Moncton's Genevive Lalonde sets new steeplechase record

Moncton's Genevive Lalonde set another New Brunswick record in the 3,000-metre steeplechase in a solid start to her quest to qualify for the Olympics.

Lalonde, 23, was competing over the weekend in Stanford, Calif., where she finished fifth in a time of 9:46.05.

She was the second Canadian across the finish line, behind Jessica Furlan, last year's Canadian champion, who finished in third spot.

''This was a great way to start my season," Lalonde said in a statement released by Athletics New Brunswick.

"This race just proves to me that the work I have put in to training is beginning to show up in races. I am really excited to see where I can go and what I can do this season and in the coming years."

Her time puts her in strong contention as she looks to qualify for the Olympics. It alsomakes her the third fastest Canadian ever in the event.

Athletics New Brunswick said in a statement on Monday that Lalonde's time is 34 seconds faster than the International University Sport Federation (FISU) Games standard of 10:20.

The time is 1.05 seconds behind the Canadian Olympic standard for next year's games in Rio de Janeiro.

Lalonde holds 16 New Brunswick track and field records.

"Genevieve has been one of New Brunswick's finest athletes for nearly a decade and seeing her come so close to achieving Olympic standard this early in the season is a testament to how far she has come as a competitive runner," said Gabriel LeBlanc, the technical director of Athletics New Brunswick, in a statement.