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

2022 Harriers Pioneer 8k Road Race

By Leslie Ann Bent

It was a rainy, windy day when seven STARRS headed out to North Saanich to take part in the 43rd Harriers Pioneer 8k race. This fast and flat out and back course is rural and takes advantage of quiet roads. It tends to attract a strong elite field as well as many recreational runners. This year, the race was the BC 8k Road Race Championships. 

By the time the race started, the rain had subsided and the sun came out. Nearly 400 participated this year.  STARR also had its own cheering squad thanks to Megen and some of the club’s children.

It was an exciting race at the finish line for our first STARR runner, Andy Smith.  As he neared the finish mat, another runner in the same age group flew past him, clocking 32:05 to Andy’s 32:07, earning Andy a 3rd place age-group finish. Stephanie Croft was our first female runner to complete the course with a time of 39:03, collecting a 6th place age-group finish.  Once again, Bruce Hawkes took 1st place in the M80-84. 

The competition was tough.  Tristan Woodfine from Ontario (M25-29) flew through the finish line, clocking 23:10. The BC 8k championship was won by the second-place winner, Brendan Wong (M25-29) of Coquitlam in 24:31. Andrew Russell of Victoria won the master’s division with an incredible time of 25:23. Two-time Olympic steeple chaser Genevieve Lalonde (New Brunswick) of the UVic Track team was the first female to cross with a speedy time of 25:58. The top BC female athlete was Kate Ayers from Victoria, finishing 27:31. The top female master was Jen Millar, also from Victoria, clocking 28:20. The top 19 runners ran in less than 27 minutes. It was truly a competitive field.

I caught up with some of our runners and here’s what they had to say about the race.

Andy - “It was fun. It’s a flat and fast out and back course. This race has a nice vibe. I got to see every body. Well organized. Fun to be back on the race scene and see lots of familiar faces previous years.” 

Steve E, - “I was just happy that the atmospheric river gave us a little break while we ran. How lucky were we!! Also, Yay for pizza! They even had Gluten Free. What a great day. I think that was my fastest 8k by about 6 seconds. I even had enough gas in the tank to pass a few at the finish line. Also, this was the first race that my 2 daughters got to watch... alongside Megen and her 2 daughters.”

Maggie – “The course is amazing.  It is an out and back with lovely little ponies and pastures and a stretch by the water.  There are no big hills.  I found it a good run and I was able to pace myself fairly well.”

STARR Results

Andy Smith (M60- 64)                  32:07, 3rd

Steve Eriksen (M45-49)                36:47

Stephanie Croft (F45-49)              39:03, 6th

Pauline Nielsen (F50-54)              42:55, 7th

Maggie Curtis (F50-54)                 44:15, 8th

Melanie Eskildsen (F40-44)          44:32

Bruce Hawkes 58:47 (M80-84)   58:47, 1st

Congratulations to all of our STARR runners and supporters.

 

Virtual Tour of Sicily: The Finish Line, Beaches and a few unexpected Sports

A typical race finish for Sicilian races

Day 8 – Finale to Palermo and more (119km)

We only needed 96km to make it back to Palermo. But, we’re overachievers. Ten runners were out in full force today. We made it back a day earlier than planned and exceed our goal mileage of 1,101km by nearly 20k.  What a fabulous time we had sampling local cuisine, running races, tasting the wines, checking out beaches, learning some history and perhaps getting a glimpse of what distances our STARR members are running when they’re not out with the club. I for one, was very impressed with the mileage we achieved as a team in just over a week.

Robin was out bright and early before the Saturday club run and it paid off.  He was the lucky winner of the last bottle of Sicilian wine – a red from the Avola region, passing the 75km to the finish marker.  Mark found the hidden souvenir 50km outside of Palermo. Congrats to both.

Kari and I were surprised to hear the cheering as we neared Palermo.  Something must be happening we thought. As we entered the city, the crowd got louder. Kari was first to notice the real finish line of a race and took off leaving me in her dust.  She was first to cross under the finish line banner, earning a well-deserved Palermo medal.  I followed on her heels and managed to get the last medal. We were truly done. It felt so good to dip our tired feet into the turquoise sea at Mondello Beach in Palermo before heading back to Canada.

