Leslie Ann, Steve and Andy
By Andy Smith
Last Sunday morning three STARR members ran the Sidney by the Sea Race, an annual September event offering 5k and 8k distances as well as a short kids’ race. The race was well attended with 204 participants in the 8k and 182 in the 5k.
Andy and Steve E. completed the 8k distance and Leslie Ann ran the 5k event. The race attracts runners of all abilities and includes an early start for walkers. We had great support from community volunteers as some participants also raise money for local charities like the Sidney Aquarium (Shaw Center for the Salish Sea) and the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation. It’s a friendly inclusive event and easy for Sooke-based runners like us to participate because the first race starts at 10 a.m. The course begins at the Sidney Pier and runs a short distance up Beacon Street, then turns and follows quiet residential streets to a turnaround near Tsehum Harbour. It’s an out and back course with a few variations near the finish line. The scenery was great, and our spirits were high despite some rainy weather at race time. It’s a flat and fast course and a good opportunity to test our legs before a big fall race like the Victoria half-marathon. After the race we enjoyed snacks and music at the bandshell and great door prizes from the race sponsors including an overnight hotel stay, a family activity pack, $1,500 worth of physiotherapy sessions, and running shoes. Unfortunately, none of us won door prizes this year.
We all agreed it was a fun event. Parking is easy Sunday morning in Sidney plus there are many convenient restaurant options for a post-race lunch near the finish line.
The men’s 5k race was won by Peterson Perrin in a time of 17:19 and the women’s winner was Laura Lanchbery in a time of 21:24. Leslie Ann had a great race knocking several minutes off last year’s time, finishing in 39.55 to place 18th out of 34 in the F50-59 category. Donna Heeley crossed the line in 40:03. She was 19th out of 27 in the F40-49 category.
The men’s 8k race was won by Aaron Holmgren in a time of 26:57 and the women’s winner was Catrin Jones in a time of 30:29. Andy and Steve both had good results. Andy placed 2nd in the M50-59 category and 13th overall in a time of 34:57. Steve finished 5th in the M40-49 and 21st overall with a time of 36:53. We all got wet but there were lots of places to warm up at the finish. Definitely a fun event for all levels and every member of the family!