The Joy of Racing by Leslie Ann Bent - Opportunity to secure a race entry and support Diabetes Canada below!

2013 Santa Shuffle, Burlington, ON

I am surrounded by a sea of red. Santas to the right of me. Santas to the left.  There I am stuck in the middle of 2,000 of the slimmest Santas I’d ever seen. This is Burlington, Ontario in December 2013 – the largest Canadian all-Santas 5km race.  Why did I run that race (multiple times)?  I wanted to be part of the excitement – going for some sort of record and a great time of year to have an excuse to run when holiday events abound with more food and less activity than normal.   Each runner had to wear a full Santa suit. That means beard, belt and suit.  How hard could that be?  As I recall not more than a 1km into the race, I hear a big riiiiiip and oops that’s a tear in the butt of the suit! I was probably racing too fast!  And, what’s all that hair in my mouth? – fibers from that white beard.  Not wanting to get disqualified by taking off the beard, I looked around to see how the other Santa runners were fairing, and hey, a beard under the chin and not over the mouth could work. Heck, where’s the other part of my belt? I recall asking myself as I crossed the finish line. If you’ve run that race, you will know what I mean. Not the highest quality suit but it was perfect!

Some things have changed since then, but VR PROs annual all Santas race is still going strong, now held in the Hess village area of Hamilton, this year on November 21. Some of the STARR members may recall the Butter Tart virtual race Kari and I had registered for back in 2020. We invited the club to join us on our journey and that race was also organized by VR-Pro. Not only do they create some fun racing but they also hold the serious Chilly half marathon in mid winter which is definitely worth trying. Their races allow for in-person and virtual so if you can’t be there on race day at race time, you don’t have to miss out.

As I flip through some old race photos, I can’t help but grin or chuckle.  Andy and I have done a multitude of races across Canada and across the globe with so many great memories, stories and experiences. I’d definitely recommend it, be it road, trail, long or short distances. Racing experiences are so varied. Why do we do it? The challenge? The fitness? The goals? Travel to a new destination? Testing your limits? A dare? A new sport? The medal?  Whatever your reason for racing, why not consider a new race for the fall or a larger challenge in 2027? Let me feature a few great options to inspire you.

This fall we have several choices here on the southern part of Vancouver Island. The Royal Victoria Marathon weekend comes to mind. If you enjoy road racing and a big crowd of runners, this is the race for you. When Andy and I were moving to Shirley, we joined forces with Steve K and Mark for the marathon relay that used to take place.  I recall Steve saying he’d left his car about 10km from his leg so he did 20km instead of his 10km. Relays are no more. The following year Andy ran the half marathon while I ran the 8k. The most memorable part of that 8k race is the stretch along Dallas Road as you run along the shoreline and into the harbourfront for the finish.  It’s a great race held on Thanksgiving weekend. Last year the race attracted 15,000 runners across the distance options.

If trails are your thing, every STARR runner likely knows about the Prairie Inn Harrier’s Gunner Shaw 10k and Stewart Mountain 10 miler.  These races are technical, scenic and well run held at Thetis Lake in late November and early December.  You will get wet!! Our runners have really enjoyed racing and volunteering at these events.

I recently learned about an event aimed at ultra runners - the Dream Nation Apparel 24 Hour race, held in Duncan on September 19. If 24 hours seems like too much, they also have 3-hour, 6-hour, and 12-hour options.  These types of races are ideal, especially if you are preparing for your first trail ultra as you can test your equipment, training and race strategy in a more safe environment from a single track on a mountain kilometers away from town. The race offers in-person or virtual. I noticed the 24 hour race filling up.

Looking into 2027, there are some fantastic trail races within driving distance of Sooke. STARR is no stranger to the Run Saysutshun ultra races on Saysutshun (Newcastle Island), Nanaimo. Dave D and Sarah have tested their endurance on the 12 hour and 24 race options, while Kari, Andy and I have taken on the 10k.  The races are well run, lots of support and food, and more comradery than I’ve seen in many races. Tenting by the race trail is the option for the distance runners who need a snooze between loops. The same organizers also run the Hillbilly Hustle 50k on the long weekend of May with 50k, 35k and 17km options.  Test your legs and lungs on Mt Benson. This Nanaimo race was sold out in 2026 so register early if you plan to be part of the action.

