2019 Hatley Castle 8km Race Report

Andy competed at the Hatley Castle race. Photo courtesy of Ken DeEll

By Leslie Ann Bent

The Hatley Castle 8km race was the third in the Vancouver Island Race Series that was held on February 24, 2019 at the national historic site.  Below is this year’s race report. 

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Jonathan finished second in his age group.

Mother Nature has a way of reminding us who is in charge.  En route to the race, we encountered some rain and snow.  It is after all, winter in Canada despite being on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.  The day was actually a good one for a race – not much wind and perhaps 3 or 4C at the start line. The snow had stopped by then too.  It is a fairly hilly and challenging course (don’t let the course profile fool you), counter balanced by a beautiful scenic course with a mix of views of the strait, paved paths, a castle and groomed trail.  The first hill is just under a km into the race and although it doesn’t look too daunting as the climb starts, it is a little over a km before the course reverses into a descent.  The next hill is the steep one that passes the castle. Huffing and puffing and feeling more than challenged, I remembered Vince’s words, “I’ve never met a hill I couldn’t walk” so up I marched unceremoniously  to the top and to the water station.  Not long after this time, the front runners would be crossing the finish line and Andy would be duking it out with 3 other runners in his age group for placements. (Unbeknownst to Andy at the time, there would be 4 seconds between the 3rd and 6th age group placement). The last km or two of the race is in a lovely wooded trail and mostly a nice downhill to the finish line. If you haven’t raced this one, it is a definite one for testing your hill running skills while its location not being too far from Sooke.  

Before the awards ceremony, a wonderful tribute to Vince was made in honour of all the racing and support Vince had done for the running community over the years.  It was an impressive list of accomplishments and it seemed that everyone in the gym was nodding in acknowledgement of his contributions to the sport, and reflecting on a man we will truly miss.  A moment’s silence to remember our dear and beloved friend opened the awards ceremony. 

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Andy took sixth in his age group.

No course records were broken this year. Matt Noseworthy (M20-24) placed first overall in the men’s division with a time of 26:53.  For the ladies, Julia Tschanz (F30-34) placed first with a time of 30:21. The first STARR shirt across the finish line was Vince’s own jersey worn by Jonathan Dvorak with a time of 33:17. What a wonderful tribute to Vince and a great performance from Jonathan. Vince would have been so pleased to see one of his shirts cross the finish line so fast. Overall attendance was good with 365 runners completing the race this year compared to 321 in 2018. Officially, STARR had 5 members registered of which 4 respectably placed in the top 10 of their age groups.  The results for STARR are as follows (gun time):

Jonathan Dvorak (M40-44) 33:17, 2nd place

Andy Smith (M-55-59) 34:58 6th place

Stephanie Croft (F45-49) 40:54 9th place

Bruce Hawkes (M75-79) 52:32 2nd place

Leslie Ann Bent (F50-54) 1:12:20

There were 9 other Sooke runners.  Of interest might be the first place finisher in the over 80 category, Robert Butterworth with a time of 53:37.  Angela Puszka who runs with our group from time to time, ran the course in 40:55. STARR is now in 10th place in the series with a score of 185. If you are running in the series, don’t forget to select STARR as your team when you register.

Upcoming races in March on Vancouver Island:

Vancouver Island Race Series – March 3 Cedar 12k, March 10 Port Alberni 15k , March 24 Comox Valley half marathon       http://www.islandseries.org/

Other races –  March 10 Another Brick in Nepal  5k & 10k trail,  March 16 Keg Leg 7k, March 24 Keep the Hope Alive 5k, March 30 Run Crew Relay 10k, March 31 MEC series race one  5k, 10k, 18k options.

40th Annual Harriers Pioneer 8K

The 1st race of the 2019 Island Race Series, the 40th Annual Pioneer 8K, was held on 13 January. The weather was absolutely perfect, approx. 10 deg, sunny and calm. Compared to last year's wind and rain, this was a breeze. There were 547 runners/walkers (2018 481) covering the out and back course and finishing at the Pat Bay info centre. The nice weather did bring out the fair weather participants. The start was delayed 1/2hr to 11:30am  due to the large attendance.

