Barb, Jill, Maggie & Kari at the start
The first run of the Island Race Series, the Harriers Pioneer, took place January 11. This is always a fun race and a chance to get our post holiday cobwebs out of our systems. The course changed this year (or rather, returned to its former route) and was a nice flat route through the Saanich countryside, in the area of the Saanich Fairgrounds.
The route allowed for some very fast paces – the run leaders could be seen way off in the distance looping around as those of us closer to the back of the pack were either inspired by the speedsters, too busy breathing and putting one foot in front of the other to care, or just taking in the scenery. The winner of this year’s race, Jaxon Kuchar, finished in 23.34 (mindblowing)!
During my run I always like to focus on the scenery, the dogs on the sidelines and for this run, a pony in a coat being walked by his handlers!
Leslie Ann Bent, another STARR runner who took part said of the new route “I really loved this year's Pioneer 8k course - the farms, old country roads and the lack of traffic - plus a new-to-us course made it interesting as I'd never been on the route before. What was also exciting was there large group of very fast runners which always impresses and inspires me. It was fantastic to see Natasha Wodack run in this local race too. I enjoy seeing familiar faces before and after the race”.
As always, the Island Race Series is a great way to get out of the house, spend time with friends, pet some dogs, eat some food…oh, and enjoy a run.
STARR had an impressive 11 runners this year, with the following results:
Andy Smith 34.39
Barbara Cina 38.43
Stephanie Croft 39.02
Emily Mann 40.38
Melanie Eskildsen 43.31
Jill Potter Hellman 47.44
Maggie Curtis 48.23
Kari Toovey 50.02
Pauline Nielsen 52.13
Erin Nielsen 52.15
Joldene Lee 1:04
Great jobs STARRs!