Leslie Ann & Andy at the Kal 50

 

We came across the Dirty Feet trail series a little further afield on the mainland of BC a few years ago.  A runner friend from NS was planning to visit and we were looking for a race to showcase our beautiful province. The race director helped us choose the Kal Park 50k race which offered something for all 3 of us – spectacular scenery, challenging but runnable trail in early May near Veron.  It is still one of our favourite trail race – 8k, 25k and 50k. Door prizes were great and plentiful too.

Valley Harvest swag

Some people use races for visiting other places.  This fall, Nova Scotia’s Valley Harvest marathon weekend comes to mind.  This race week has every option possible from the 50k ultra, to marathon, half marathon, 10k 5km and virtual It’s a scenic route at harvest time passing orchards, horse farms and Annapolis Valley towns on gently rolling terrain.

A medal you could wear everyday!

Last but not least, I mention The Gopher Attack race weekend in Regina which takes place in late April.  I came across this race a few years back when I was looking for races in each province. Not able to convince Andy that a road to Saskatchewan in April would be a fun thing to do, I opted for the virtual race. Let’s face it, it’s got one of the most unique medals – a gopher in running shorts. The upside to the virtual option was that I could run all 4 races plus the bonus race only open to virtual runners all for the price of one race.

I’ve taken on the role of the not-for-profit silent auction for the upcoming annual Shirley Day Fair. Each charity will be contributing items for the auction with the proceeds going back to their organization and my charity is Diabetes Canada. With a health and fitness focus and nestled in a region of keen runners, I reached out to some Race directors across the country to request race entries.  I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the races. We have 10 races represented in our suite of race entries, available for bidding all in support of Diabetes Canada. The silent auction will be live at Shirley Day, August 16 from 10am to 2pm but if you can’t be there, feel free to reach out to Leslie at rockingdiabetes@gmail.com to pre-bid until August 14, 4pm PST. I can provide more details.  The race entries include:

In-person – RVM 8km, Gunner Shaw or Stewart Mountain (details are being finalized), Kal Park 50, Hillbilly Hustle 50 (all distances), Run Saysutshun (all distances),

In-person or virtual – Dream Nation Apparel 24 hour (3hr, 6hr, 12 hr or 24 hour solo), Santa 5k, Chilly Half marathon

Virtual – Gopher Attack (all distances included), Valley Harvest (all distances included)

Thanks so much to the generous race directors for providing such a wonderful selection of options in support of Diabetes Canada. Let’s run!!

The Famous Five go for a Dip by Ian Silk

Last Sunday was the planned optional trail run up to Grass Lake for the STARR run crew.  A 9:00 start on what was clearly going to be a day of fabulous hot weather led to a motion, carried unanimously, to hike the route and forget the run.  What a great call.  So Kari, Shawn, Sarah, Georgia and Ian headed up Grass Lake Trail through the forest on one of the regions more agreeable footpaths.  Those of us that ran the Sooke Hills 25km reflected on race organisers Elliot & Jason’s very questionable choice(!) of selecting Harrison Trail for the descent from Grass Lake, and not the easier and more runnable Grass Lake Trail.

After about 6km of mostly gentle ascent we emerged from the woodland to a little clearing on the banks of Grass Lake to be blown away by the number of beautiful pink and white Nymphaeales, yes ok water lilies.  Claude Monet ain’t seen anything like this spread of lilies!  It really is stunning.  Sarah made it quite clear that swimming was not an option yet we did have two choices, get in ourselves or be chucked in.  So we all elected to dive, jump, glide and in my case wallow into the water.  Shawn, now this is genius, decided to do his weekly laundry by jumping in fully clothed and with a camera strapped to his chest.  Evidence from the camera suggests that the water’s brown hue may make Shawn’s labour saving idea ineffective.  (The official video of the trip is already available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vq8UwJM52Y)

After a picnic on the rocks and drying in the sun, we headed back down the hill enjoying the first of the summer’s wild berries.  We stopped on the way back for a short break at the Rusty Wagon (I do feel misled on this, as I had assumed it was a pub).   Once back at the cars, the others left for home whilst I waited for Georgia to read every single one of the Life of the Salmon notice boards, slowly and at least twice…  Fully informed on all aspects of the salmon hatchery, we too departed and reflected on a really wonderful hike and swim, with this top crew on the best of summer days. 

Don’t miss the next one!

