2022 Oak Bay Half Marathon – A Family Affair by Steve Kent

The 16th edition of the Oak Bay Half marathon took place this weekend.  It’s a scenic hilly road race that offers a few distances.  In addition to the half marathon, there is a 10k, half marathon relay and 1km kids run. This year the event was sold out to a filed of 1,800 participants. It’s a smallish event where the community embraces the racers.  There are a lot of volunteers and residents out supporting the runners. STARR member, Steve Kent, was out to the event and here is his story.

On Sunday, May 29 I had the pleasure of being with my son, Nick, and my six-year-old  twin grandsons, Izaiah and Keadon, and my wife, Diane. We were stationed just past the 16 km mark to cheer on the Oak Bay Half Marathon runners. Nick's wife and the twins mom, Yvanna was running the half. A windy spot by the Oak Bay marina was our lookout. As we were hooting and cheering and clapping the runners along. I spotted my friend and STARR runner, Leslie Ann Bent, making her way along the route. Big smiles and enthusiastic wave from her and us, we cheered her through that section. 

I was waiting for Yvanna because I told her I would run the last few kms with her and be a supportive father-in-law. At about the one hour forty-five-minute mark, Yvanna came running towards us. The twins were so excited to see their mom. I joined her for the last four and a half km. Passing the Oak Bay Beach hotel, we climbed the hill past the golf course and back to the finish line.  Yvanna was feeling the effects and I grabbed a cup of water from the water station for her and she popped some gummies for energy.

She got a second wind and we picked up the pace for the last 3 kms. As we turned the corner for the last few blocks, we could hear the upbeat rock music and the cheers of the people waiting for the finishers. I told Yvanna that she is a warrior and to pass the woman who was ahead. She dug in and blasted through the shoot with her son, Keadon running beside her. It was a rewarding and emotional finish. We had passed Leslie Ann about 2 km to the finish so I knew she would be along shortly. I waited for her to come across the finish and was able to see her smiling as she finished and snap a photo. I am so proud of Yvanna and Leslie Ann for doing this challenging run on a tough course.  Oh yeah, and proud of me for doing the quarter half marathon- breathing in the day and letting out a laugh.

Some Runners Do More than Run

Are you a runner who would like to expand your talents to try something new? Do you cycle or swim? STARR runner Andy Smith has been a runner and cyclist for many years.  It was 10 years ago at a pub in Oakville Ontario when a friend decided Andy needed a challenge to celebrate turning 50 and decided to sign him up for a triathlon.  At that time, Andy wasn’t a swimmer. However, the timing was right.  He was looking for a new athletic challenge and swimming seemed to be the right fit.  He was already doing duathlons so what’s one more sport, right?  Here is Andy’s story. 

I didn’t grow up a swimmer but cycling and running were part of commuting to school and sports when I was young. By my 30th birthday, working in an office, I took up jogging and cycling again to lose weight. On vacation one year Leslie Ann signed us up for a triathlon relay (we did the cycle leg). It was a new and inspiring to watch athletes competing in three sports. The triathlon seed was planted. However, it took many years and a milestone birthday before I entered my first triathlon. Turning 50 deserves a “big hairy challenge” so over drinks (naturally), my friends convinced me to sign up for an Ironman. “I can’t swim,” I protested. “You have twelve months to learn,” they answered. Easy for them to say. They were already experienced triathletes! I signed up for swim lessons the next day. That was my introduction to triathlon.

I am still not a good swimmer, but I enjoy the challenge of learning something new and even now, in my 60th year I learn and improve every day in the pool. I swim at Seaparc four times a week including a drop-in “Swim fit” class on Thursday mornings attended by fellow STARR members Melanie Cunningham and Danny Eddy. The class is a coached session of drills and intervals for experienced swimmers. Not something I could have attempted 10 years ago. Mel and I swim in the middle lane. The fast swimmers swim in the left lanes. Most swimmers in the Swim Fit class are retired ladies. I nicknamed the fast ones in the left lane “the sharks”. Some of them have a competitive swimming background. Melanie and I marvel at how fast they are. They seem so nice and friendly standing and chatting on the pool deck but once in the water it’s like sharks chasing a meal! Maybe one day I will graduate to the left lane to swim with “the sharks”!