We did have a few surprises that might interest you.  While many were looking for sand and sea, Sarah brought along her trusty Canadian snowshoes.  Does it surprise you that February is the best month for snowshoeing in Sicily in the Nebrodi Mountain range? We passed that area in the north eastern region only a few days ago. Who knew Sicilians snowshoed? Another fun fact – Etna is another ideal Sicilian destination for snowshoeing.  We lost Sarah today to the mountains, so I’m told. 

Did you know that soccer is Italy’s national sport? Teresa was rumoured to bring her soccer cleats.  We lost her one day to a local match we think, trying out the game on Sicilian turf.

Today’s runners were Maggie (7.5k), Steve E. (7.5k), Greg (20k), Robin (21.5k), Mark (9k), Danny (10k), Jackie (11.6k), Kari (12k), Leslie Ann (10.1k) and Melanie E (10k). Although Sarah didn’t run, she snowshoed 8.5k, not included in our total. Teresa estimated 3k of running up and down a soccer field that was not included in our total.

To recap the week, 22 STARR members participated in the virtual challenge. Our STARR mileage guy was Danny who managed 200km in just 8 days.  Kudos to everyone who took up the challenge. Prizes will be given out at next Saturday’s run – P2 parking lot at the Potholes. Ken arrived safe and sound on Canadian soil yesterday, and will make a short presentation to those who won wine and medals.  Leslie Ann will give out the other prizes. If you aren’t there, other arrangements will be made for you to get them.

Virtual Tour of Sicily: The Tranquility of Sicily’s Northern Coast

Lampare Beach Castel di Tusa

Day 7: Caferi to Finale (111k)

We had a leisurely day along the Tyrrhenian Sea today on Sicily’s north eastern coast.  Nine runners were out for 111km, reaching a cumulative total of 1,006k in just a week!  We have less than 100km to go. I’m sure we can do it tomorrow.  We’ve completed 91% of our journey.

The northern coast has some picturesque places to see. We were lured into Capo D’Orlando by Megen’s smiling face who was cheering us on.  She recommended seeing the lighthouse and going for a dip. The commune is an important fishing village with several fish festivals to its name. it also boasts a chocolate festival. For tourists, the lure is a 2km beach of sand and pebbles.  Tory took advantage of the lighthouse tour and found a souvenir hidden in the tower!  Way to go Tory!

Another interesting spot we passed along the way was Castel di Tusa. In addition to 9km of coastline, there’s the Fiumara d’Arte, an open-air museum with sculptures and works by contemporary artists. Megen was either teasing us or motivating us as she cheered us promising wine later on the course. Marika was intrigued by the town, found the second hidden spot of the day among the sculptures. She won a cappuccino, espresso or treat at a café (Little Vienna gift card). Good work Marika!

Today’s runners include: Steve E. (8k), Maggie (8k), Tory (11.7k), Sarah M. (26k), Danny (20k), Jackie (5k), Marika (13k), Danny again (10k), Robin (5k) and Leslie Ann (4k).

It’s only fitting that we ended our day in a small tranquil seaside community called Finale.  Tomorrow will be the home stretch and our grand finale of the virtual tour of Sicily. There are a few hidden places left along the way for some prizes.  Good luck!

Virtual Tour of Sicily: Another great day of foods and sights

Ken in Barcellona

Day 6: Giarre to Messina to Barcellona to Caferi (164k)

Our rest day yesterday paid off. Fifteen runners and walkers were out in full force to advance our team towards the finish line. We finished our route north to Messina and then headed along the northern coast past Barcellona and onto our smallest town yet, Caferi with its population of 13! We cumulated another 164km, reaching 895K, and an impressive 81% of our goal. We will have no trouble meeting this 1,1101km challenge.

The highlights on this route were Messina and Barcellona. Messina is on the north eastern tip of Sicily. It’s a beautiful port city famous for its cathedral and bell tower, but also has great regional foods. I’m sure the runners sampled the local lunch options such as u-pituni messinese (traditional street food), the sciusceddu Messina (meatball & egg soup) or the focaccia messinese (with endive, anchovies and tuma cheese).