Run For Women by Jill Potter-Hellmann

Jill and her daughter in action

Nine years of T-shirts

The annual Run for Women took place under perfect run conditions (sun with a cooling wind) at Elk-Beaver Lake on Saturday May 30th.

This event, which takes place across 18 Canadian communities during May and June, raises funds for mental health programs for women.  Funds raised help to provide support, resources and care for those in need.  Since 2013, over $23 million has been raised for local programs across Canada.

At Saturday’s run, 289 people completed the 5 km out and back and 134 completed the 10 km loop around the lake.

The event has a fun, festival feel to it with a lot of families participating and cheering on their loved ones.  A 1km children’s run starts the festivities off, followed by the 10km start and then the 5km.

The trail can get quite narrow at times, especially at the start with all the people.  The trail is not closed down to the public, but people generally are pretty good at moving aside to give you room to pass. Water is provided around the 5km mark, which was most welcome as the day was getting progressively warmer and we were entering the sunnier side of the lake.

The overall winner of the 10 km  event was Derek Juno from Sidney with a time of 39:29.  Third place was won by Kate Guy (the first woman as well) from Sooke, with a time of 40:40.

The overall winner of the 5 km event was Henry Shepherd from Saanichton with a time of 20:35.  First place woman was Geneva Mason (5th place overall) from Victoria with a time of 24:18.

If you are looking for a spring run that has a great vibe and is located at a great location, the Run for Women is one to consider next year.

 

Sooke Hills 25km & 50km Trail Race Report by Ian Silk

Fifty million years ago the Sooke Basalt and Gabbro formations emerged from deep below the surface of the earth.  Millennia of rain, snow, ice and glaciation have worn the rocks down over time, yet they still defiantly stand here today as the Sooke Hills that we know and love.  They are a testament to the resilience, determination and staying power needed….. to finish the Sooke Hills Trail Races!  This is tough terrain and a gruelling run, and congratulations are due to all of the 84 folks who completed the 25km, and hats off to the hard-core 66 that completed the 50km pain fest!

Of course, none of this would have been possible without Elliot and his fantastic team of volunteers who supported us in every sense throughout the day.  The Michelin star tacos at the end were so welcome as was the cheer for each and every runner crossing the line!  Thanks, especially to the local SAR crews that packed and hiked everything in and out to the remote aid stations.

We were blessed with the perfect day, cool in the trees, dry and sunny with a welcome light breeze for the exposed climbs.  Both 25km and 50km routes offer incredible variety of ascent, descent, forest trails, the odd service road and many well earned vistas.  Much of the trail is difficult under foot with loose rocks and roots, but there is relief every so often with a chance to relax on a more forgiving forest trail.  These races are technical but the very generous cut off times, do allow those that want to pace themselves and hike the more tricky sections to complete and finish without taking too many risks.

 Our crew of three elderly gents had a great day albeit with some cramp challenges we worked through, giving us a real sense of achievement when we finally crossed the finish line and got to select our unique really cool memento running shirts.  These re-purposed shirts are one of the many steps Elliot has taken to make this arguably the least environmentally impactful trail race on earth.  Well done Sir!  Our low point came at the Charters Trail junction off Sooke Mountain Trail.  We knew the left turn led downhill to my hot tub, a brewery, a great way back to the finish via the Goose and basically civilisation.  Naturally, the route turned right along Charters and then up Monument(!) and down Harrison Trail (scree slope).  We held a meeting to decide if to bail for a beer or press on, and press on we did and hated our decision for an hour or two, but feel great about it now.

As for our STARR contingent, we had representation in the 25km race with me, Paul, Maggie, Ali, Kari, Vanessa, Dave D (& my friend Paul visiting from Brisbane) in the 25km and Sarah in the 50km race.  Well done all, and wear your t-shirts with pride.  Dave Dick’s 5th place in the 25km and the first Sooker home, is worthy of a special mention!  Well done Dave.

Mark your diaries for next year, this event is a must!