The overall (OA) winner was Anthony Tomsich (35-39) in a time of 24:44. The top Female was Natasha Wodak (35-39) with a time of 26:04 and 5th OA. Wodak also holds the Pioneer 8K record with a time of 25:28 set in 2013.The top Male Master was James Richardson (40-44) from the Ceevacs crossing the line with a 26:18 and 8th OA. The top Female Master was Catrin Jones (40-44) in a 29:09 and 36th OA.

STARR had 7 runners/walkers scattered throughout the course in various age groups. Our 1st runner in was Jonathan Dvorak (40-44) with a time of 32:35. He had a 5th in a field of 18 and was 83rd OA. Our next runner and newest STARR was Andy Smith (55-59) in his 1st Pioneer. He hit the mat with a 33:53 and was 7th in a field 28 and 114th OA. Good job Andy. Also in his 1st Pioneer, David White (50-54) was next in with a 38:14 and was 13th in a field 23 and 212th OA. Next in was our long time STARR Stephanie Croft (45-49) with a time of 39:35 and 11th in a field 30 and 245th OA.

In a time of 52:16, Jenny Adams (F60-64) was 21st in a field of 35 and 465th OA. Our next runner in was veteran runner Bruce Hawkes (75-79). Hawkes was in with a 54:08 and was 8th in a field of 10 and 488th OA. Closing our STARR field and also new to the STARR’s and the Pioneer, walker Leslie-Ann Bent (50-54) was in with a 1:08:11. She was 20th in a field of 20 and 535th OA. Well done Leslie Ann.

Congratulations to all the STARRs for the excellent performance on the course. Let's give them a high 5 in the results since they deserve it. I would be reticent if I did not mention our STARR cheering squad…Megen and her two girls, Adriana and Vince throughout the course. All our STARRs were gathered at the finishing line to bring our last runner in.

We are presently in 16th position with 47 pts. This was another Pioneer 8k in the books. Hope to see everyone next year. The next race is the Cobble Hill 10K on 27 Jan …another series favourite known for the race food at the finish line. A Bravo Zulu to all.

Report by Vince. Photos by Megen

Big Sunday Hike

By Jackie Eddy

The day started ominously after a night of steady rain.  I figured maybe 6 would show for what looked like a possible very wet day and was astounded to end up with 50 legs!! 17 humans and 4 dogs!!  

And after a group picture we set off up the Charters Trail.  As there were several who had never been up this way before, we had a quick look at the Charters reservoir and the newish gate…then continued onward and upward.  One of the reasons for this particular route was to start the endurance training for those who are signed up for the famous Kusam Klimb in June.  Looking for as much steep uphill as possible for a taste, the route I selected turned out to be a little too ambitious on this day. Nonetheless we plodded our way up to the turn to Long Mt. called this by Danny and other old guys but I think on a map it says Monument.  Long is a good description though.  Several grand look out spots and finally at the top is a memorial plaque to a young guy who loved hiking this area during his short life.  

Elevation gain was apparent as it started snowing, hailing and sleeting!! The ground had white stuff!! After a bit of making sure we were on the right trail (you do this by going one way, reversing, then go a different way, decide the other way was correct, reverse again, discuss east/west/north/south without the benefit a bright sun…but get it right in the end!)  Left that trail and onto the Grasse Lake trail as planned.  Side trip to the lake, so glad we did - sun shine sun shine, almost felt like going for a swim!  

Back on the trail now heading towards the ‘connector’ to Highways Trail and the plan to view the sights from the top of Empress.  This connector trail is always fun--a couple of small lakes to navigate and finally give up trying to keep dry feet heading along a trail that doubles as a creek. The downed log pile doubles as a bridge across a creek once again.  Each winter the storms add logs and take logs away but pretty easy crossing as it turned out.  No one fell in or got stuck on a log!! By the time we got to Highways Trail decided to cancel Empress for this day and just carry on to Peden Lake and have our lunch there. It was about 12:30 by this time and one does not want to be caught in the woods in the dark and it was getting very dark.  The heavens opened up and gave the liquid blessing. Peden Lake was alive with rain dancing on the surface.  The two women hikers at the cabin when we arrived must have been pretty surprised to see our group slosh in!!