This year I have been training hard for my next goal race - the Victoria 70.3 Half Ironman at Elk Lake at the end of the month. I decided I to try a shorter tune-up race first and conveniently 2 weeks prior to my big race. There was a shorter “Standard distance” triathlon in Nanaimo at Westwood Lake. Triathletes come from the mainland and as far away as Calgary to get this early season race under their belt. Finally, the water is warm enough to swim in! ...Well not this year. Unfortunately, due to our cold Spring weather the Westwood Lake temperature was only 10c so the race changed from a triathlon into a duathlon by replacing the swim leg with a 5.6k run.  The new plan was 5.6 k Run/38.5k Bike/11.2k Run instead of the original Swim/Bike /Run. As a poor swimmer, the extra run instead of swim is good for me because I am much stronger at running. However, I was looking forward to an open water swim after all that training in the pool. 

In addition to the unseasonably cold weather, it was wet on race day. The opening and closing trail run around Westwood Lake looked like a “Muddy Buddy” event. No chance of keeping the running shoes clean or dry! Every runner finished the first run caked in mud up to the knees. No worries, the mud soon washed off on the bike! We switched our muddy sneakers for helmet and cycling shoes. The technical and steep bike course is challenging. They call it triathlons’ “most honest” bike course (LoL).. Throw in pouring rain and poor visibility and it got dicey. Especially since our hands and feet were numb! Caution was the rule of the day due to numerous tight corners and poor visibility. It was a real leg burner. I was standing in the pedals to maintain forward progress on the steeper hills.

Fortunately climbing helped generate some warmth but I didn’t get feeling back in my feet until halfway through the final run; two more laps of the muddy lake trail. There's a hill on the run course called “soul destroying hill”. I had to walk part of it on the last time around. Nonetheless even on tired legs I made my move. I persevered to the end and got the age group win and a sense of satisfaction from conquering a challenging day and course.

Vancouver Islanders are a tough bunch and most competitors finished the race despite the difficult conditions. A nice start to the triathlon season even if it didn’t exactly go as expected. When I unpacked my dripping gear back home in Shirley it was hard to explain I hadn’t been for a swim, Lol.

 Some pics of Andy at Westwood Lake in 2019.

Cobble Hill Trail Race: STARR takes home the hardware

Sarah at finish

By Leslie Ann Bent

While many of us were home looking out at the pouring rain, four brave souls from STARR drove to Cobble Hill for some serious racing. Approximately 300 runners from here and far, took part in the Cobble Hill Trail race as part of the Vancouver Island Trail Series.  This race, now in its 5th year, offers the long course of 20k and a 12km short course on single track with stunning views.

STARR had an amazing event, taking home three top three age group placings.  Marika was our first runner to cross the finish line with a time of 2:26:18. Former STARR, Greg Carson, crossed with her, achieving the same result down to the second. Our first male runner to break the tape was Greg B. with a time of 2:48:25.

The competition was tough. I was very impressed to learn that the first overall runner was female – Genevieve Lalonde of Victoria (a two-time Olympian) with a time of 1:43:38 - about a minute and a half ahead of the next runner, and first male – Tyler Trace with 1:45:07.

Pauline, Jonathan, and Greg

I asked Marika to describe the race and here is what she had to say:

“The race went well, we actually ended up having okay weather.  It was raining pretty steady when we went over the Malahat but then 45 min or so before the race, it let up and I don't think we had any rain during the race, nothing noticeable anyway.  It was a bit foggy over some parts of the course and it even cleared up a bit at one point when I was out of the ‘deep woods.’  What a beautiful park.

“I saw Pauline before the race and had a quick chat.  I didn't figure out who Sarah was so hopefully I'll get to meet her at one of the upcoming races if she is attending any more of them."

“This was sure a TOUGH race, I thought I was prepared but it was harder than I was expecting...  The first 2 km are uphill switchbacks up Cobble Hill Mountain.  I felt like I was in a M.C. Escher print at some points, you could see people at different parts of the race just up or down the hillside from you although I think at one point they would have been 1-2 km's further along in the race even though they looked like they were right there, the way the crow flies.