The official times for the STARR runners were:

25 km

Dave 2:58

Maggie & Ali 5:42

Paul, Paul & Ian 6:12

Kari & Vanessa 6:57

50 km

Sarah 9:13

Race Report for BMO Half & Marathon: By Elliot Brady

On May 3rd I took on the BMO Vancouver Marathon. I’ve done many long trail races (50 km to 120 miles), but this would be my first road marathon. I started running ultras to see if I could do them, and once I knew that I could, I’ve wanted to get faster. I’ve signed up for Fat Dog 120 5 times, and the last 3 years I’ve fallen short of my time goal of sub-36 hours. Two years ago at Fat Dog, I was sitting at the start line with two successful trail runners, Charles Perin and Alexa Johnston. I was asking them about their running journeys, and both of them had trained for multiple marathons and achieved fast times. I was nervous about taking on a marathon. Trails are great, you get to walk and the aid stations are like buffets in scenic locations. The marathon to me is intimidating. There is pressure to do well, and I felt there would be a direct correlation between how disciplined I was in my training and my race day results.

The week before the marathon my running nemesis, Jed Grieve, had run the Eugene marathon in a blistering time of 2:52! I had to get some last minute advice from him, and I was glad I did. He said “start easy, 5% below your race pace. Don’t try and crush Camosun Hill. It will win. Once you are heading out to loop UBC, open it up. You will be by the ocean which will help (heat). Crank Spanish Banks, your mountain legs will be fine. Watch the slight grade toward Kits. Once to the Seawall, it is b***s to the wall.” I took that advice to heart and mostly followed those instructions. I went out easy and found myself comfortably climbing Camosun Hill. I probably should have pushed it a bit harder through UBC, but I did fly down Spanish Banks. At this point in the race, I did start passing quite a few people.

At the halfway point, I was right at 1:45. My goal was 3:30. I did increase the effort level throughout the second half. My Strava data says that I hit my fastest half-marathon from the turnaround segment on Blanca Street to somewhere on the Seawall (1:42:45!). I was very happy with that! For most of the day I had been running behind a guy wearing a Coca-Cola outfit, but in the last 5k I caught him. That felt like another victory, not being beaten by a Coke can. Ha ha…

The course was stunning. It was one of the first “hot” days of the season and I was a bit worried about the heat, but I ran in the shade when it was available and every aid station I drank electrolyte mix, and poured water over my head. When there was a breeze, being wet really helped to cool me down. I also felt that I fueled really well. I had tried training with the Xact Bars, and they worked well for me. I ate a gel or a bar every 15-20 minutes, which put me around 90g of carbs per hour. This was great to avoid any kind of “bonk”. In the end, I crossed the finish line in 3:30:27. Sub-3:30 would have been nice, but all in all, I had a great experience. I had started “officially” training the second week of January, and it was a nice emotional cap to that journey.

The energy of the crowd was fantastic and the scenery was stunning. It was a great spring time endurance effort to get me ready for big summer running! The highlight for me was probably running across the Burrard St. Bridge. 

Thoughts from Emily Mann, STARR member and first-time marathoner:

The BMO Vancouver Marathon offers a beautifully scenic route. Beginning at Queen Elizabeth Park, it heads out on a decent decline before hitting the Camosun street hill on the way to UBC. Pacific Spirit Regional Park and the Endowment Lands offered some much-needed shade. 

The vibes were high in Kitsilano, lots of music, spectators cheering with signs, and misting stations along the route. Stopping for a quick hello with my friends and family around km 27 was the morale boost I needed at that point in the race.

Next came the Burrard Bridge, English Bay and then what felt like the never-ending sea wall around Stanley Park. With an uphill finish I finally crossed the finish line with a time of 4:35. I knew, with how warm the day was, that my original goal was not going to happen, so I focused on taking it all in and enjoying the day 

And lastly, from Maggie Curtis, who did the half marathon distance:

The half was very crowded but started with a nice long downhill to get loosened up.  We headed from Queen Elizabeth park straight to downtown and then weaved our way around to arrive at Stanley Park and do a lovely scenic loop there.  Starting early at 7:00 meant that we beat most of the heat.  Some highlights along the way were one man doing very bad karaoke and another man singing Elvis Presley extraordinarily well.  It was also pretty inspiring to see the early marathon finishers afterwards. 

It was the largest race I have ever been a part of - almost 14 000 registrants took part in the half (the full marathon had just over 7000 finishers).  I knew I was not going to beat my earlier half marathon time this year but my chip time was 2:24:19 and it was quite a blast to be a part of something so large.

Race Report McLean Mills by Joldine Lee

As good fortune would have it, this year's McLean Mills 10k race was timed perfectly between snow showers. Yes snow! This race includes glitter. (Snow is no stranger). It was the 7th race in the Vancouver Island Race Series sponsored by Ridge View Health & Performance in Port Alberni. The race took place on March 29th with the start and finish at rustic McLean Mills National Historic Site. 