Lunch done and head homeward.  Another side trip to waterfalls  (not the lower Mary Vine falls, the upper!) More picture taking.  This was one of 2 surprises I had in store.  The other one was the ‘pipe’.  I love walking or running the pipe and the challenge of going across the trestles!  Not everyone shares this view…so we broke into 2 groups. Six went on the pipe and the rest plus the pooches continued on the trail to the Goose.  From there back to Charters about 2 k and a bit.  Via the pipe, about 4k so group 1 arrived back to the cars a tad sooner than group 2!!  

No one got lost or left behind and no one reported hypothermia that I heard about so I think considering the size of the group we did very well.  Saving Empress and a different route for another day.  The Klimbers will be ready for their big day in June, if not by physical conditioning, the mental pictures painted by the 2 KK vets should have every nuance covered!  

Photos courtesy of Jackie, Megen. and Andrea

34th Annual Gunnar Shaw X-Country Classic

The 3rd race of the Thetis Lake Fall Series, the 34th Annual Gunnar Shaw X-Country Classic, was held at Thetis Lake 24 Nov. The weather was favourable…cool and cloudy conditions. The runners would face 6 significant hills and 3 major puddles. Covering approx. 10k, 177 runners would hit the cold puddle #3 (the shoe wash) to cross the line.

The Overall Winner (OA) was PIH’s Andre Russell (30-39) in a time of 34:59. The OA Female was Melissa Ross (30-39) with a 40:12 and 12 OA. The top Male Master was former Olympian Jon Brown (40-49) with a 36:06 and 5th OA. The top Female Master was Elizabeth Swiggum (40-49) with a 45:13 and 31st OA.

STARR had 2 runners on the course. In his 1st Gunnar, David White (40-49) hit the beach at 53:09 and 62nd OA. Congratulations…good Kusam training. Acting as the customary course sweeper, our ironman Bruce Hawkes (60 till death), was the last one in with a 1:30:10 and 18th OA. Well done to all. You all deserve a pat on the back. Till next year…HAPPY TRAILS.

Sicilian Race Report 2018

Hello all, Seeing I can't have Vince come over to do a Sicilian race report, I'll have to do it myself.

I've had quite a few races so far including my first 1/2 marathon in about 2 years because of the miniscus injury in my knee, up until then I have limited myself to 10km races or under. I've had

1 first, 3 seconds, 1 third, & fourth, twice. And by the way my Dad use to say it's rude to ask how many people were in your age group. I'm working on doing my second 1/2 on the 27th of January, in a city called Ragusa, which will be about 2 weeks before I return to Canada.

Another first in my life will be included in the pictures I'll send along. My running club here had year end photos taken & the executive decided to have it put on a billboard to show our sponsors & also to wish everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

As I have said before the running when I arrive here in Aug. is a little tough due to the temperatures which go from the mid 30's to mid 40's so I don't run many competitive races, just training runs that I start around 5.30 in the morning before the sun gets too hot.

My second life here is wonderful with so much history to discover, but I also enjoy my other life on the West Coast. I tell people here that it's the last frontier & there is nothing in the world left like it.

Will close until we meet again, Stay hungry, Stay foolish, Ciao, Ciao, Ken

P.S. The other photo is two close friends from Palermo who run in the 85 to 89 age group. We just finished a race in a place called San Cataldo.

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2018 Thetis Lake Relay

The Sooke Trail and Road Runners had a fun and successful day at the 2018 Thetis Lake Relay. The club had four teams in this year's event with 16 runners making the 5K loop around Thetis Lake. 

The STARR super veterans men's squad, The Running Dead, finished third. The senior mixed team got a dishonorable mention  for worst name for its placeholder “We need a team name.”