“The course was in pretty great condition, not too many wet or slippery spots.  There is one brutal (actually two on the long course as you run that part twice) downhill section that is so steep I thought I was going to bail but you just have to go with it because there's no stopping on that part.

“I lightly rolled my ankle around km 10 but I was able to run through it; it only hurt for a little bit.  I also got some really bad inner thigh cramps on the uphill around km 12 but I was able to keep going even though it definitely slowed me down on the last climbs.

“The after-race food was pretty great.  I had a little cup of pickle juice to start and that was the best thing ever.  They had a good selection of snacks and then grilled cheese this time for a special touch.  I can't wait to see what we get next time!

“I had some more cramping when trying to change afterwards and didn't feel great after the race so I hit the road pretty quick.”

Sarah added a few more comments about the race:

Sarah and a friend at the start

“It was a lovely race. Rainy and muddy, perfect trail fun weather.  Me and my best buddy unfortunately got lost but we remained positive and got back on course after some added kms. Haha. All in all, a hilly course but super fun and great people all around.”

STARR results

Marika Nagasaka (F40-49)       2:26:18 (3rd)

Pauline Nielsen (F50-59)           2:40:12 (1st)

Greg Balchin (M60-69)              2:48:25 (2nd)

Sarah McWhirter (F30-39)       3:32:43

Congratulations to our runners for an awesome race.

The Cumby – An Awesome Trail Race

Photo courtesy of Lorenz Jimenez Photography.

By Leslie Ann Bent

If you like to run trail, you should consider The Cumby. It may seem obvious by its name that the Cumby starts in the town of Cumberland (Comox Valley). This is a trail race that has something for everyone. The 7th edition of this race took place on Saturday to a sold-out field. The route starts in the downtown, then makes its way through the Cumberland Community Forest and adjacent working forests. The full 25 km route encompasses a steady climb through rich timberland, then leads runners through winding single track. The race offers several distance options – the full 25k, the half (14k), the quarter (6k – fairly flat) and virtual (7.5k). Five hundred runners took to the trails.

Our only STARR competitor this year was Greg.  He took on the full distance along with some friends who used to run with STARR.  His recap is below.

“I ran it as a fun run. I’m still too sore to go all out!

Celebration after

The Cumby 25k was my first trail run, first race. Knee is sore, back is sore, left foot arch is sore, actually, it would be easier to list what isn’t sore!

I discovered three little words that are most humiliating to hear, if they are repeated more than fifty times “On your left!”  Each time you hear that, you must move over, and let another faster runner pass you. I must lose 10lbs, and run much faster next race!. There were 188 runners in the full - lots of men and women older than me (some WAY older) came in ahead of me!!

The weather was perfect – cool and overcast. The trail was perfect too. Wet, but not slippery.

Former STARR Greg C.

I took the wrong hydration vest (too big), and opted to run without one (based on the weather). I could have used a shot of baby food half way though the run. My right knee was sore but ok, but my left everything cramped up by the 20k mark.

Pretty hilarious finish too.  I challenged a woman on the last 109 metres. I caught up to her, thinking I would breeze past, and suddenly she lit up like a rocket. I managed to catch up to her again, but as soon as I began to move ahead, she cranked it up another notch, and then again 50' closer to the finish line. I managed to beat her, (the ropes either side of the finish corridor were getting narrower and narrower!) Apparently, the look on my face was pretty funny!”

Congratulations, Greg for hanging in there. 

 

STARR – Tely 10 Simulation and Mini Tely

By Leslie Ann Bent

We started out with a goal of bringing the east coast to the west. Newfoundland’s famous Tely 10 is a race that turns 100 this year and is one of those races you just have to do if you can. With over 7,000km separating Sooke, BC from St John’s, NL, we decided to bring this special race to STARR. The Tely 10 is a 10-mile point-to-point race net downhill race, starting in Paradise, NL and finishing in St John’s.