 After a three hour drive up-island past beautiful Cameron Lake, Jill and Joldine arrived early to secure their parking spots and kept warm jogging through the picturesque mill grounds. 

 The race started out undulating and peaceful, leading out towards the countryside; returning through splendid forest; finishing downhill back through the old mill.  As the forest opened up, the sun shone and the sight of the wooden water tower signalled the finish line!

 Besides Jill's shiny ribbon, the race rewarded us with a traditional smoked salmon chowder, chilli, Dog Mountain Beer, fruit and homemade granola bars. However, instead of standing outside in the sun, enjoying chilli and beer (as were our expectations), we found ourselves huddled inside the hall peering out a window at the awards presentation carrying on under the auspices of snow and hail. Needless to say we didn't stick around for long after that.

 Of note, Derek Brenchley of Comox Valley Road Runners won the 70-74 age category and set a new course record for his age group, clocking in at an impressive 41:49 chip time. One week ago, he broke the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon age group course record.

 We had two STARR runners participate. Congratulations to Jill finishing in1:01: 31 with a 10th place ribbon and Joldine 1:19:21 15th in our age group.

 Thanks to Tashia Potter Photography for taking these wonderful photos!

2026 Edition of STARR’s Around the Bay Simulation Run by Leslie Ann Bent

A big thanks from the Club to Leslie Ann for arranging a super fun event, providing the prizes, taking the photos and writing the race report!

The mass start, suggesting various degrees of enthusiasm for the run ahead!

Saturday, April 4th was a great day for a race – warm and no chance of rain. For the past 6 or 7 years (we lost count!), the STARR running club has done a simulation of North America’s oldest race – Around the Bay (ATB).  The race has been used over the decades as a last training run by elite runners for the Boston marathon. ATB is a 30km loop course around Hamilton’s bay – fast and fairly flat for the first 20k and some real kickers over the last 10k. The race has welcomed solo runners, 2-person relays (each tackling 15km) and 3-person relays (10km each). 

STARR runners used the Galloping Goose to simulate the run. The out and back route we followed allowed club members to see other participants, cheer them on or get inspired for one last push to the finish. This year 16 runners and walkers came out in person, two members competed virtually and I was the lone volunteer. This club event promotes team work and comradery – an opportunity to see some of the members we don’t often see. Not so many races have relay and it’s also an opportunity to experience this type of race as well.

One notable result came from Barb. She beat her solo 30km time of last year by a mere 6 seconds. Talk about consistency! Paul suffered a groin injury in the first 5km of the course but he soldiered on and completed the course with a very respectable time. The 3-person relay teams had a mix of running and walking. Whatever one’s goal was for the day, it was just so lovely to be out and have a chance to catch up.  Congrats to all of our participants. Medals for the top teams will be awarded at the April meeting.

Results:

Solo:

Barb (virtual)                                                           2:55:23

Danny, Solo Man (walker, 3 X 10k)                    6 hours

Dave D (15k, that’s another story)                    1:09

2-Person relay:

Galloping Geezers (Paul, Ian)                              2:42:04

3- Person relay:

Winging It (Tory, Claude, Andy)                          2:38:52

Mel’s team (David W, Melanie, Lisette)            3:44:48

Gelato Junkies (Ken, Jackie, Joldine)                 4:02:30

Slow Farm (Jill, Kari, Maggie & Kayla (5k each – W)              4:23:27

Race Report for the Sooke West Coast Run March 8th

By Karla Sache

The Westcoast Sooke 10K on March 8 delivered classic Island Series racing along our very own home route out and back along Sooke River Road. It is nice to be familiar with the turns, hills and potholes (hehe).  Part of the Vancouver Island Race Series, the event drew a strong field and solid turnout.

The weather turned out to be a pleasant surprise—sunny skies instead of the forecasted rain, though a steady wind added an extra challenge on exposed sections of the course. A wee bit chilly at the start, but everyone warmed up quickly.

At the front of the race, Liam Donnelly took the men’s win in 30:25, while Waverley Mulligan led the women’s field in 35:25.

Runners were also treated to a great post-race spread, with pancakes and beer. Always such a great community feel at this race!

