Cumberland and Elk Lake: Starr Racers Hit the Trails!

Leslie Ann

By Andy Smith

Pauline

STARR racers hit the trails on Sunday at Perseverance Creek Trail Run in Cumberland and the MEC 10k at Elk Lake. The Perseverance Trail Run is an event held in Cumberland, BC organized by volunteers with the goal of raising funds for the Cumberland Community Forest Society (they have raised over $550,000 so far). 400 racers competed in 3k and 11K distances. Pauline Nielsen, Greg Balchin and Jonathan Dvorak represented STARR in the 11k Mountain Run against 295 competitors. The course is described as “a classic mountain run with steady climbs, flowing descents, technical single-track and breathtaking vistas… a very challenging course with technical terrain and steep sections”. Our trail racing threesome were in their element!

Costume fun in Cumberland

Greg said: “It was really fun. The volunteers dressed up in Halloween costumes and each checkpoint had a different theme. I ran past skeleton pirates sword fighting: ghouls ghouling around; even a coral fish swimming on top of a sea urchin while blowing a huge wall of bubbles we had to run through on a very fast downhill part of the run. I have to say about the downhill portion of the trail; OMG!!!, It’s a fast, downhill mountain bike trail, designed for speed. Large sweeping banked turns, lots of drops and jumps, lots of twists and turns, no murderous sudden uphill climbs…. just open up the throttle, place your life in the hands of god and GO!!!😁😁😁. What a rush!!! The Cumberland trail volunteers put on a great party afterwards, lots of food, tons of prizes” (Greg won another entrance certificate for the Cumby 24 k next summer!)

Greg

Greg finished 3rd in the M50-59 age group (despite being the oldest guy in the category) in a time of 1:11:36. Way-to-go Greg! Pauline finished 2nd in the F50-59 category in a time of 1:16:35 and Jonathan finished 5th in the M40-49 category in a time of 1:05:23. Overall winner Alexander Lee finished in a super quick 55:41 and top female was Gillian Clayton in an equally impressive time of 1:04:20.

Meanwhile at Elk Lake Leslie Ann Bent and Andy Smith were competing in the MEC 10k race. This was the final event of the MEC running series. Previous events were at Thetis Lake (Mar 31) and Royal Roads (May 26). The MEC races are fun, well organized events. Race entry is only $20 which includes parking, start bib, timing chip and post-race snacks. The third race in the series race attracted 600 participants to Elk Lake, competing over 5k/10k and 21k distances on the trails around the Lake. The bargain entry fee attracts a youthful crowd including a contingent from the local navy base. There were prizes for best costume which included raccoons, squirrels, zebras, superheroes and dinosaurs! The course is a fast undulating trail following the perimeter of Elk Lake. Great weather and a fun energetic vibe made this race a real treat. Leslie Ann and Andy ran the 10 k event against 316 competitors. Andy finished 2nd in the M55-59 category in a time of 44:16 and Leslie Ann finished 15th in the F50-55 category in a time of 1:28:53. The race was won by Chris Walsh in a time of 38:20. Top female was Fiona Benson. She gave the guys a lesson finishing 3rd overall in 40:32! Elk Lake is a great venue for a race with good facilities, great trails and ample parking. Definitely one we would do again! Congratulations to all the racers who ran on Sunday. Woohoo!

3 Races, 5 STARRS, Rain, Amazing Results, Awesome Door Prizes and Surprises

Vanessa at the Goldstream 5K Salmon Run

By Leslie Ann Bent

Despite the inclement weather, STARRs were out racing this weekend in 3 separate events. Congrats to everyone who raced and all posted fantastic results.

Vancouver Island Trail Series – Mt. Tzouhalem

This weekend marked the final race in the Vancouver Island Trail series – Mt. Tzouhalem. This race offers two distances – a 13k long course and 7km short course.  Compared to the other races in the series, the climbs were not as hair raising – just a steep climb at the start. This year the race was wet, muddy and tough.  STARR was represented on the long course as usual by Pauline Nielsen, Greg Balchin and Jonathan Dvorak. They all had lots to say about this last race of the season. A special congrats to Pauline who placed first in the F50-59 for the whole series.

