The 3rd race of the eight race Vancouver Island Race Series, the 18th Annual Cedar 12K was hosted by Nanaimo’s Bastion Running Club on 4 Feb. The weather gods were again in our corner today. Under partly sunny skies with a temp of 8 degrees and calm conditions, 280 runners crossed the line. Due to a unforeseen hydro pole incident early Sunday morning at the top of the first climb, the course had to be rerouted taking out the 2 big hills. No one shed any tears over the broken pole withe exception of the home owners in the area with no power.The new course was through a gently rolling countryside. There were many good comments about the new course.
There would be 280 runners ( 2017 262) crossing the finish line. With his 2nd win of the series, the overall winner (OA) was Shelby Drope (30-34) from Nanaimo’s Bastion Club in a time of 40:05. The top woman was Catrin Jones (35-39) in a time of 44:42 and 17th OA. The course record for men was set in 2011 by Jim Finlayson in a time of 37:11 and the woman’s was set in 2008 by Sheryl Murphy with a time of 34:44. The top Male Master was James Richardson (40-44) in a time of 40:13 and 2nd OA. The top Female Master was Sheryl Davies (40-44) in a time of 51:13 and 49th OA.
STARRs had 4 runners in the field capturing 3 top 10 finishes in various age groups from 40-44 to 75-79. The first to cross the line was Jonathan Dvorak (40-44) with an excellent 53:35 and was 6th in a field 14 and 69th OA. Well done for sure. Next to cross the line was Claude LaForce (50-59) with a 56:32. He was 11th in a field of 17 and 96th OA. Good run as always Claude. Our only lady STARR was Stephanie Croft (40-44). She had an excellent 57:40 and was 2nd in a field of 14 and 222nd OA. Another fine run Steph. Next was the series ironman Bruce Hawkes (75-79). Bruce was in his 189th consecutive Island Race Series race. Bruce covered the course in 1:13:25. He was 4th in a field of 5 and 222nd OA.
Congratulations to all our STARR's and other club runners for supporting the series. Kudos to you all. The 4th race of the series will be the challenging Hatley 8K on 18 Feb. See you all there. May the running gods be with you as you climb the hills.