Congrats to all the STARR racers who participated, and especially the ones doing the whole series! Only a few more to go! I personally love the out and back course to not only see the really fast racers, but also to cheer on our fellow team members while running. Thanks to those cheering from the sidelines too, Jackie and Bri!

The runners from STARR were:

 

Barbara Cina 45.41 (6th place in her division)

 

Stephanie Croft 47:53 (4th in her division)

 

Karla Sache 49:28

 

Jill Potter- Hellman 58:58

 

Maggie Curtis 1:00

 

Kari Toovey 1:03

 

Pauline Nielsen 1:07

 

Erin Nielsen 1:07

 

Joldine Lee 1:19

Comox Valley RV Half Marathon Race Report

By Jill Potter-Hellmann

I have a love-hate relationship with the half marathon distance, so I asked myself a couple times during the race on Sunday, why I was running. At the finish, after I made it to the end in one piece, I was reminded of why I do this.

On Sunday, March 22, the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon took place under perfect weather conditions. 736 runners completed the hilly 21.1 km course.

We (Kari, Maggie and myself, pictured above) decided on the 10 a.m early start, 1 hour ahead of the main start at 11 a.m. This gave us the experience of being at the front of the pack for a brief moment or two!

A lot of hills, until the turn around, the route is in a beautiful setting—snow capped mountains in the distance, horses relaxing in the sun, a stream and a chorus of frogs. Great community support along the way encouraged you on just when you needed that extra boost.

The event is very well organized by the Comox Valley Road Runners. Traffic control was excellent and aid stations provided water and electrolyte drinks. At the main start and finish area, the Florence Filberg Centre, there was plenty of available parking at the centre itself and around the surrounding area. Plenty of washrooms were available at the centre itself, as well as areas to relax pre and post race. Food and drinks were plentiful after the race and organized very well. Choice of a variety of pizzas and other foods (cheese, fruit, veggies, cookies, popcorn, pop, broth to name a few of the options) were available.

The winner of the event, who blew by me effortlessly at 17.5 km, starting an hour after I did,

finished in just over an hour.

First male finisher and overall winner: Russell Pennock of Kelowna BC with the Prairie Inn Harrier’s, with a time of 1:05:30

First female finisher: Katelyn Ayers of Victoria BC with the Victoria Endurance Track Club, with a time of 1:14:01

The Comox Half is race #6 of the Island Race Series (2 more to go!!).

Our STARRs at the Half:

Barb Cina 1:42:13

Emily Mann 1:54:58

Jill Potter-Hellmann 2:16:57

Maggie Curtis 2:18:21

Kari Toovey 2:23:45

Pauline Nielsen 2:24:24

Erin Nielsen 2:24:25

Congratulations everyone for a great race!

January Blues Finale – STARR Torch Relay

By Leslie Ann Bent

We’d hoped for a lovely warm and sunny day to complete our virtual journey from Athens to Cortina, Italy, but that was not what the Vancouver Island skies had in store for us, although it was about 9C. When 14 STARRs met this morning, we had 12km to complete while carrying the torch for the completion of our challenge.

From January 1 to 30, seventeen of our STARR members completed more than 3,000km of running and walking as part of our January Blues Challenge.  If you haven’t been following Ian’s weekly running club updates of our progress, I summarize by saying that this distance is the equivalent of taking the Olympic torch from Athens to Cortina with a variety of side tours along the route to virtually visit previous sites of the Olympic games and arriving in Cortina just in time for the Opening ceremonies and sport competition which starts this week.

We used an official PanAm torch for our in-person relay - 1.2kg in weight and about the size of a baseball bat.  Each of our participants carried the torch for 500m to 1.3km depending on their leg of the route. Each wore a bib in honour of one of our current Canadian Winter Olympians who will be competing in Cortina shortly. We aren’t large enough a club to have 208 bibs, the total of our Canadian Winter Olympic team, but we tried to cover almost every sport and of course we honour all of them. Claude gave out bibs randomly, while Andy was our lead photographer, chasing the parade of athletes along the Galloping Goose course. As the rain gods played a role in impacting the pictures, some of the photos may be a bit blurred, but what the heck, it’s Vancouver Island in the winter. We shouldn’t be expecting sun!

