What began as a training session ended in a record-setting achievement for Denise McHale at this year's Yukon River Trail Marathon.

On Sunday, the Yukoner and ultra marathon runner became the first woman in the 11-year history of the event to finish as the overall marathon winner.

Her time of three hours, 18 minutes and 34 seconds was less than five minutes faster than her closest competitor.

"It's great, I'm very happy," McHale said about making history. "I felt pretty good. I ran, I think, pretty consistent."

Some last minute sign ups pushed this year's marathon total to around 280 people, which was a record. More than 40 people signed up on Friday and Saturday.

Besides Canadians, individuals came from United States, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Gambia and Korea.

Runners had the option of signing up for the the full marathon (42.2 km), half-marathon (21.1km), or run the full marathon as a four person relay team.

Even the weather co-operated with cooler temperatures and overcast conditions, making for optimum running weather.

McHale registered for the River Trail Marathon on Friday after she found out there was an opportunity to race on Team Merrill in the 2009 Primal Quest

The 2009 Primal Quest is a more than 965-km adventure race in South Dakota. Her husband, Greg, is also a member of the four-person adventure racing team.

As a result of being selected to race in the Primal Quest, McHale changed her weekend plans, which originally were to compete in the Canadian Death Race, a 125-km mountain run in Alberta, to signing up for the Yukon marathon.

"This is a good warm up for sure," she said about the Yukon River Trail Marathon.

The last time McHale entered the marathon category in this race was in 2003 when she placed second overall.

Her time in 2003 was faster than her mark this year and is currently the best women's marathon time in the event's history.

"The thing with Denise is that she beats most guys anyway," said Keith Thaxter, president of the Boreal Adventure Running Association. "She's in a whole different league amongst everybody else."

Yukon River Trail Marathon Category Results: Top Three

Marathon-Open[14-39]-Women:

1. Denise McHale, Whitehorse, (3h18:34)

2. Fawn Holland, Kamloops, B.C., (4h27:17)

3. Melissa Head, Fairbanks, AK, (5h07:32)

Marathon-Masters[40-49] - Women:

1. Fran Mackellar, Haines Junction, (4h09:39)

2. Rebecca Pohlman, Coon Rapids, MN, (7h18:07)

Marathon-Master Plus[50+] -Women:

1. Janet Green, Courtenay, B.C., (4h31:21)

2. Polly Thorp, Whitehorse, (4h46:21)

Lynda Churchfield , Lake Charles, (5h44:45)

Marathon-Open[14-39] - Men:

1. Simon Lapointe, Whitehorse (3h22:27)

2. Ben Seale, Skagway, AK, (4h09:33)

3. Joseph Inverariy, Victoria, (4h26:10)

Marathon-Masters[40-49] - Men:

1. Keith Thaxter, Whitehorse, (3h44:56)

2. Ken Rutland, North Vancouver, B.C., (4h02:30)

3. Doug Mayr, Whitehorse, (4h20:25)

Marathon-Master Plus[50+] - Men:

1. William Scott, Whitehorse, (3h41:48)

Half Marathon-Open[14-39] - Women:

1. Larra Daley, Whitehorse, (1h56:22)

2. Julia Gerlach, Whitehorse, (1h57:42)

3. Anissa Guenfoud, Whitehorse, (1h59:52)

Half Marathon-Masters[40-49] - Women:

1. Sue Bogle, Whitehorse, (1h48:03)

2. Sandra Orban, Whitehorse, (1h58:47)

3. Noreen Schaefer, Carcross (2h09:00)

Half Marathon-Masters Plus[50+]- Women:

1. Lynne Dueck, Richmond, B.C. (1h57:25)

2. Carol Spillette, Whitehorse, (2h13:29)

3. Joy Vall, Whitehorse, (2h26:41)

Half Marathon-Open[14-39] - Men:

1. Marc-Andre Laflamme, Quebec City, (1h36:51)

2. Yanik Freeman, Whitehorse, (1h36:57)

3. Scott Williams, Whitehorse, (1h37:58)

Half Marathon-Masters[40-49] - Men:

1. David Knapp, Chugiak, AK, (1h39:41)

2. Dave Hambly, Whitehorse, (1h41:53)

3. Sandro Holzinger, Whitehorse, (1h44:33)

Half Marathon-Masters Plus[50+] - Men:

1. Tom Ullyett, Whitehorse, (1h37:36)

2. Paul Flaherty, Whitehorse, (1h58:10)

3. Doug Moyer, Whitehorse, (1h59:04)