We were delighted to run into Ken in Barcellona just before he had to catch a flight back to Canada. Barcellona is a city on the north coast of Sicily, home to many Baroque style buildings.

There were 4 hidden spots on today’s route. Stephanie was first to find a souvenir in the small town of Chianchitta. Yay, Stephanie. Our next hidden spot was Messina. Andrea spotted the Italian treats there. Good eye, Andrea. The 75% complete milestone had a Running Room hat hidden there and Sarah M. was our lucky runner winning that today. Finally, Mark scooped up the Barcellona shirt concealed in that city.

Today’s runners and walkers included: Ken (10.5k), Stephanie (9.5k), Robin (4k), Marika (9k), Jenny (8.4k), Danny (another 30k, wow), Andrea (9k), Vanessa (5k), Kari (9k), Robin (out again 9k), Sarah M.(8.5k), Greg (wow 26k), Megen (4.1k), Mark 95k), Andy (10k) and Leslie Ann (6.9k).

All of our participants have found a prize and everyone is now eligible again for prizes until we hit the beaches of Palermo, marking the end of our club challenge. What prizes are left? More wine? Medals? Souvenirs? A cappuccino or espresso? Keep running and walking

Gallery below includes Cathedral of Messina, another Messina photo, a view of Messina, Barcellona photo from Ken, sciusceddu (Messina meatball-egg-beef broth soup), nzuddi biscotti, pituni messinese, and focaccia messinese.

Virtual Tour of Sicily: Beaches! Beaches!  and a race in Catania!

Augusta Beach, Agnone Sicily

Day 5 – Augusta to Catania to Giarre (91km)

I’m delighted to say that despite a recovery day, we are still ahead of schedule, clocking 91km with 11 runners and reaching 731km this week –  two thirds of the way to Palermo!

Brynn

We’re half way through the week and we’ve all been in need of a break.  When Brynn (Megen and Jason’s daughter) was cheering us on yesterday and welcoming us to Sampieri, she pointed out a beautiful beach there (near Ken).  It gave many of us the inspiration to take a needed sand and sea recovery day.  With so many beach options along the way we could spread out or hang out. Some possibilities along the Ionian coast on our planned route included Costa Saracena, Agnone (Augusta), and Santa Maria la Scala (Acireale) to name a few. 

A few keeners headed on to Catania, hoping to take in a race.  Maggie located the race, earning herself her first Italian medal from the secret location. Jenny came along right behind her to get the last Catania race shirt.  Good going ladies!  The gang had to sample the local cuisine before finishing their day in Giarre. The menu included rame di Napoli (soft chocolate cookies), minne di Sant’Agata (pastry filled with ricotta, dark chocolate and dried fruit, iced with a cherry on top), pistachios, and prickly pears.

Today’s runners included Teresa (3k), Andrea (4k), Leslie Ann (4k), Andy (10.1k), Danny (yes, another 30k!), Jackie (10k), Steve E (5k), Maggie (7k), Jenny (4k), Robin (7k) and Claude (7k).

Way to go STARR.  We’ll hopefully see many of you tomorrow evening for speed work, walking or running.

 

 

Virtual Tour of Sicily – A Cappuccino and Sweets with Ken at the southern tip of Sicily

Enjoying a coffee and dessert with Ken

Day 4: Modica to Portopalo to Avola to Siracusa and just past the turnoff to Augusta (141km)

It was another beautiful day in Sicily.  We had 11 runners out covering 141km, giving STARR a cumulative mileage of 640km – 58% complete.

Sarah (15k), Mark (5k) and Jenny (10k) were up bright and early to take us on an inland route heading south east from Modica to the outskirts of Pachino.

Danny (20k) and Steve E (10k) made it to Portapolo, on the south eastern tip of Sicily, home to the Ionian Sea and our dear STARR friend, Ken. Danny and Steve welcomed a rest at a local café to refuel with espressos and some local pastries with Ken. It was Steve E who reached the hidden location of Portopalo and won his espresso or cappuccino (Little Vienna gift card).  A good time was had by all. Congrats Steve!

