Stephanie had a strong showing at the 2018 Hatley Castle 8K. Photo courtesy of official race photographer Brian Domney.
The 17th Annual Hatley Castle 8K was held on 18 Feb. under clear, cold…1 deg. and blustery conditions. There were 321 runners ( 2017 369) winding their way through the roads and trails in Hatley Castle Historic Park. The overall winner and his 3rd win of the series was Bastion’s Shelby Drope (30-34) in a time of 27:08.
The OA female winner, also from Nanaimo’s Bastion club, was Melissa Ross. She crossed the line in 31:08 and 16th OA. The Male Master with his 2nd win of the series was Jerry Loeb (40-44) with a time of 29:49 and 9th OA. In a time of 34:53 and 45th OA, the top Female Master was CVRR Carolyn Coffin (40-44). Well done to the winners.
The course record was set by Steve Osaduik in 2006 in a time of 24:52 and top female was Kirsty Smith in 2008 with a time of 28:40.
STARR had six master runners in the field picking up five top ten ribbons in various categories. Leading the field was Jonathan Dvorak (40-44) with a time of 36:53. He finished 6th in a field 12 and was 71st OA. Good job. Next to hit the line was Claude LaForce (55-59) with a time of 38:55. He was 9th in a field 15 and 97th OA. Well done Claude. Stephanie Croft (40-44) was our first woman in. She finished with a 40:43 and was 4th in a field of 17 and 123rd OA.
Next to complete the course was Bruce Hawkes (75-79). Hawkes came in with a 49:46. He was 5th out of a field of 7 and 255th OA. In her first Hatley, Jenny Adams came in with a 52:15. She placed 16th in a field 20 and 273rd OA. Well done Jenny. Closing out our STARR field was Ken Pungente (75-79). He came in with a 54:54 and was 7th in the division and 282nd OA.
All the STARRs did an awesome job on a challenging course and in tough conditions. Congratulations to you all. The next race wil be the Port Alberni Paper Chase 15K on 4 Mar. Thanks to all for flying the STARR flag at Hatley Castle.