The event today went almost without mishap. One runner who I won’t mention by name, passed her exchange point and kept running. When the other runner reached the 42km marker for the exchange, there was no sign of her exchange partner.  Barb and Andy accompanied the runner to the next exchange (thanks, Mel for covering more than your part!) and we believe things worked out.  No one was left without a turn to carry the torch. Let’s just say the incident made for a comical story as the missing runner’s husband just smiled and shook his head when he heard what she’d done!

Thanks to everyone who participated virtually this month, plus in person today.

Good luck to all of our winter Olympians. We are very proud of each and everyone of you who will be living your dreams in the coming weeks. We’ll be watching those spectacular performances, starting February 4 (February 6 for the opening ceremonies).

The roster recap in order of relay exchange:

Honouring Cdn

STARR Participant Olympic Athlete Sport

Andrea Marie-Philip Poulin Hockey (women's)

Danny Connor McDavid Hockey (men's)

Leslie Ann Abi Strate Ski Jump

Melanie Sonjaa Schmidt Cross-country ski

Jackie Valerie Maltais LT Speed Skating

Jill Reece Howden Freestyle/ski cross

Paul Adam Runnalls Biathlon

Barb Melissa Lotholz Bobsleigh

Liz Mikael Kingsbury Freestyle

Lisette Rachel Homan Curling (women's)

Tori Trinity Ellis Luge

Claude Laurence St Germain Claude

Andy Mark McMorris Snowboard

Kari Haillie Clarke Skeleton

Spare Kim Boutin ST Speed skating

Spare Gilles and Piorier Figure Skating

January Blues Athens to Cortina Week 5 Review

Before leaving Turin we reflected on the 2006 Winter Paralympics and our countryman Brian McKeever’s treble gold medal performance in the partially sighted Nordic skiing and biathlon events.  Brian started losing his sight aged 19 due to Stargardt's disease.  Guided by his older brother Robin and then childhood friend Erik Carleton he went on to win a total of 16 Paralympic gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals!  You might recall the brothers starring in a Toyota Superbowl advert in 2022.  Watch here and get inspired! 

Brian & Erik courtesy of skitrax.com

Brian’s nephew Xavier will be competing in Cortina, see here for the roster of all Canada’s Olympians competing in 2026.

Our route took us around the south side of beautiful Lake Garda and Lisette suggested we stay a while and enjoy the Colombare peninsular.  For this she wins a pair of Canada running socks.

Leaving Colombare it was time to head for Cortina, our journey’s 10th and final Olympic site, carrying our torch to finally light the Olympic flame.  The Olympics are not new to Cortina or officially Cortina d’Ampezzo, as they were very successfully held here in 1956.  It was the first venue to have all the events Winter Olympic events held in the same place.  The opening ceremony is remembered for the torch bearing speed skater Guido Caroli tripping over a microphone cable draped across the ice but somehow juggling the torch, getting back to his feet with the flame still burning [NB those of you running on the Goose on the final leg of our torch journey!].  Here is a photo of the incident.

Courtesy of Olympedia website

Other highlights include Austria’s Toni Sailer a.k.a. “The Blitz from Kitz” (Kitzbühel), comfortably winning all three alpine events, and then going on to have a starring career in the movies!  Here is a photo of the handsome devil!

Courtesy of Olympedia

These games are also famous for ski jump’s Fosbury Flop moment!  The two Finns, Antti Hyvärinen and Aulis Källakorpi, were early adopters of Windisch and Däscher techniques whereby the skis are held parallel and the arms are held back by the sides of the body.  Meanwhile all of the other competitors were still ‘Superman-ing it’!  The Finns won gold and silver.  So, next time you trip on a trail run, or head over your handlebars, remember hold your arms back by your sides because i) you will go much further and, ii) you won’t break your wrists or collarbones!

The crew stopped 12 km short of Cortina so that the torch can be carried the final 12km tomorrow in the STARR torch relay on the Galloping Goose.  Maggie was carrying the torch as we entered the camp, and wins a Kodak Charmera thumb sized camera!  On winning the camera Maggie said, allegedly, something along the lines of “ the Charmera is so cute and its tiny size makes it perfect for taking on all STARR runs its retro photos are perfect for publishing on the STARRs Insta site!  STARRs are going to go viral!”.

Congratulations to the 17 STARRS that got out there every day and completed more than 3,000 km or running and walking over the month of January.  Now that the flame has arrived, let’s hope it inspires Sid and our other Canadian athletes and para-athletes to achieve their dreams in Cortina!