Huskies’ Alec Purnell just narrowly pulled away from Arctics’ Matthew Beaudet as the two competed right to the line in a dramatic finish to the men’s 1500 at the 2024 CTFL Final on July 6. 

As if there wasn’t enough drama already, rain started dumping onto Ottawa’s Terry Fox Stadium minutes before the start of the men’s 1500m final. But without a trace of thunder, the race would go on. For the average person, it’s probably their queue to head home. However, CTFL runners are experienced, elite athletes who see no issue with running through a storm. 

“Temperature was crazy all day with the humidity,” Purnell said of the event’s conditions before the downpour “cooled it down to a great temperature.”

As the starting gun fired, nearly drowned out by the pattering of rain on the track, Purnell found himself several spots off the leader. Ahead of him was Beaudet, who was in great form at the tail end of his most successful CTFL season yet.

Heading into the final, Beaudet sat on top of the men’s 1500m standings with a perfect 50-point score and a very quick preliminary mark of 3:38.72. Purnell was behind him, sitting in third place with only 32 points, a respectable showing for most runners but Purnell, the reigning 2022 and 2023 1500m champ in the CTFL, is used to a little more.

Beaudet, in terms of points, sat mostly out of reach for Purnell and was barreling towards a perfect 75-point score as he overtook Kevin Robertson for the lead. But Purnell has never lost a CTFL final race and had kept himself within striking distance.

“I just sat in the pack behind Matthew Beaudet and Kevin Robertson,” Purnell said.

As the lead pack charged through the bell, Purnell kept Beaudet in sight.

“The last lap I was telling myself to be tough and stay on the pace because I know how great the other athletes in the field are,” Purnell said. “I can’t let these guys go; I know I’ve got a good kick.”

As he and Beaudet tore towards the finish line, Purnell’s kick was just enough to cross the line first with a time of 3:41.08. Beaudet let off a smile as his rival took the win, just moments ahead of him.

Beaudet still finished the season in first place with a phenomenal total of 70 points, while Purnell maintained his undefeated record in CTFL finals. 

“I’m really happy with my season,” Beaudet said. “I’m proud I’ve been able to run really consistently”

Purnell may be staunchly dominant in CTFL championship races, but he was happy to hand over his crown to a new league champion in Beaudet.

“It’s great that the event is growing more and more every year,” Purnell said. “Having that competition of guys who are at my level, or a little better, is amazing to push me in these races.”