On Saturday, 13 STARR runners came out to meet the east. We offered the full 16km event and a shorted 10k mini Tely event for those wanting to test their legs and pacing. Our “STARR Paradise” and starting point, was at the Potholes Provincial Park, P2 parking lot, and using the infamous Galloping Goose old rail trail as our route. Although we weren’t a point-to-point run, we did have 6-7km of net downhill on the second part of the route for 16k option to mimic the official course.

Andy, Claude, Robin, Tory and Sarah were the brave soles who took up the 16k challenge. Jackie, Wataru, Ken, Steve K, Jenny and Anika all took part in the 10k. Maggie came out to support with me.

It was a great day for the race. We avoided the rain. We all got official Tely 10 shirts! Those who participated, enjoyed water and snacks at the finish. A good time was had by all.

Have a look at the photos. Check out the official race that takes place this July. Perhaps we’ve peaked your interest. #Tely10 #Tely10Celebrates100years1922_2022 @Tely10NL https://www.nlaa.ca/tely10/

Congrats to all of the runners and thanks so much, Maggie for your support on the route.

2022 BMO Vancouver Marathon

Sarah, Carla and I before the race.  Carla is from Shawnigan Lake and finished in 4:19!!! Island pride.

By Maggie Grant

The BMO Vancouver Marathon was an amazing race.  There were 5877 participants in the full marathon, 9986 participants in the half marathon and 2568 people in the 8km.  There were a LOT of sweaty runners in Vancouver on Sunday May 1.

Pre-race with Kayla, my biggest fan.

The start line (from a ways back)

This was my first marathon.  The other STARR runner, Sarah McWhirter, has had some more experience with longer distances and it was awesome to connect with her as we headed to the start line.  Sarah is preparing for the long trail run on the island in September with her sister Carla.  The marathon course started at Queen Elizabeth park, and it was quite behind schedule getting started.  It was great to make some friends at the start line, and I got to tell one past Around The Bay participant from Toronto all about our STARR simulation event.  I was in the last wave to leave and it was quite exciting to hear the countdown!

It was pretty awesome to see and hear the cheerers on the side of the roads.  I hit every high five (I decided to pretend the pandemic was completely over) and even petted a few dogs as I ambled along.  One memorable guy turned up three times along the way, and he called out to the runners in a very loud voice: “You are an inspiration.  You are amazing.  I could never do something so hard.”  Yeah, he was intense but there was a lot of energy out there.   BMO gave out round signs to supporters and someone was holding a sign for Maggie at the top of a hill–but it was a different Maggie.  I was pretty excited about that one.  There were also some great bands playing high energy music throughout the route.  There were also lots of aid/water/nutrition stations and volunteers on bikes to keep everyone safe too.

27KM Kitsilano

The run went out to UBC and then down through Kits and then over the Burrard street bridge, along the water to the seawall and finished on Pender.  It was very downhill, with only a few uphills on the whole route.

From Sooke, we had Toby Brown M30-34 at 04:07:58. Sarah McWhirter F35-39 04:33:05.  Sarah is a STARR member and reports she had a blast, felt strong the whole time and even took some pictures.  Britt Wiseman F25-29 4:52.  Maggie Curtis F50-54 at 5:11 and Care Mamone.  The first male overall was Alex Gladley at 2:25 and the first female overall was Dayna Pidhoresky at 2:34.  I cannot fathom running that long that fast.  

From a personal perspective–it was an amazing experience.  I am from Vancouver and I love every single neighbourhood  that we ran through. I also had my whole family–including my elderly parents and their spouses–cheering me on at the finish line.  Kayla, my daughter, popped up several times along the route.  It was really hard to run that last 10 kms, but I never doubted I was going to finish.  I learned a few things–pavement is harder than the galloping goose (where I did most of my training).  It is probably a good idea to have new-ish shoes with lots of cushioning.  Focus on form as you tire because shuffling along makes muscle cramps worse.  And lastly (and most importantly) enjoy the experience–dance to the music, take the high fives and pet a dog or two along the way.  

I finished!  50th anniversary of the marathon!

