Some STARRs who earned medals and ribbons.
By Leslie Ann Bent
The Bazan Bay 5k race held in Sidney is the last in the series and marks the end of the VIRA season. This race attracts top performers and recreational runners alike. It’s flat, fast and scenic as it winds along the ocean front. The website says many PBs have been set on this course.
The race attracted 455 runners on this not so promising day. When we left Shirley and Sooke, the rain was coming down pretty hard. By the time we reached Langford, the overnight snow fall was very visible. This is southern Vancouver Island and it’s April. What was wrong with that picture? However, as we made our way up the Pat Bay Highway, the weather gods came out to make our last race a decent one – no rain during the race and not much wind either.
Twelve STARR runners came out for the event. It was great to see familiar faces before and after the race. Megen and Brynn surprised us at the half way mark, as faithful STARR cheerleaders. Thanks for that! Andy was our first STARR runner across the finish line with a time of 19:14, earning him a second-place age group finish. Stephanie was our first woman to finish with a time of 22:35, earning her a 6th place age group placing.
The field was tough. The first male and female runners were both from Calgary. Matthew Travaglini (M25-29) ran 14:35, not quite fast enough for him to achieve a course record. You might recognize his name though as this track runner won the Royal Victoria Half Narathon in 2021. Courtney Brohart (F30-34) edged out the competition with a time of 17:02 – one second ahead of the second-place female runner. I must mention though that the race also has some inspiring stories.
There was a man, 99 year-old Jim Silvester from Ceevacs participating in the M90-99 age group. He, along with his crutches and family members by his side, took small steps, edging their way along the beautiful route, clearly happy to participate. It reminded me of how lucky we are to race and participate in such a beautiful spot and that these events are not just for the speedsters. Taken from the Ceeevacs website were words of wisdom from Jim when he turned 99 earlier this month. “I just love life. It’s been a good life. You talk positively. Got to think positively. If you want to get anywhere, you got to keep moving. Coming into the finishing line. I was very proud to be part of that.”
Results Bazan Bay
Andy Smith (M60-64) 19:14 (2nd)
Wataru Hirota (M16-19) 20:10 (4th)
Steve Eriksen (M45-49) 21:50
Stephanie Croft (F45-49) 22:35 (6th)
Claude Laforce (M60-64) 22:56 (10th)
Pauline Nielsen (F50-54) 24:36 (8th)
Melanie Eskildsen (F40-44) 25:54
Maggie Curtis (50-54) 27:09
Bruce Hawkes (M80-84) 34:04 (2nd)
Jaxson Andrews (1-15) 38:22
Melanie Cunningham (F70-74) 38:39 (8th)
Leslie Ann Bent (F55-59) 43:15
We were very proud to have 6 runners win top ten medals for the VIRA series this year. STARR placed 7th overall in the team standings.
Results for the VIRA series
Stephanie Croft – 4th
Melanie Eskildsen – 7th
Pauline Nielsen – 3rd
Maggie Curtis – 4th
Steve Eriksen – 10th
Bruce Hawkes – 1st
STARR has had an amazing season. Congratulations to all of our runners.
Andy. Courtesy of Lois DeEll
Leslie Ann. Photo courtesy of Lois DeEll
Bruce
Maggie