Jonathan summarized the race. “The race was fun. I felt the steep climb at the start after having run the marathon last week but pushed through. Finished 12 overall. I placed 4th for my age. I was happy. Really was the best I could do with how I felt.  This was the last race and they had a wrap up party. The nice thing was we all (STARR) came home with prizes for the series overall and won draw prizes. The crew was lucky. Pauline won the big prize of running shoes too. It was so wonderful to run the trail series. Strongly recommend it. I am proud of Greg and Pauline with the trail series. It was fantastic to run with them. They truly inspire me!!”

Pauline, Jonathan, Manu and Greg at Mt. Tzouhalem

Pauline had similar comments and explained a new challenge. “The race was a lot of fun. We started off in the rain and headed up the mountain. Once at the top, I didn’t feel bad, I was keeping something in reserve as I thought there was another climb. Unfortunately, they had changed the course, sending out the course map the day before. I have a poor sense of direction so I glanced at it, thinking I’m never in the lead I’ll just follow those in front. At one point there were some guys on bicycles pretty much pointing saying everyone went that way. I just happily followed along. However, further into that section a few racers ahead stopped and said we had already done this loop. We could continue on or double back. At this point they said if we doubled back, we would be doing closer to 20 k. They believed we might as well push on.  I was like “ Oh well I’m out here to enjoy myself, and I am. This course is great” We passed a few people who named us “The Double Loopers” In the wind up we all managed to come away with some loot. Greg won an entry to The Finlayson Double. The hundred k followed by the 28k the next day - to which he informed me I would be joining him on his ultra as he did the 50k for my 50th birthday year. And, he’s decided to do this for his 60th. I guess we’re in😜”

Greg mimicked Pauline’s account of the hijacked signs. “Our only complaint was that some trail cyclists deliberately moved the markers, and stood in front of our final turn sign, directing us back up the hill. Consequently, at least half of the trail runners added nearly 4 km to the run. The long course was supposed to be 13 k and we did over 16k. Pauline did really well in spite of this, coming in ahead of her personal best time from last year (having run an additional 4k to boot!!)  Many people were frustrated by the sabotaged signs, but the response from all the runners was to simply have the bragging rights to having completed an even more challenging and fun trail run. They didn’t realize, that making a trail run longer is just what we live for!”  

Results

Jonathan Dvorak 1:19:40, 2nd place M40-49 for the series

Greg Balchin 1:50:58, 3rd place, M50-50 for the series

Pauline Nielsen 1:58:47, 1st place F50-59 for the series

Goldstream 5K Salmon Run

Vanessa and Willow

STARR runner, Vanessa White and her daughter, Willow, ran on Saturday in the 5k Salmon Run.  The event is for everyone, focusing on families.  It raises funds for the Goldstream Nature House and salmon programs for children. Participants are encouraged to stay after the run for home baked treats and great door prizes. Vanessa filled me in on her experience. “I believe my time was 33:47. My last 5km race was 38 minutes so I was amazed at the result. Still, I ate my daughter’s dust. It was a wet and chilly run - but lots of families, kids and dogs kept it fun.  Hoping the dashboard gets updated soon.”

As of race report print time, the official results we not yet posted.

Cowichan Autumn Classic – Run Now, Wine Later (or maybe not)

Donna

The Ceevacs hosted the Cowichan Autumn Classic this past Sunday.  The race boasts three options - 5k, 10k and combo (15k), plus a children’s race. Swag and an awesome medal are all part of the race package.  STARR runner, Donna Heeley, took part in the 5k option and had some comments about the race.