TC 10k Back Live in 2022  

The start! Courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

By Leslie Ann Bent

It was such a pleasure to have the TC10k race live again in its 33rd year. The race director was expecting 5,500- to 6,000 runners and walkers to hit the downtown core of Victoria Sunday morning. Andy and I had been watching the weather reports this week, and we were wondering if the day might prove to be rainy. However, the weather turned out to be perfect for a race – no rain, little wind and a mild temperature, comfortable for running.

The event was well organized. A two-year break from live racing, didn’t impact the smooth running of this very popular race.  Corrals were laid out for participants to self-seed based on predicted finish time.  The race used wave starts to help keep social distancing easier. It was such a great atmosphere to race in person once again – cheering, seeing racers of all talents, music, volunteers, a real finish line, and something for everyone.

The course started by the Legislature, passing the Empress Hotel and eventually turning onto Yates for some uphill work early into the race.  The wave starts really allowed participants to spread out earlier than typically experienced in such a large event.  I passed two dinosaurs on the first kilometer and it was a reminder that charities are also back to having events like the TC10k to raise funds in support their work. After a bit of hill work early on, the race evens out along Cook. It then zigzags a bit passing along Richardson and Moss before hitting Dallas with a seaside view for the second half of the race and ending at the downtown core. Volunteers and residents alike were out cheering and providing energy along the route as we passed.

Eight STARR runners participated in the race that attracted nearly 4,000 finishers in the 10k event. Andy Smith was our first runner to cross with a chip time of 39:33, one second behind the 2nd place age-group finisher. What a great season Andy is having. Maggie was our fastest woman, achieving a 7-year PB with a time of 54:16. She too is looking strong and has had results this season to prove it.

Andy and Jonathan

The field was deep for those looking to place.  Local Victoria Prairie Inn Harrier’s runner and Ethiopian immigrant, Teferi Kebede Balcha (M40-44) took home first place crossing the finish line at 31 minutes. Victoria runner, Jen Millar was the first woman to cross with a time of 36:10. More than 80 runners had a clock time under 40 minutes – a great race for competitors who feed off competition.

Bryn Brooks of Victoria requires honourable mention as the lone woman in the over 90 age category and breaking an hour with a respectable time of 58:44 – the oldest runner in the race. There were many inspiring stories from the race and this was just one of them.

A few comments from STARR runners:

Claude – “Great day for a race, perfect running temperature, beautiful course. A little smaller than other years, I believe around 5,000 as compared to about 8,000 pre-COVID.  All the supporters and the cow bells make for a festive atmosphere.”

Maggie – “It was a great race--beautiful weather, nice race-day atmosphere, and my fastest 10km time in seven years, so I was pretty excited.  I am so glad that it is back in-person.  And I loved the staggered starts--it was so nice to have room to run from the beginning.”

STARR Results (chip time), age-group placing are based on official clock time

Andy Smith (M55-59)                                  39:33, 3rd

Claude Laforce (M60-64)                          48:01, 9th

Steve Eriksen (M45-49)                              49:09

Maggie Curtis (F50-54)                               54:16

Pascale Knoglinger (F40-44) 1:02:07

Melanie Eskildsen (F40-44)                        58:29

Ken Pungente (M75-79)                             1:10:58, 11th

Leslie Ann Bent (F55-59)                            1:29:28

Congratulations to all of our runners.  What a great event.

Synergy Bazan Bay 5k & VIRA Awards – 6 Series Medals, 2 Race Medals, 5 Ribbons

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

Vancouver Island Trail Running Series – Royal Roads, April 9 2022

By Leslie Ann Bent

The Vancouver Island Trail Running Series got off to a great start today with over 400 runners taking part in the first event of 2022. The Royal Roads race was the first of six in the series that take place between April and October. The race offers two distances – a 10k long course and a 6k short course. The website boasts “a fast, flowy and beautiful single track that is sure to impress even the seasoned trail runners.” If you are new to trail running, this is definitely a race to consider as it’s scenic, close to Sooke and has distance options.

The long course attracted 204 participants. STARR had two runners who tackled it. Marika (F40-49) was our first runner to cross the finish in an amazing time of 57:47, placing 4th overall in her age group. Pauline also got into the spirit of the race, finishing 1:11:19.