Leslie Ann’s Diabetes Update

Although things didn’t materialize as planned due to my arm injury and half marathon nixed by my orthopedic surgeon, I managed to complete the 8km event in Victoria for Diabetes Canada earlier today. I am equally pleased that I was able to raise $725 for research and programs for the Diabetes Canada. I was diagnosed nearly 43 years ago and am living proof that the research dollars invested over the past 40 years have made a huge difference to those living with diabetes. So, I thank you for all of your generous support this past year. I thought that you might also enjoy a recap of the experience.

I started raising funds about a year ago, with a goal of running the Victoria half marathon today.  But in May, a significant fall causing a serious humerus bone break (arm), followed by surgery, a plate and 10 pins, side-lined my ability to run and train for the race.  One of the first questions I asked my surgeon post-surgery was whether or not I’d be able to run a half marathon in October, as running and cycling were off the table for “a while.”  His response was a direct and clear “no’” followed by a comment, “I hope you can get your money back.” He did say I could walk with no issues so I started building a backup plan which turned out to be the 8k event today during the Victoria Marathon weekend of events. My goal was to walk 75% and run 25%.

The day started out quite drizzly and as I lined up with the other runners at the start line in front of the famous Empress Hotel, I felt very lucky to be able to run. I checked my blood sugar and scaled back my insulin for the duration of the run. I was ready.  The course is a bit more hilly than I expected but it is a lovely course starting on Victoria’s Harbour front and winding through the downtown core of the city. It then climbs away from the inner harbor through residential neighbourhoods.  While I hustled along the course, I was able to take in the sites and the runners of all ages and abilities in all sorts of clothing from singlets to a winter coat.  I saw some inspiring participants with clear physical disabilities each one out there focused on a personal goal, I am sure. By the time I hit the half way mark, the full marathon, half marathon and 8km course converge at Beacon Hill Park and a scenic view of Victoria’s larger harbour.  The word “hill” was not lost on me, that’s for sure.  My slowest km of the course was from 4-5km which proves the need for more uphill training.  The fog and rain distracted from the view that could have been, but boats and the shoreline were still quite visible and was a lovely part of the course. By km 6 was arm was protesting  but my blood sugar level was staying quite normal so continued with my walk-run schedule.  By the time I could see the finish line the rain was coming down harder but I was happy.  It can be emotional to finish a race but doing it for such a worthy cause in a year of challenges made that finish line all of the more rewarding this time. It was my longest run since May and that too felt equally rewarding to hit another milestone.

Thanks for all of your support be it through my various book sales, encouragement and general donations. 

Thanks, Leslie Ann

Post race, wet but smiling after the finish line, wearing her medal

GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon 2018

Congratulations to our three STARR’s who braved the cold and rain on Sun 7 Oct.

In the 8K, Megen Seysener clocked in at 54:37. In the F40-44 division, she was 88th in a field of 174 and 1,232 OA. Well done. There were 2,160 8K runners/walkers finishers.

In the Marathon, Andrew (Andy) Smith crossed the line in 3:16:52 in the M55-59. He finished 5th in a field 45 and 103rd OA. There were 1,047 marathoners covering the course. Go to the results at racedaytiming.ca and give them both a high five. It is well deserved.

Congratulations also to Leslie Ann Bent who was also in the 8K. She finished with a 1:10:13 in the F-50-54 grouping. She was 80th in a field 103 and 1,1818 OA. Well done under the circumstances. She also deserves a high 5 for sure. Read more about her day here.

STARRs enjoy Tom Burgess Memorial event

Relaxing after a hike up to Peden Lake and a swim.

Hike, swim, and potluck with friends ... what else could be better?

The Sooke Trail and Road Runners held their second Tom Burgess Memorial event on July 8 in honour of their late former president and founding member. Almost 30 people hiked up to Peden Lake. A number of hikers took to the lake to cool off. After the hike home, the group headed to a great potluck social. Thank you to Jackie and Danny for hosting!

Cabin at Peden Lake

2018 Bazan Bay 5K

STARR had a good showing at the 2018 Bazan Bay 5K. Check out the results!