Avola

Danny (10k) continued on, heading north with Greg (20k) to Avola. Avola is an Ionian seaside town which dates back to the Greek and Roman times. It has a history as tuna port and is known for its various foods.  You might be particularly interested in the local Nero d'Avola wine, a hearty red variety exported around the world. There are also almond groves, citrus farms and vegetable cultivation here. If you up for relaxing, there is a long coastline of sandy beaches and clear sea. Luck was on Greg’s side.  He was the one to locate our hidden bottle of Sicilian red wine in the city centre.  Congrats, Greg.  Your long run paid off.

Minnulata in Siracusa

While Greg and Danny enjoyed their drinks in Avola, Robin (17k), Tory (11k), Kari (9.2k), Vanessa (5k) and Leslie Ann (8.4k) all decided to continue north.  Siracusa was the highlight. Like other places we’ve passed through, this city is deep in Greek and Roman history. According to Lonely Planet, “More than any other city, Siracusa encapsulates Sicily's timeless beauty. Ancient Greek ruins rise out of lush citrus orchards, cafe tables spill onto dazzling baroque piazzas, and honey-hued medieval side streets lead down to the sparkling blue sea. It's difficult to imagine now, but in its heyday this was the largest city in the ancient world, bigger even than Athens and Corinth.”  

It’s here in this city that Vanessa found our secret destination. Vanessa enjoyed participating in a local race and earned herself a Siracusa medal. Way to go Vanessa.

After celebrating Vanessa’s win at an outside café, sampling the delicacies minnulata (almond nougat) and setteveli (7-layer Sicilian cake), STARR continued north to the turn off for Augusta and called it a night at 640km.

Virtual Tour of Sicily More: Greek Ruins, More Food and a Chocolate Museum

Sciacca

Day 3  Beyond Menfi to  Modica  (163km)

We’ve been on the road for three days and are already 45% complete our virtual journey around Sicily.  Today we’ve experienced the Mediterranean Sea, the rural countryside, more Greek temples, and tons of history. It goes without saying we’ve had some new culinary experiences as well in Agrigento. We’ve completed 499km of the route!  Nice going. Amazing actually.

Agrigento

Thirteen runners were out today. Stephanie (11.5k), Mark (8.5k), and Andy (10.2k) were first to experience the delights of the region.  From Menfi to Sciacca and then though Agrigento’s famous ruins, the morning offered many “wow” moments. Agrigento is a hilltop city, known for the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas in the Valley of the Temples, an extensive archaeological site with well-preserved Greek temples. It dates back to the 6th century BCE. You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate the awe-inspiring sights. Ken was there to greet them and take photos. He was so moved by the ruins that he forgot to get a photo of the runners. Exiting town, they couldn’t pass up the chance to sample some of the regional specialities at an outdoor café – two vegetable soups known as Maccu di fava and Minestra di San Giuseppi as well as an interesting looking bun called mpignolata.  Refreshed they carried on to Palma di Montechiaro. 

Agrigento

Maggie (19k), Danny (20k), Jackie (6k), and Marika (11k) all got in today’s action, carrying us south along the coast.  But it was Melanie (20.7k) who finally urged the group to stop and smell the coffee – literally. Melanie found our secret prize spot, Manfria, winning an espresso or cappuccino (Little Vienna). Yay, Melanie! Along with their coffees, they just had to sample the local cookies. First, they tried cacateddi made with figs, wine, almonds, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper and raisins. How bad could they be? Next was a mostaccioli cookie and finally a honey cookie called rami di miele.

Back for more sightseeing were Leslie Ann (2.5k), Danny (10k), Greg (20k) and Megen (7.8k). They’d heard about a live race in Ragusa. They assumed they could locate it even without much Italian vocabulary to ask for directions. They weren’t disappointed.  Megen was the first to spot the race. She egged on her fellow STARRs, “Faster, faster, I’ll beat you to the finish line. Oh yes, and eat my dust!” she was rumoured to have said to her companions.  Well, she did win, and they did eat her dust. Megen earned herself a shiny Ragusa medal.  Good going Megen.

Finishing today’s challenge for STARR were Robin (9k), Vanessa (4k) and Stephanie (3k).  They decided Modica with its chocolate museum was as good a spot as any to spend the night.

