The 1st race of the eight-race Vancouver Island Race Series, the 39th Annual Harriers Pioneer 8K, was held 7 Jan. The weather gods were definitely not in our corner. Under ominous conditions, 479 runners ( 2017 492) were lined up for the start. They would head out on the race course which was an and out and back covering some gently rolling quiet country roads. The windy, cold and rainy weather Brrrrrr made the course challenging whether you were running or cheering.
The overall winner (OA) was Lucas Bruchet (25-29) from Vancouver in a time of 24.06. Bruchet was also the OA winner in 2017. The top woman, also from Vancouver, was Rachel Cliff (30-34) in a time of 26:23 and 9th OA.
STARR had 8 runners in the field capturing 4 top 10 finishes in various age groups form 40-44 to 75-79. The first to cross the line was Jonathan Dvorak (40-44) with an excellent 35:40 and was 8th in a field 17 and 156th OA. Good job. Not far behind was Claude Laforce (50-59) with another sub 40. He was in with a 36:59 and was 14th in a large field of 27 and 181st OA. Well done. Our 1st lady in was Stephanie Croft (40-44) with another su 40. She was in with a 38:29 and was 12th in a field 24 and 212th OA. Welcome back. Hot on her heels was the Pres Mark Ziegler (65-69). Mark was in with a 38:47 and was 4th in a field 15 and 223rd OA. Next was the series ironman Bruce Hawkes (75-79). Bruce covered the course in 47:29. He was 6th in a field of 11 and 374th OA.
Again not far behind was our new newest STARR Teresa Lennox (45-49). She crossed the line with a 48 flat and was 10th in a field of 15 and 380th OA. You looked strong down the homestretch. Next to hit the mat was Jenny Adams (55-59) with a sub 50. She was rewarded with a 49:30 and was 20th in a field of 25 and 400th OA. Closing out our STARR field and under the hour was another new STARR Megen Seysener (40-44) with a 55:43. She was 23rd in a field of 24 and 447th OA.
Congratulations to all our STARR and other club runners for supporting the series and also conquering the weather conditions today. Kudos to you all. The 2nd race of the series will be the Cobble Hill 10k on 21st Jan. Let’s all hope the weather gods help us out. May the running gods be with you.