“The race today was OK.  We ran/walked on the road for the first 2.5 k. Then we were on a trail for about 1.5 k, and then back on the road.  The road had a lot of cracks and holes so you had to watch your step. Also a few times, I twisted my ankle on the trail.  I'm not sure yet if I would do this race again.  There is a short glass of wine at the end which was nice, but at the wine tasting, they ran out of wine. I walked this one.  Nice thing too is that I won a door prize (2 engraved wine glasses) so that's kinda of fun.”

Results

Donna Heeley   46:28

Once again, a big high-five to all of our runners.

Donna at finish

STARRS Shine in Victoria

Keisha, Nicola, Donna, Andrea and Megen

By Andy Smith

Teresa & Carol

More than 8,000 participants gathered in front of the Victoria Parliament buildings last Sunday for an event many local runners consider the biggest event on their race calendar. The GoodLife Victoria marathon offers three challenging courses to suit every runner with 8k, ½ marathon and full marathon options. STARR had super representation last Sunday on a perfect fall day. Fourteen participants across all three distances, including many first timers! Nerves were high in the start corral, but we all took comfort from having training partners nearby to help with last minute encouragement. First off at 8am were 4,000 marathoners and ½ marathoners. Needless to say, the start line was crowded but somehow everyone made it across unscathed. Jonathan Dvorak and Stephanie Croft took on the full marathon distance while 10 Starr’s; Andrea and David White, Steve Eriksen, Teresa Lennox, Keisha Patten, Nicola Turner, Donna Bonin, Megen Seysener, Carol Spychka, and Andy Smith, attempted the half marathon distance. Not long afterwards; at 8:50 am 2,200 8k runners including STARRs Leslie Ann Bent and Vanessa White had their own start.

Megen & Steve

Victoria offers rolling courses through multiple neighborhoods taking advantage of quiet urban streets and scenic views. The marathon and ½ marathon courses follow the same route winding through Beacon Hill Park then out and back towards Oak Bay. The full marathon ventures out past Cattle Point while the 1/2 marathon distance turns back on itself at Fairfield. The 8k race has its own course through downtown Victoria but all three courses join up for the spectacular run back down the coast along Dallas Road to the finish line in front of the Parliament buildings. Finishers are greeted by enthusiastic spectators, and (this year) sunny sky and perfect fall temperatures.

Leslie Ann

We all enjoy the inclusive spirit of this race. Runners of all ages, races, shapes and sizes take part including wheelchair and visually impaired participants. I was inspired to see an older competitor running down the finish chute of the 8k race accompanied by what appeared to be his granddaughter. “He will be 90 in two months” commented the spectator beside me! He apparently has quite a few age group records! Watching for fellow STARR runners near the finish line I witnessed quite a few mother/ son and father /daughter combinations. It somehow seemed appropriate this close to Thanksgiving. As STARR runners we also benefit from a “family” atmosphere. It was great to see training partners car-pooling to the start and sharing the experience. For many it was a “first” race or attempt at a new distance. Congratulations to all and especially the first timers for all your hard work!

Sidney by the Sea 8k/5k

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!

Frosty Mountain 50k Ultra, Manning Provincial Park, BC

By Leslie Ann Bent

A huge congrats to Jonathan Dvorak for a second successful 50k ultra this month. This race takes place about 3 hours east of Vancouver and offers two other race distances in addition to the ultra – 13km Lightning Race and the 27km Endurance Race. The race is hard, but features beautiful lakes and vistas, along single track. The race is challenging due to the climbing. The upside is that the trails are runnable and not too technical.

It was another amazing performance for Jonathan, taking first place in his age group and a 7th place overall finish. The race suggests most runners will finish between 5:30 and 10 hours. As of publishing time, the race results were not yet posted. Jonathan believes his time was around 6:20. Here is what he had to say about it. “This race in Manning Park was the BEST and by far the most fun! The views were stunning. There was a BBQ after the race and a swim in the lake.” If you are wondering about the elevation, have a look at the course profile with the high point at 2,300 meters – not for the faint at heart. For more info, check out the website at http://www.trailwhisperer.ca/frosty-mountain-ultra-trail/

Elevation Profile

Two Ultra Experiences – Finlayson Arm 50k and Tackle the Toad 50k

Pauline and Greg conquered the Finlayson Arm 50K trail race.

