* Larry Moko
    * Sun Dec 26 2010

Watson wins Boxing Day 10-Mile Race

There was no catching the “rabbit” this time.

Rob Watson, who served as a “rabbit,” or pace runner, for the remarkable performance of Hamilton’s Reid Coolsaet at the 2010 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, sped to victory at the 90th Boxing Day 10-Mile Race in Hamilton on Sunday.

Watson crossed the finish line near the Downtown YMCA in a record time (48 minutes, 39 seconds). That beats the former mark of 50:10, set last year by his Speed River Track and Field Club teammate Eric Gillis.

A 27-year-old resident of Guelph, Watson received $500 for the victory plus another $150 for finishing as the top Canadian. The female division winner — Megan Brown of Toronto — also took home $650. She placed 10th overall in 57 minutes, 22 seconds.