” said Zaugg. “I thought I could’ve run it a little bit faster, but I’m still happy. Last year I did a 1:37:05.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty nice to win, but it’s more about just getting out and running with other people.”

The Swiss-born runner said he ran competitively in high school but took a long hiatus before finally lacing up his sneakers again a few years ago.

Carson took the women’s crown for the third straight year.

“Each year has definitely not gotten easier for me,” said Carson, who noted this was her slowest win yet. “I’ve had a long track season and I need some down time now.

“My typical distance is usually 10-km or five-km, so I treat this as a good training run, a strength-based effort.”

Many chose to run the race as a relay, splitting up the four legs.

A three-member team, known as “Shier and Stappers on the run” took the 33-team category win in 4:03:55.

Team members included Daniel Shier, who ran the first two legs, Helen Stappers and Hannah Shier.

In the 21-km walking category, local competitor Philip Gibson and Julie Jae of Toronto claimed victories.

For full results from all categories, visit www.yukonmarathon.com.