By Leslie Ann Bent

This weekend our STARR trail threesome raised the bar in distance racing for our club, tackling and succeeding grueling 50km ultra races. 

A reward for finishing.

Finlayson Arm may be familiar to some of you.  The ultra race took place on September 6.  Starting at Goldstream Provincial Park, the race boasts a nice mix of single track, double track, coastal mountain trails, at least one river crossing, and steep climbs while offering 3 race distances – 28k, 50k and 100k. My understanding is that Greg coerced Pauline in joining him for the 50k option.

The race is extremely tough. Of the 182 runners who started the race, nearly a third dropped out before completion. Pauline Nielsen was our first STARR runner to cross at 10:26. Yeah, Pauline!  Greg trailed 10 minutes behind Pauline clocking 10:36. Setting a course record, the first male runner was Andrew Russell with an amazing time of 5:34 – 51 minutes ahead of the second-place finisher.  He is no stranger to those runners who do the Vancouver Island race series. The first woman was Meagan O’Brien with a time of 7:15. Here is what Pauline had to say about the race:

“It was great! I can’t say enough about how helpful and supportive the volunteers were. They would take my pack and fill my water and electrolytes while encouraging me to utilize my time to eat. At one point while changing my socks I was getting terrible leg cramps and a volunteer actually offered to put my socks on for me. Of course, I said “no” and continued to struggle.  Greg was much worse off in terms of leg cramps. While running, he collapsed twice onto the ground because his leg would lock. At an aid station, I could see his leg muscles twitching. We pushed on often jockeying with familiar faces along the way. I left Greg in the last 5k. I felt bad but figured he could manage the last bit. I came in in 10 hrs 26 min. I had enough in the tank for a sprint. Greg was in 10 minutes after. I snapped a photo of him crossing the finish. You could see the discomfort on his face.” As a reward, Pauline said they received lovely beer glasses at the finish line with Driftwood Brewing filling them.

Anyone wishing to join them next year, should mark September 11-13, 2020 on their calendar!

Meanwhile further north east in Nelson BC, Jonathan was endeavouring in his own 50k challenge – Tackle the Toad. Earlier this summer he told me that he was very excited about racing an ultra in his home territory. “I grew up in there and know the landscape. It is steep and hard. They said to expect a 30% longer time than for a normal 50k.” (Is 50k normal?, I ask!) 

The race takes runners on an epic journey through lush ancient Cedar Hemlock forests and up into the rocky spruce alpine climb that towers over Kootenay Lake. It is well known for its jaw dropping mountain bike trails on which the race takes place. The 50km option has 2,530 meters (8,000+ feet) of climbing.  Jonathan did amazingly well, placing 6th overall.   He said that the race was incredible. As of race report print time, the race results had yet to be posted.

Congrats to all of our ultra racers!  Amazing performances were done by all.

Vancouver Island Race Series: Mount Washington

This weekend was the 5th race in the Vancouver Island Trail Series - Mount Washington. The race has two distances. The Gutbuster is 14km with an elevation gain of 820 meters. For those looking for a less challenging option the sport course covers 8km and the gain is 500 meters. The website describes the course quite crisply. "Above the treeline at Mt Washington! You’ll be treated to some unbelievable views of the Comox Valley & Strathcona Park. Some great climbing, and lots of fun single track. Definitely the most scenic and rewarding race in the series." This year the races had 216 runners.

STARR had only one runner in the race this past weekend - Jonathan Dvorak. Jonathan tore up the trail for the long course, placing second in his age group, and finishing 16th out of a field of 99 runners. His finishing time was 1:26:12. The winner of the long course was Sean Chester of Victoria with a finishing time of 1:11:09.

The short course was won by Victoria's Chris Walsh with a time of 50:49.