Claude races strong at the 2018 Bazan Bay 5K. Photo courtesy of Lois DeEll.

2018 Sooke River 10K

Way to go David! Photo courtesy of Dan Clayton

The 18th Annual Sooke River 10K along Sooke River Road was held 25 Mar. and hosted for the 1st time by Victoria TriStars.  The weather was race ready with partly sunny skies, a light ocean breeze and a 7 degree temperature. There were 271 finishers (2017 262) covering the out and back hilly course. The OA winner was John Vanderveen (30-34) in a time of 34:54. The overall woman and with her 3rd win of the Series was Erin Burrett (35-39) from Nanaimo’s Bastion RC. She hit the mat with a 37:06 and was 7th OA. The top Master Male was TriStars John Greaves (45-49) in a time of 38:17 and 9th OA. The top Female Master was Marion Bryan (40-44) from the Comox Valley RR (CVRR) in a time of 44:20 and 56th OA.

STARR had eight runners in the field capturing 1 bronze medal and 7 ribbons in various divisions. Awesome run for everyone. First in was Jonathan Dvorak (40-44) with a 43:35. He was 4th in a field of 11 and 45th OA. Another fine run. Next in was David White (45-49) edging out Claude LaForce. White hit the mat with a 46:46 bettering his 2017 time of 53:36. He finished with an 8th in a field 13 and 79 OA. Well done. LaForce was in with a 46:47 and was also 8th in a field 17 and 81st OA. With some gas left in the tank, it was a good strong sprint finish to the line by both.

Our 1st woman in was Stephanie Croft (40-44) with a 47:49 and was 4th in a field of 13 and 92nd OA. Well done. Our next STARR in was Jason Seysener (30-34) with a time 48:20. He finished with an 8th in a field of 10 and 99th OA. Good job.

Next in was Mark Ziegler (65-69) who came in with a 51:36 and was 3rd in a field 9 and 135th OA. Next to cross the line was Bruce Hawkes (75-79) who has never missed a Sooke River 10K since it’s inception. Bruce was in with a strong finish of 1:00:18 and 4th in a field of 6 and 217th OA. Closing out our STARR field was Teresa Lennox (45-49). Bettering her 2017 time of 1:02:40, she was in with a strong 1:01:13. She was 7th in a field of of 8 and 223rd OA.

Congratulations to all our finishers. Our next race and the last of the Series will be the Bazan Bay 5K in Sidney on 8 Apr. The Series Awards will also be presented at this time. Congratulations to all our STARR’s who gave their all at every race in the Series to fly the STARR flag. You guys were awesome. Hope to see you all in 2019.

2018 Comox Valley Half Marathon

The 6th race of the Island Series, the Comox Valley Half Marathon, was held 18 Mar. The weather was perfect for a half. It started cool …6 deg. and overcast but quickly warmed up to a balmy 12 degrees. There were 370 runners crossing the line after covering the gently rolling course.

The overall winner was Ian Searle (25-29) in a time of 1:14:14. Our top woman and with her 2nd win of the series was Bastion’s Erin Burrett (35-39) in a time of 1:21:10 and 13th OA  which bettered her 2009 time of 1:26:15. The top Male Master was Morten Nielsen (40-44). Nielsen crossed the line with a 1:22:13 and was 16th OA. He bettered his 2015 time of 1:24:34. With her 4th win of the series, the top Female Master was Carolyn Coffin (40-44) from the CVRR with a time of 1:38:19 and 90th OA.

STARR had a small field of three covering the event. Our 1st runner in was Jonathan Dvorak (40-44) in a time of 1:38:02. He was 8th in a field 19 and 88th OA. Good job Jonathan. Our only lady in the field was Stephanie Croft (40-44) with a time of 1:45:01. She was 5th in a field 25 and 135th OA. Another strong finish. Closing out our field was Bruce Hawkes (75-79). Hawkes hit the mat with a 2:43:55 and was 2nd in a small field of 3 and 351st OA. Well done Bruce.

Congratulations to all our runners. Our next race is the Sooke River 10K on 25 Mar. See you at the Edward Milne school start line.