What will tomorrow bring? Sun? Beaches? Ken’s place? More prizes? Will there be another bottle of wine, just waiting for someone to claim it? Tune in tomorrow to find out.

 

Virtual Tour of Sicily – Greek Temples, Wine, Running and “Fabulous” Prizes

Day 2 Trapani to Menfi (201km)

What a strong day we’ve had traveling the coast of Sicily. We’re ahead of schedule.  15 STARR members were out working towards our 1,1101km goal - ending the day with 336.4km under our belts (30% of our goal).

Day 2 started in the wee hours. Claude and Teresa decided that their headlamp needed practice on Thursday nights would be sufficient to head into Trapani before sunrise.  It paid off.  Claude (10k) took us into Trapani and found the next secret spot to earn him a Trapani shirt. Teresa was hot on his heels (6k) chasing him out of Trapani and into the next town – Guarrato. Sicily is well known for its ricotta cheese, especially this area. She won herself a ricotta pasta – great for carbo loading.

It would be hard for us not to linger in this province (Trapini).  It is very well known for its fabulous food.  From an interesting spiral pasta known as busiate to a sandwich created from pizza dough (cabbucio Trapani), there is so much to sample here you might need to count your calories (or not).  Have a look at this article and see if you find some Trapani culinary inspiration for your next meal.  https://www.tasteatlas.com/most-popular-food-in-province-of-trapani

 Ken (10.5k) and Tory (22.3k) were next to take to the route heading south along the coast and into the next major town – Marsala.  Tory was the next STARR to find a secret spot. Her prize is an espresso or cappuccino (at Little Vienna) so she can imagine that she’s really in Sicily.  Nice going. You would think that Tory would have decided to relax and enjoy what Marsala has to offer – ancient ruins, fortified wine, a nature reserve and various interesting museums.  Not so, she was back out later today making sure that Claude and Robin weren’t getting ahead of her, or so I heard.

Marika led us out of Marsala (2k), while Melanie E (6.2k) made progress toward Mazara del Vallo.  Robin (20k) got us there. Robin had no idea that he’d inadvertently joined a local foot race as he entered the town. Heading into the town centre on the main street, he landed at the finish line for the race, earning himself a well-deserved medal. Yet another secret location found by STARR.

Claude (18k) took us out of town, veering inland and into Castelvetrano.  The town is famous for its black bread and near by vineyards. Jackie (7k) continued the route and she was the lucky one to find the white wine hidden along the route! Will she share it with Danny?

Sarah M. (6k) was surprised to see Greek temples and Toryn’s familiar face holding the sign and welcoming her as she passed Selinunte. (Megen and Jason’s daughter). What a nice surprise! STARRS are everywhere. Jason and Megen must have been checking out this historical archeological site, leaving Toryn to greet the runners. https://en.visitselinunte.com/archaeological-park/

Our day was not over.  Finishing our mileage for the day were Leslie Ann (11k), Steve E (20k), Marika (17.5k), Danny (10k), Vanessa (11k), Maggie (7k) and finally Robin with another 5k.  Marika took us through Ribera – the next secret town and stopped to pick up a souvenir. Our final stop was Menfi.

Today we found more hidden places than anticipated.  Tomorrow won’t be so rewarding in that regard but there are more surprises. Don’t be disappointed about Jackie’s wine win.  Ken tells us that there are lots of great wines in Sicily.  Perhaps there is another bottle waiting to be found.

 

 

Virtual Tour of Sicily: Day 1 – Palmero to the outskirts of Trapani (134.5km!)

Alcamo Marina Sicily

We had a fantastic start to the challenge, clocking 134.5km on Day 1, completing 12% of the challenge.

It was a gorgeous day in Palermo (+17C) as 11 STARR members took to the streets for their challenge to virtually run the circumference of Sicily. Our quest started at Giardino Garibaldi the down town core of the city, with a great view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The location is a small19th-century park with huge fig trees, ornamental fountains and busts of historical figures. The park is known for its famous ficus tree, the oldest tree in Palermo. Ken and Chloe were there to send us off and cheer us on.