Here is what Jonathan had to say about the race. "Hey!! The race was lots of fun. Steep and hilly with a couple big downhill runs that burned the legs. The fog made it very interesting views. As always, lots of positive energy with the other runners!

“I look forward to these races. It seemed like it was bigger than the past couple of years, or it could have just been the fun vibe at Mt Washington!! Nice to hear live music and seeing the people walking around the resort! Maybe my favorite race of the trail series... between this and Cobble Hill."

Congrats once again to Jonathan for an amazing race.

Transfer Beach, Ladysmith – Trails races for the adventurous, July 13, 2019

Pauline and Greg

By Leslie Ann Bent

The Vancouver Island Trails series was back this weekend with the 4th race of the series. The Transfer Beach race offers flowy trails around Ladysmith and along Holland Creek. If you have time, don’t miss the water falls. The race offers the sport short course option of 9km, and the gutbuster long course of 19km, which includes an additional 3km of scenery and challenge compared to the prior year. This year 98 runners took part in the long course and 133 in the short.

Our STARR trail threesome was there with their game faces on for the long course - all bringing home some hardware in the long course. Jonathan was the first STARR across the finish line with an impressive time of 1:48:00. He placed 8th overall and took home the 3rd place medal in the M40-49. Greg Balchin was next with a 2:09:16 time, earning him the 2nd place medal in his age group M50-59. Pauline was breathing down his neck, coming in just behind Greg with a time of 2:10:04. She was the eighth woman and finished second in F50-59.

Ken Pungente completed the sport route in a time of 1:15:47. He finished first overall in the M70 plus category.

For those of you who know Bob Butterworth from Sooke, you may be interested to know that he ran 1:21:16 in the short course (over 80 category).

The top runner in the long course was Sean Chester with a time of 1:31:35 for the men and top female runner was Patricia Roney with 1:46:52 = both from Victoria. The short course winner was youngster Adam (no last name apparently, M16-19) from Brno with a time of 42:20. Heather Lither was 5 minutes behind him with a time of 47:20, taking home first place for the women.

I asked Pauline for some feedback on the race and this is what she had to say. “I had a great time at the race. I especially enjoyed teasing Greg at the water station, slapping him on the back and saying ‘Good job.’ He hates that and it was enough to spur him on to a strong finish. I personally just wanted to beat my time from last year. I improved by 20 minutes - very happy with that. They created an 80 and over category for Bob. They didn’t realize he was that old.”

Congratulations to all of our runners!

Kusam Klimb 2019 Race Report

Some of STARR’s Kusam crew and friends.

By Andrea

The Kusam Klimb is a 23-km “up, over and around” trail race that takes place in beautiful Sayward, B.C. every June on the Solstice weekend. The slogan for this race is “Are you tough enough?” …it is not for the faint of heart.

Bill, who built Bill’s Trail, and David

This year there were 530 people who finished the course. This was the 15th Klimb and for almost all of the 10 STARR members it was their first time taking on this grueling adventure! The route starts out from the Community Hall in Sayward and runs for about 2km on the road before you take a turn onto the mountain trail.

This trail is known as "Bill’s Trail”. As a long time resident and businessman Bill West-Sells built the trail in order to access water when he bought the property at the base of the mountain. Bill still lives in Sayward and was present at "checkpoint 1" along the trail. Bill has spent 20 years cutting the trail and improving the conditions for the enjoyment of all of us!

Once you access Bill’s trail the climbing begins….and then it goes on and on and on….a relentless and difficult journey to the top. It is 1,500 meters straight up. The views are stunning and there are several viewpoints to take in as well as a beautiful lake near the peak. We lucked out this year with the weather both on the day and leading up to the race. This resulted in very little snow at the top.

Pauline survived Kusam

After reaching the top, you are rewarded with a stunning view above the clouds…it feels as though you can see forever. Of course what goes up must come down…and the descent starts off quite steep and goes on for about 5km. There are some ropes near the peak to help with the steepness…they were a welcome relief as it gave us the chance to use our arms instead of our leg muscles which felt a bit wobbly with fatigue at this point.