The long course was won by Brady Goreski (M30-39) of Victoria with a time of 44:25. On the women’s side, Patricia Roney (F30-39) of Winnipeg, took home first place, crossing the finish line at 46:02. Mike Walker (M30-39) of Victoria won the short course with a time of 26:40. Michelle Mark (30-29) of Cumberland was first in the women’s category, netting 30:19. It was a deep field with runners from near and far.

Both STARR runners captured some personal thoughts about the race.

Marika Nagaska- It was windy and felt chilly on arrival but turned out to be nice running weather with only one short section on the course where I felt some headwinds. Otherwise, the course was good, It started off pretty flat but a few km's in it turned into more challenging single track and some good climbs. I fortunately had someone in sight the whole time so it was easy to follow the trail but I think probably more than a few people went off course on some of the single track. It was lovely to run along Colwood Creek as we approached the end, that was the most scenic part of the course and was a lot more fun than running up the steep road (as you do in the road race) to the top parking area where the Start/Finish is. There was hardly any mud on the trail, just a couple spots on the last few km's. I got to see Pauline once we were done so that was really nice. All the volunteers were awesome as per usual and the post-race food was a pretty good selection, complete with pancakes!

Pauline Nielsen – It was a great day for a run. The sun was shining. Much better than the forecast for rain. I was still in the long line for bathrooms when the race began. I headed out about 10 minutes late by myself. Despite the ribbons I still veered off course about 4 times. I was running around in there like a squirrel 🐿 I managed to finish. Enjoyed myself and ran into Marika after the race.

A huge congratulations to our fearless runners. The next race in the series is Cobble Hill on May 14th. Why not give it a try?

STARR's 3rd Annual Around the Bay Simulation

By Leslie Ann Bent

This weekend marked our third annual simulation run of Hamilton, Ontario's famous Around the Bay Race, known to be North America's oldest race. Seventeen of STARRs fabulous runners and walkers participated. The goal was to complete a total of 30km per team. We had a few runners who wanted to run but had to bow out for various reasons and Marika kindly offered to be a 15km spare for a runner in need, using a hard, hilly course near home for a rainy run before work. Robin's daughter, Lila also came out to test her 5k time while her dad ran with the Riding Chickens (same team for three years in a row). A big shout out to Danny who walked the full 30k! Andy ended up on two teams. He'd anticipated running with Marika (virtual) but Scott arrived with no partner so they teamed up for the in-person.

It was so nice to see so many people out. The out and back format appealed to many as they were able to spot other runners. There was a 200km cycling adventure happening on our Galloping Goose route so we saw some cyclists whizzing by.

In case you're curious how things turned out, here are the results. Please note that those who ran their section as virtual may have used a different course depending on where they were when they ran:

3-personTteams

1. Riding Chickens - Jackie, Steve K, Robin 2:46

2. Jim B, Paul, Mark 2:58

3. Stephanie, Pascale, Melanie 3:22

4. Vanessa, Kari, Crystal 3:48

2-person Teams

1. Andy & Scott 2:31

2. Maggie & Steve E 2:48

3. Marika & Andy 2:55

Solo (walking)

Danny 5:45

Congratulations to everyone.

Westcoast Sooke River 10k – 5 Medals, 5 Ribbons and a Familiar Location

By Leslie Ann Bent

Yesterday was a great day to race in our club of Sooke  – little wind, no rain and an overcast 10C.  Our runners know this route quite well. It’s a hilly out and back course from the high school to the Potholes gate on Sooke River Road.  With 11 participants plus Megen and Greg to cheer and support us, we had quite a STARR show for the run. There was lot of time to catch up before and after the race. Plus, with an out and back course, it was great to be able to see our fellow runners out on the course and cheer each other on. Lots of thumbs up. The race attracted 332 participants.

The first STARR across the finish line was Andy (M60-64) with a time of 41:03.  This earned him a 3rd place age-group finish just 8 seconds behind the first-place runner. Wataru wasn’t far behind, as he made his debut race on Canadian soil with an impressive time of 43:42 – a second place age-group finish for him. On the women’s side, Marika (F40-44) was our first female to cross the finish line with a time of 49:40 – a 2nd place medal for her!  Pauline (F50-54) once again did the club proud with a 3rd place medal. Bruce (80-84) also earned some hardware – 2nd place for him.