Starting us out were Vanessa (6.7k), Jackie (9.1k), Jenny (10k) and Greg (10k) who meandered us through the town centre and out along the coast.  They passed Isola de Femmine where Ken tells us Joe DiMaggio’s parents are from, and then on past the Palermo airport.

Maggiarie Beach Sicily

We all expected Danny to kick us off to a good start and he didn’t disappoint.  Danny must have been thinking it’s the Sicilian beaches or bust as he clicked 20k and took us past our first official beach stop - Maggiarie Beach. While wading in the water and playing in the sand, Danny found the first prize (Italian treats) at our first of many mystery destinations.

Danny then handed the baton to Andy (10k), Leslie Ann (10.4k) and Kari (11.8k) to continue our route along the coast.  Kari, not to be outdone by Danny, lead us to another gorgeous beach, Alcamo Marina – the next mystery site on our tour.  She too earned some Italian treats. 

Danny must have been thinking he’d find more treats as he headed out on his second walk of the day (10km) but no more treats were to be had.  Robin (15k), Megen (6.54k) and Maggie (15k) finished off today’s leg.  Maggie could see the shining lights of Trapani as she put her head down for the night.

We’re looking forward to another great day tomorrow.  What mystery sites will be in store. What will we find? Stay tuned.

Ken and Chloe in front of a Giardino Garibaldi ficus tree

Hatley Castle 8K - February 13, 2022

Kari. Courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

Vanessa. Courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

Vanessa. Courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

By Leslie Ann Bent

STARR was well represented at the VIRA Hatley Castle 8K race this Sunday. Set on the grounds of the national historic park, the race offers some challenging terrain – steep climbs on a mix of road and gravel terrain.  Twelve STARR members were up for the challenge. The race conditions couldn’t have been better – sun and single digit temperatures.  The racing field was deep with 412 runners tackling the course. To add to the excitement and novelty of a live race, someone lost the key to open a gate that blocked the course, delaying the start. There’s always some sort of excitement on every race.

First across the line for STARR was Marika Nagasaka with a time of 38:47.   Breathing down her neck was Steve Eriksen, speeding thought the finish at 38:58.  Bruce Hawkes took home a first-place finish in the M80-84 category.

There were no course records this year. First to cross the finish line was Andrew Russell (M40-44), no stranger to the VIRA series with a time of 26:46.  On the female side, Natasha Parsons of Nanaimo clocked in at 31:47. The top 12 runners all finished under 30 minutes.

Our runners had lots of great things to say about the race.

Marika - “I felt pretty good, my foot didn't give me any trouble so I was happy with that.  Eight km seems so short these days so it's hard to know how fast I should pace myself.  The race started a bit late as they didn't have a key for a gate that was locked that was on part of our route, but it was nice and sunny so not too bad to have to wait a little bit on the start line.  I didn't have a watch so I am not sure how long the delay was, maybe 10 min or less. The course was lovely and pretty much dry the whole way, maybe an old puddle or 2 on the course but small and easy to miss.  Everyone seemed cheerful with the lovely weather.  We got free Endur running hats so that was nice as I have been meaning to buy myself a hat.”

Claude -  “A beautiful day for the run. There was a lot of people just trilled to be doing an in-person race again, me included. I forgot how tough that course was though. LOL.  Funny though, a delayed start by 15 minutes because they didn't have a key to the gate.  All and all, it was good to be back into the Island Series.”

Maggie – “The race was amazing.  Beautiful sunny day and three good hills and a nice trail portion.  It was nice seeing STARRs out there.”

Kari – “It was such a fun event.”

STARR results (clock time)

Marika Nagasaka (F40-44)        38:47 (4th)

Steve Eriksen (M45-49)             38:58

Stephanie Croft (F45-49)           41:00 (4th)

Pauline Nielsen (F50-54)           41:34 (5th)

Claude Laforce (M60-64)           42:11 (9th)

Maggie Curtis (F50-54)              46:43 (7th)

Melanie Eskildsen (F40-44)        48:19

Crystal Heath (F40-44) 53:24

Kari Toovey (F45-49)                 55:43

Vanessa White (F45-49)            57:04

Teresa Walker (F50-54)             58:28

Bruce Hawkes (M80-84)            1:03:30 (1st)

A huge congratulations to all of our STARR runners.