Once you reach the bottom of the mountain you have to complete about 10 km more that takes you down old logging roads over little creeks and through the forest. The last km is back on the road to get back to the community hall and the finish line!

STARR had 10 runners competing with all but one being first timers. Jonathon Dvorak finished in 20th place overall in an impressive time of 2:59:10. Next came Pauline Nielsen in 51st place with a time of 3:29:03…Pauline took a big spill on the trail with the resulting “road rash etc.. that goes along with it and still came in strong! So awesome! Greg Balchin was next to finish with a time of 3:44:05, 77th place!

Steve Eriksen in at 4:39:52 placed 171st and took well over an hour off his previous finish time (this was Steve’s 3rd time)…way to go Steve! Jason Seysener crossed the finish line in 4:39:53 and placed 172nd. The next in was Wayne Spychka, coming in 254th overall with a time of 5:17:42. David White was next in at 5:22:02 which put him in 263rd place.

Andrea White was the next STARR to finish in 374th place with a time of 6:42:44. Kari Toovey and Megen Seysener completed the course together coming across the finish line in 9:20:47 and 9:20:48 finishing strong in 482 and 483rd place.

This was such an adventure for all that took part!!! Special mention to Carol Spychka who kept track of everyone’s finish times and posted for us to see…I look forward to climbing with you next year Carol! All in all this was a great day and great bonding time for STARR runners, we enjoyed the buffet dinner at the hall afterwards and many of us won door prizes! In fact, most if not all of the STARR members that took part have already committed to doing it all again next year!

Steve and Jason

Kari

Jason and Megen

Greg, friend Shannon, and Jonathan

CFB Esquimalt Navy Run

Stephanie, Jonathan, and Stephanie’s children proudly display their medals.

The Sooke Trail and Road Runners had two STARRs shine at the “Navy 10K”.

Jonathan Dvorak finished an impressive seventh overall. He won the M40-49 age group in a gun time of 39:42. Nick Walker of Frontrunners was first overall in 33:28.

STARR’s Stephanie Croft was second in the F40-49 age category in a time of 50:11. The first female finisher was Sara Kelly, 15th overall, with time of 41:33.

The CFB Esquimalt Navy Run is a family-oriented event. It includes a 10K and a 5K. As well, there is a kids run and childminding.

Westwood Lake 2019 Race Report

Mark, Jonathan, and Greg

By Mark Ziegler

The Vancouver Island Race Series continued on Saturday, June 8th with the Westwood Lake Race on the north side of Nanaimo.

Both the short and long course (10K and 17, respectively) were beautiful and well marked.  There were only a few extended climbs and the footing was mostly fine.  The weather was perfect - dry and cool. 

Three runners wearing the STARR logo completed the long course Jonathan Dvorak, Greg Carson and Mark Ziegler. The picture above shows them on the beach before the race, hoping to  land work for the summer as lifeguards.   

Nick Walker (30-39) who is well-known to many STARR members was the first finisher in the long course, with a time of 1:20:03 (one second ahead of Sean Chester).  Jonathan was not far behind; he finished in a very impressive 7th place with a time of 1:28:04.  Terrific!

The top woman was Mandy Johnson (40-49) with a fine time of 1:42:59.  

Greg Carson (40-49) ran a strong race, crossing the finish line at 1:58:16. He finished 63rd overall.

Mark thumped in at 2:13:27 (60-69) with a smile on his face and without injury (85th overall).  

The short course had 100 runners versus 85 for the long course.  The winner of the 10K was a fantastic young woman, Justine Stecko (16-19), who tore through the 10K with a time of 40:46.  A woman also finished second:  Bailey Washbrook  (30-39), who crossed the line at 52:04, ahead of Doug Stuart
(20-29) with 52:08. 

The Island Trail Series provides a chance to get away from hard road surfaces and see some breathtaking scenery.  

The Goddess Run – Because Every Woman Deserves to be a Goddess! June 1, 2019

Jenny, Leslie Ann, Carol, Teresa, and friends before the Goddess Run

By Leslie Ann Bent

The cheering crew

What a perfect day for a race.  As we pulled into the parking-lot we couldn’t help but see a stream of “salmon” moving around the grounds of Belmont School (Langford) where the 8th annual Goddess Run took place. This year’s race shirt colour was salmon pink, fitting for the BC coast. Many of the 1,000 runners were wearing their shirts proudly – pink everywhere you looked.  The run weekend features 3 options – BMO 5k, WestHILLS 10k, and a virtual race. The races are chip timed. The 10k course is hilly with part trail, part park, quiet country roads, and part residential streets through the new Westhills development - mostly out and back.  It is not a course to run a PB. The 5k course follows the first 3km of the 10k route before turning back to the finish line.  This type of route allows you see other runners ahead and behind you, and to cheer for friends as well as the top of the field.  STARR was out on full force with 5 runners plus a STARette, Teresa’s daughter, Olivia. We also had the all male cheering squad – Andy, Mike and Wayne, equipped with signs and ready to encourage us along the way at various spots. This made for great social time with STARR friends and family before and after the race. The unique features of this race include nearly all female runners and walkers, and 4 draw prizes for diamonds. Although the event has a fun and comradery vibe, there were also serious runners along the course including Lucy Smith (internationally ranked distance runner, triathlete and duathlete with world titles under her belt).

Stephanie

 I started the race near the back of the pack which was a mistake given the number of walkers and first-time racers. The first 1km of the race was more about weaving around people than focusing on the race and the scenery.  I did hear one walker comment, “I can’t believe there are so many runners!” as runners were flying around her from every direction. Around the 1km mark, I heard my name and there were Andy and Mike holding their signs and cheering!  Just after the first km, the course changes from residential roads to a rolling shaded trail. The terrain was beautiful and the legs warmed up quickly as we tackled the up and down flow of the trail, passing Paradise Ponds as we ran.  At the top a short steep hill near the 3km mark, the 10k course turned onto Humpback and into the more technical part of the course. This is where the 5km veered back, tempting slower 10k runners to follow the 5k group but I didn’t take the bait.  This part was a lovely shaded park for the next several kms.  It was on this stretch that I could cheer or high-five Stephanie, Carol and Jenny as they wound their way back. By 4km we were climbing – first a 5% grade, then 13.7%, then 15.6% before a bit of minor relief and a bit more climbing.  The route back did a detour through the newly developed Westhills area and obviously had more steep climbs, although short.  I was delighted to hear the cheering of three friendly voices, as I viewed the finish line – being the last of the STARR runners to complete the course. 

The first STARR across the finish line was Stephanie Croft with a time of 52:14. Olivia and Carol were next and nearly crossed together.  Olivia clocked 1:04:59. Carol, sporting a multicoloured grass skirt ran with a friend and came through at 1:05:25.  Jenny was focused as she charged the last few hundred meters crossing the line with 1:09:42. My time was not too stellar – 1:31 gross. No personal bests on this course for any of us.  The top runner was Sofia Donnecke of Victoria with a time of 43:21. Clearly the 12-day tapering was not a strategy I would recommend for a 10k, although I can’t promise not to try it again.

On the 5k front, Teresa crossed the finish line at 43:27.  The top runner in this race was Lucy Smith with a time of 20:26.  Congrats to all of the STARR runners.  Thanks Andy, Wayne and Mike for your support throughout the day.

I asked Jenny what she thought of the race. “Hills are Hell!” was her first response.  Then she added that she knew why it was called WestHILLS.  Carol had more to add. “I loved the course with trails and quiet shaded roads. I also loved the empowerment of all of the women. This race will be an annual one for me.”  I agreed with both. It was a great scenic course, well managed with volunteers, and if only they could cut out a few hills! (LOL)

Carol

Jenny

Leslie Ann

Teresa