The race always attracts some fast runners and this year was no exception, although no course records were made. The first runner to complete the course with a good lead, was Logan Roots of Courtenay (M25-29) with a time of 32:27. On the women’s side, Christine Bant of Victoria (F30-34) crossed the line at 37:59.  The competition was steep with the top 10 runners all under 38 minutes, and the top 22 runners under 40 minutes. 

A special thanks to Megen for coming out to support us and to take some great photos.  Greg too joined the STARR cheering squad.  It’s always nice to see familiar faces in the crowd. Thanks to you both!

A few personal thoughts on the race:

Andy Smith – There was a great turnout form our club and for the field in general. There was a nice vibe with everything so well organized and runners eager to race. The familiar course was good.

Wataru Hirota – It was tough!

Jim Bouthillier – The weather was perfect.  (His first race in about 3 years)

Leslie Ann Bent – I agree with everything the others said.  It’s also fun to meet new people with a common thread.  At the start line, I chatted with a woman wearing a Team Diabetes shirt.  It turned out we’d run a marathon for Diabetes Canada in the same year back in 2002 and both have other done races for the cause with many years of type 1 diabetes under our belts. She’d asked if I’d been on the cover of Diabetes Dialogue about 20 years ago (I was), and she said I’d inspired her to run for the cause.  It was a touching and uplifting way to start the race.

STARR results (Clock Time)

Andy Smith M60-64                      41:03 (3rd)

Wataru Hirota M16-19                 43:42 (2nd)

Steve Eriksen M45-49                   48:01 (10th)

Marika Nagasaka F40-44              49:40 (2nd)

Claude LaForce M60-64               50:45 (9th)

Jim Bouthillier M70-74                 52:05 (4th)

Pauline Nielsen F 50-54                53:59 (3rd)

Maggie Curtis F50-54                    57:26 (5th)

Melanie Eskildsen F40-44            58:02 (7th)

Bruce Hawkes M80-84                 1:14 (2nd)

Leslie Ann Bent F55-59                 1:32

Congratulations to all of the STARR runners.

Witty cheer squad

Jim

Comox Valley RV Half Marathon 2022

By Leslie Ann Bent

Sunday marked the annual Comox Valley RV half marathon as part of the VIRA series.  It was a popular race with 415 runners taking part.  The rain held off for the event and runners had a dry window for racing.  The website describes the course as a “rural out and back course with views of Mt. Washington, Forbidden Plateau and Tsolum and Puntledge Rivers. PBs are set on this course with a net downhill after the turnaround.”  If you enjoy half marathons, this is a race not to be missed.

Six STARR members were out to compete.  Steve Eriksen was our first STARR to cross the finish line with a time of 1:46:26. Close behind, breathing down Steve’s neck was our first female runner, Stephanie Croft 11 seconds behind with a time of 1:46:37.  Bruce Hawkes didn’t disappoint with a first-place finish in the M80-84 age category. Melanie Eskildsen completed her first half marathon. Yay Melanie!

The VIRA series has been attracting a fast field this year and this race was no exception.  The first runner to finish was Olympian Trevor Hofbauer (M30-34) of Peachland, BC with a time of 1:08:21.  Christine Bant of Victoria led the female field, crossing the line with a time of 1:25:15.  There were no course records this year.  The top 12 runners all ran under 1:20.

Steve had this to say about the race. “The race was great. The hills were mild and gradual. The rain held off for us again. It was a bit chilly, but they also had chili, so that was lovely. A great route and a great turnout.”

STARR results

Steve Eriksen M45-49              1:46:26

Stephanie Croft F45-49          1:46:37 (7th)

Pauline Nielsen F50-54          1:55:09 (6th)

Maggie Curtis F50-54             2:02:31 (9th)

Melanie Eskildsen F40-44      2:09:53

Bruce Hawkes M80-84           3:17:39 (1st )

A huge congratulations to all of our runners.  We’re very proud of you.

Photos below courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs