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Important Announcement: BC Super Series Takes a Break


January 22, 2024


We want to share an update regarding the 2024 BC Super Series.

After careful consideration and in the spirit of continuous improvement, we have decided to take a year-long hiatus to assess and enhance how BC Athletics can better support this great series. The decision to pause the BC Super Series for a year is not taken lightly, but we believe it is necessary to ensure the continued success and growth of this series.

During this break, our focus will be on evaluating the current structure, gathering valuable feedback from participants, organizers, and sponsors, and exploring innovative ways to elevate the overall experience for everyone involved. We are committed to creating a more inclusive, engaging, and athlete-centric platform that truly reflects the excellence of British Columbia's running community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to the success of the BC Super Series thus far.

Stay tuned for updates as we move through this process. We appreciate your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you back to an even more spectacular BC Super Series in the future.

Thank you for being a part of our running community.

BC Athletics


Steveston Icebreaker 8k is back for 2022


December 14, 2021


Steveston Icebreaker 8K is back for 2022

By Alan Campbell of the Richmond News

After taking a year off due to the pandemic, the ever popular Steveston Icebreaker 8K run is back.

Richmond’s only road race – accompanied by the New Balance 1K Kidsrun – is one of the premier events in the field in the province.

It’s set to take place Jan. 16 along Steveston’s famous waterfront boardwalk and is one of the major fundraisers for its organizers, the Kajaks Track and Field Club.

Read more at the Richmond News

Icebreaker 8k


James Lam and Natasha Wodak crowned BC 8K Champions


January 13, 2020


(Victoria, BC – January 13, 2020) Wintry conditions greeted 546 participants in the first race of the Island Race Series on Sunday – the Harriers Pioneer 8K. Langley’s James Lam and Vancouver’s Natasha Wodak won the race which was also the BC 8K Championships. The 41st annual event was hosted by the Prairie Inn Harriers and was also the first race in the BC Super Series.

James LamIt was a close finish with Lam, running for Langley Mustangs, hitting the tape in 24:23 followed by team mate Blair Johnston in 24:26. Fellow Mustangs athlete Joel De Schiffart was third in 24:38. “I was looking for a top-three placing and around that time, maybe a bit faster,” Lam said. “But I am happy with the race, considering the wind.”

Top master and seventh overall was Jim Finlayson, running for the Prairie Inn Harriers, who finished in 25:32. Both Lam and Finlayson set new age group records; Lam in the M20-24 division and Finlayson broke a 27-year-old record in M45-49, originally set in 1993 by Mike Creery (25:39).

Natasha WodakPioneer and Canadian 8K record holder Wodak was the clear favourite, crossing the finish line in 25:55. This is her seventh win at Pioneer, one short of tying Ulla Marquette’s record of eight wins. She also set a F35-39 age group record. Natalia Hawthorn from the Vancouver Thunderbirds was second in 26:49 and Julia Howley (Vancouver) third in 28:34. Victoria’s Jen Millar was top female master finishing in 29:09.

Wodak has a busy schedule ahead with the Houston Half Marathon next Sunday, the Pan Am Cross-County Championships next month in Victoria and the New York Half Marathon. “I want to go sub-70-minutes in New York and take the Canadian record. I would also like to run fast enough to qualify for the World Half Marathon Championships,” she said.

Lam and Wodak were crowned BC 8K Champions with Wodak also winning the masters title (BC Masters eligibility is from age 35). Nick Walker won the men’s BC Masters title. He was ninth overall with a time of 25:48.

The Island Series unveiled a new age category: M90. Legendary runner and inductee of the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame, Maurice Tarrant completed the course with his daughter and training partner Claire in 1:13:09.

Bob Reid, High Performance Director of the Harriers Pioneer 8k, was pleased with the performances. “Twenty-five athletes from the Lower Mainland came across the water today to participate in the 41st annual Harriers Pioneer 8K and they didn't disappoint,” he said. “On top of that Tarrant also set his incredible 76th Canadian Age Class record.”

At the awards ceremony after the race Reid presented Bruce Hawkes from the Sooke Trail and Road Running Club with a plaque commemorating his 200th consecutive Island Series race.

Full results can be viewed on: https://racedaytiming.ca/results/2020Pioneer8K

The Harriers Pioneer 8K will be followed by Cobble Hill 10K on January 26, Cedar 12K on February 9, Hatley Castle 8K on February 23, Port Alberni Paper Chase 15K on March 8, Comox Valley RV Half Marathon on March 22, TriStars Sooke 10K on April 5 and the Synergy Health Management Bazan Bay 5K and Series Awards on April 19.

To register online for Cobble Hill 10K go to: www.islandseries.org

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For more information contact:           

Louise Hodgson-Jones
General Manager, VIRA
info@islandseries.org 


41st Annual Harriers Pioneer 8K kicks off Island Race Series Series registration deadline – January 10


January 07, 2020


41st Annual Harriers Pioneer 8K kicks off Island Race Series
Series registration deadline – January 10

 (Victoria, BC – January 7, 2020) The first race in the Vancouver Island Race Series – the Harriers Pioneer 8K – takes place on Sunday, January 12 at 11:30 am. The race is the 41st annual event and is hosted by the Prairie Inn Harriers. The race is also the first in the BC Super Series, a series of 12 races to be run in Vancouver and Victoria.

The Pioneer course is a fast rural out and back route starting and finishing at the Visitor Information Centre located on the west side of the Patricia Bay Highway in North Saanich. North Saanich Middle School on McDonald Park Road is the venue for registrations, bag drop off and post-race awards and refreshments.

“There is participant parking near the Tourist Information Centre and volunteer marshals will guide drivers to park there first. Once that is full, we have permission to use the nearby Canadian Tire parking lot,” says race director Jeff Beddoes. “Bib pick up is at North Saanich Middle School on Sunday from 9:30 am – 11 am, but to miss the rush you can also pick-up on Saturday at Frontrunners downtown, 1200 Vancouver St, from 10 am – 3 pm.”

“This year’s Harriers Pioneer 8K will once again attract a stellar field of high-performance athletes, many traveling from Vancouver to compete,” says high-performance director, Bob Reid. “North Vancouver's Natasha Wodak is the female race favourite. She holds the Pioneer course record and National 8K road record of 25:28 set in 2013. She's also won Pioneer six times and is closing in on Ulla Marquette's mark of eight victories. Other females in the mix in the lead pack will be Natalia Hawthorn from North Vancouver and Sandra Kilmartin. The top Victoria athlete is Catrin Jones, last year's female Island Series champion.”

“On the men's side it's a coin toss as the leaders will be Blair Johnston from Surrey, Joel De Schiffart from Langley, and Kevin Friesen from Vancouver,” Reid adds. “They are all close in performance times and any of the three could break the tape. Vancouver athlete, Braeden Charlton, could also be in that mix. The top seeded Victoria male runner is Andrew Russell, 2019 overall Island Series champion. He placed third overall last year at Pioneer.” The men’s Pioneer course record of 22:58 was set by Carey Nelson in 1985.

Runners can register online until 6 pm, Friday January 10 at www.islandseries.org, at Frontrunners, 1200 Vancouver St, on Saturday January 11 from 10 am – 3 pm, or on race day from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Race registration until January 10 is $30 for adults/$25 for students and $50 on race weekend.

The deadline for registering online for the series of eight races is 6 pm, Friday, January 10. The fee is $175.The eight races comprise the Harriers Pioneer 8K on January 12, Cobble Hill 10K on January 26, Cedar 12K on February 9, Hatley Castle 8K on February 23, Port Alberni Paper Chase 15K on March 8, Comox Valley RV Half Marathon on March 22, TriStars Sooke 10K on April 5 and the Synergy Health Management Bazan Bay 5K and Series Awards on April 19.

For more information on the Harriers Pioneer 8k go to: http://pih.bc.ca/race/1-pioneer-8k

To register online for the Harriers Pioneer 8k and for the series go to: www.islandseries.org

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For more information contact:           

Louise Hodgson-Jones
General Manager, VIRA
info@islandseries.org 


New marathon champion crowned and two 8K course records set at the 40th Annual GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon


October 14, 2019


(Victoria, BC – October 14, 2019) Perfect fall weather conditions greeted over 8,000 participants in Sunday’s 40th annual GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon. Eric Finan and Andrea Lee won the marathon distance, Will Norris and Cleo Boyd the half marathon and two course records were set in the 8K by Justin Kent and Sarah Inglis. The marathon had 1,471 registrants; the half marathon 3,431; the 8K Turkey Trot Road Race 2,505; and the Thrifty Foods Kids Run 887, for a total of 8,294.

Finan, from Eugene, Oregon, dominated the men’s race finishing in 2:17:51, the fastest time for five years since the record was set in 2013 by Lamech Mokono (2:13:42). It was Finn’s first marathon win and he loved the course and the views. Ahead most of the time, at 32 kilometres he inched ahead of Kenyan Jonathan Kipchirchir Chesoo to win. Chesoo was second in 2:20:40, and third with a new master’s course record was Kip Kangogo in 2:21:49. Kangogo also set an age group record in the M40-44 category.

For Lee it was fourth time lucky, winning her first marathon title after coming in third in 2018 and 2016 and second in 2017. It was nearly a photo finish, with Victoria’s Catrin Jones coming in on hard on her heels. Lee hit the tape at 2:46:45 and Jones who was top master, in 2:46:58. “I knew Catrin was behind me but I didn’t know how far,” said Lee afterwards. The Black Creek native, who now lives in North Vancouver, loves the race. “I stayed in my comfort zone and tried to run a steady and comfortable pace and not take any chances.” Third was Madeline Yungblut from Clifford, Ontario in 2:53:27. Roslyn Smith in the W70-74 set a new age group and Canadian record, finishing in 3:52:16. In April of this year she won her age category in the Boston Marathon.

Peter Field won the Visually Impaired category in 4:37:50.

In the half marathon Norris, from Spirit Lake, Iowa won in 1:06:20, second was Kevin Colon from Seattle in 1:07:31, and third was Julian Florez from Albuquerque in 1:07:36. There was one age category record, M65-69 Larry Ness (1:30:20). Top male master was Jim Finlayson from Victoria with a time of 1:12:29. Boyd, from Kingston, Ontario was the clear winner in the women’s race with a three-minute lead over Portland’s Theresa Hailey. A 10,000 metre specialist, Boyd won in 1:13:38, also setting a new age category record in the W25-29. It was her first run in Victoria: “the views were unreal and I would love to come back,” she said. Hailey was second in 1:16:15. Third was Danielle Thiel from Edmonton in 1:17:55. Top master was Seattle’s Heather Tanner (1:25:20). There were two other age category records: W60-64, Kathi Sleavin (1:33:53), and W65-69, Lois Klingbell (1:43:03).

The half marathon was also the BC Half Marathon Championships. Sean Chester won the men’s title (1:12:07) and Lisa Brooking the women’s title (1:18:32).

Brad Hartley won the Wheelchair category in 1:28:15.

History was made in both the male and female 8K races with two new course records. Kent, from Burnaby, won his third straight title, winning in 23:14, and breaking Gary Barber’s course record 1989 (23:23). It was also a M25-29 age category record. Second and third were photo finishes with Nick Walker from Victoria just finishing ahead of Vancouver’s Nicholas Brown in 25:31. Brown was seconds behind with a time of 25:34. Top master was Mark Cryderman from Campbell River (26:49).

Great Britain’s Inglis won her second 8K title in a row and also set a course record, breaking Ulla Marquette’s record from 1991 (26:24). “I didn’t expect to go that fast,” she said afterwards. Her time was 25:43 and was also a W25-29 age category record. Second was four-time 8K winner Lindsay Carson (Burnaby) in 27:32 and third was Maor Tiyouri from Boulder, Colorado in 27:46. Victoria’s Jen Millar won the female masters title (29:18). There was one other age category award: W50-54, Marilyn Arsenault in 29:22.

There were 7,141 finishers: 1,127 in the Marathon, 2,889 in the Half Marathon, 2,232 in the 8K, plus 887 in the Thrifty Foods Kids Run.

For full results from the 40th Annual GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon go to - https://www.runvictoriamarathon.com/results/

The 41st Annual GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon will take place on October 11th, 2020.

For more information contact:

Louise Hodgson-Jones
Media Liason
media@runvictoriamarathon.com


Cleo Boyd - half Marathon winner - pc BrynnFeatherVisuals-7946.jpg


Tokyo 2020 hopefuls Evan Esselink and Malindi Elmore win Under Armour Eastside 10K


September 16, 2019


VANCOUVER, September 14th.  Evan Esselink (29:50) and Malindi Elmore (32:44) laid down convincing markers winning Saturday’s Under Armour Eastside 10K ahead of an impressive field of 2,900 participants.  Evan stuck with a group of runners including last year’s winner, Trevor Hofbauer who came in second place and Milton Ontario’s Ben Preisner who came in third.  Evan made a move at the 8K mark and dropped the hammer at 9K to finish off strong contenders in Hofbauer and Preisner.Evan Esselink  Malindi Elmore

On the Women’s side, Malindi Elmore stormed to an outstanding victory on the challenging eastside course who, along with Evan, will be competing in the Athletics Canada marathon trials at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon October 20th.  Malindi was able to hold off Boise Idaho’s Kinsey Middleton for most of the race as well as previous Under Armour Eastside 10K winner Leslie Sexton who came in third.

The event attracted a field of 2,900 runners and so far has raised over $26,000 in support of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, PHS Community Services Society, and Youthco. Participants can continue to fundraise online until October 1st online at www.eastside10k.ca.

“Every year the competition gets better,” said race director Ryan Chilibeck. “It’s also so great to see runners completing their first run, setting personal bests and fundraising for our three great charity partners. The Under Armour Eastside 10k is a true community event.”

Under Armour Eastside 10k top finishers results:

10km Male 

  1. Evan Esselink – Vancouver, BC, Canada                               TIME: 29:50
  2. Trevor Hofbauer – Calgary, AB, Canada                               TIME: 29:58
  3. Benjamin Preisner – Milton, ON, Canada                               TIME: 30:10

10km Female               

  1. Malindi Elmore– Kelowna, BC, Canada                              TIME: 32:44
  2. Kinsey Middleton – Boise, ID, USA                                       TIME: 33:19
  3. Leslie Sexton – London, ON, Canada                                   TIME: 33:33

Information and complete race results can be found at www.eastside10k.ca   

For more information on Canada Running Series events, please visit www.canadarunningseries.com


The Scotiabank Charity Challenge raises a record $1.2 million dollars at the 2019 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k


June 24, 2019


The Scotiabank Charity Challenge raises a record $1.2 million dollars at the 2019 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k

Canadians Ben Preisner and Natasha Wodak win in front of a sold out field of 6,440 

Sunday, June 23, 2019 – VANCOUVER – The 2019 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k had many highlights, with $1.2 million dollars being raised for local organizations through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, capping off a spectacular, record-setting day. Milton, Ontario’s Ben Preisner had an impressive Half-Marathon debut to take the men’s title in 65:41, while North Vancouver’s Natasha Wodak narrowly missed the course record in a time of 71:21. They raced to victory ahead of a sold out crowd of 6,440 participants, who came from 36 countries, eight Canadian provinces and 27 American states.

“It was an honour to run alongside the many participants of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k that ran for a purpose, raising $1.2 million dollars for 69 local organizations as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge,” says Lesly Tayles, Regional Senior Vice President - BC & Yukon, at Scotiabank. “At Scotiabank, investing in communities isn’t new. For 187 years we have remained committed to building strong communities and are focused on enriching the lives of young people and their communities. We know that how we support young people today, can prepare them for tomorrow, and that’s why we want to help them thrive. We want to recognize Canada Running Series and all the volunteers of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k for another great event and thank all the racers who fundraised for their charity of choice.”

 Up front, Preisner made two decisive moves around Kits Point at 17K and then on the steep climb over Burrard Bridge to break away from a lead pack of four. Wodak was racing the clock today, chasing the course record that has stood since 2003. “It got hard after 15K,” she said, “then the bridge finished me off. I lost the 30 seconds there!” 

Wodak has had an impressive spring season, claiming the 10,000m National Championship, and currently holds the 10k national road title. She was recently selected to the Canadian team heading to the World Championships in Doha, Qatar in the fall. Dayna Pidhoresky came in second with a time of 74:36. Vancouver’s Briana Hungerford was third, with a time of 78:21. 

“It was an outstanding race day all around,” says Race Director, Ryan Chilibeck. “We saw some very impressive times today, and record setting contributions through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. There were a lot of smiles today.”

Scotiabank is committed to helping young people reach their infinite potential, by investing in the complete picture of their development. We believe this is an investment in the long-term security, stability and growth of our communities. Many of the organizations that participate in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge have a direct impact on young people. As a Bank, we believe that Investing in young people is the pathway to community prosperity and Scotiabank aims to make a measurable and lasting impact on our global communities.

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a turnkey fundraising program that provides a simple way for runners in these races to support local causes that make a significant impact on Canadian communities. Participating charities keep 100 percent of the proceeds raised, as Scotiabank pays for all related transaction and credit card fees. Scotiabank offers the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at six sponsored marathon events across Canada including Montréal, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto. Since 2003, over $74 million has been raised as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge across Canada.

2019 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k Results

Half-Marathon Results 

Half-Marathon Male 

1.

Benjamin Preisner

65:41

2.

Chris Balestrini

65:59

3.

Julian Heninger

66:19

 

Half-Marathon Female

1.

Natasha Wodak

71:21

2.

Dayna Pidhoresky

74:36

3.

Briana Hungerford

78:21


5k Results

5k Male

1.

Christian Gravel

15:47

2.

Mark Klassen

16:19

3.

Richard Keep

17:01

 

5k Female

1.

Sidney Swierenga

17:56

2.

Courtney McEwan

20:03

3.

Samantha Barnes

21:33

To see a list of charities involved in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visit the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k website.

For more highlights and complete race results, please visit www.vancouverhalf.com.

Twitter and Instagram Hashtags: #ScotiaHalf #RunScotia #InfinitePotential

About the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is organized by the Canada Running Series, the nation’s premier running circuit with eight events: four in Toronto, two in Vancouver, one in Edmonton and one  in Montreal.  It annually attracts some 65,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 mostly-local charities.  The Series includes the IAAF Gold Label Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1999, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization.

We are passionately committed to staging great experiences for runners of all levels from Canadian Olympians and International stars, to healthy lifestyle people and charity runners; and to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process.  Our mission is “building community through the sport of running.”


35th annual Vancouver Sun Run takes to the streets on Sunday April 14


April 10, 2019


The 35th annual Vancouver Sun Run presented by Ford is scheduled for Sunday, April 14th.  There is still time to register in person at the Sun Run Fair, April 12th and 13th.

See the event website for more details and all the information you will need if toeing the line on Sunday - http://www.vancouversunrun.com

Gary Kingston has been providing some great articles on the Elite field through the Vancouver Sun paper. Check them out at the links below.

Several previous winners looking to top women's division again

The 39-year-old Malindi Elmore, a mother of two young boys and a 1,500-metre specialist in her heyday as a track athlete, has re-invented herself for a second time after hanging up her spikes in 2012.   

The crying infant in the background on a phone call with Malindi Elmore offered the perfect setup to a question about how nice it would be to collect some prize money at the this year’s Vancouver Sun Run 10K.

 .... Read more click here ....

Daniel Kipkoech hopes to maintain Kenyan dominance at Sun Run

Only one Kenyan has entered 2019 Sun Run, leaving the field wide open. (UPDATE Three Kenyan athletes now round out the field.)

Kenyans won the men’s division of The Vancouver Sun Run an amazing 16 of 21 times from 1994 through 2014.

.... Read more click here ....

Men's Sun Run contender hoping to beat second-place record

Geoff Martinson is soft-selling his chances of finally breaking through this year for that elusive first win at the Vancouver Sun Run.

But even though the 33-year-old Vancouver pharmacist, who has finished second each of the last two years in the 10-kilometre race, maintains he would be satisfied to simply finish in the top five on Sunday, he is not quite ready to dismiss completely the idea of being the first to break the tape. 

.... Read more click here ....

Vancouver Sun Run 2019: Five things to know before you go

Covering what to wear and where to go, here's a quick rundown of what you'll need to know for Sunday's race.

Spotting a water station during The Vancouver Sun Run is usually a welcome sight — but a 60-per-cent chance of rain might be a bit much.

.... Read more click here ....

 


Cracking times at the St Patrick's Day 5k


March 17, 2019


The St Patrick’s Day 5K lived up to its hype as Canada’s most competitive 5K, despite the late withdrawal of several top entrants. Transplanted Scot, Sarah Inglis, broke the Canadian All-Comers record set by Natasha Wodak as last year’s race. Inglis ran a stunning 15:29, with Wodak also 3 seconds under the old mark having to settle for second in 15:36. Wodak’s consolation was an F3539 Canadian record, and the BC Championship.

Event record prize money was also paid out on the men’s side, as John Gay clocked 14:06, the fastest 5K ever seen in BC, also earning him the BC Championship. Justin Kent out-leaned Kieran Lumb for third, both finishing in 14:13, just a second outside the old record set by Luc Bruchet last year.

Run in perfect conditions, the downhill first 400m, plus bonuses on offer to the leaders through the first mile, ensured a fast pace from the outset. Justin Kent won the mile bonus in 4:20, marginally ahead of Gay, with a 40m gap back to Lumb leading the pack in third. The women’s mile was even closer, taking a photo to separate American Shalaya Kipp from Inglis, in 4:44, with Wodak a second behind. Kipp faded from that point on, but still held on to third at the finish.

Last year the top 75 finishers broke 17 minutes. That record too was broken, as this year the top 76 broke 17.

Complete results, https://www.startlinetiming.com/en/races/2019/stpat/event/5K

BC 5k Provincial Championship results - click here.

 

Article by Maurice Wilson.


ST PATRICK'S DAY 5K FINAL TUNE-UP FOR CANADIAN CROSS COUNTRY TEAM


March 12, 2019


St Patrick’s Day 5K Final Tune-Up for Canadian Cross Country Team

by Maurice Wilson

Seven athletes heading to Denmark to represent Canada at the World Cross Country Championships on March 30 headline the field for Saturday’s St Patrick’s Day 5K presented by BMO. Looking for some four leaf clovers to take with them will be Natasha Wodak, Regan Yee, Erica Digby, Lindsay Carson, Evan Esselink, John Gay, and Justin Kent. The race also serves as the 2019 BC 5K Championship, the fourth race in the BC Super Series, and the second race in the Lower Mainland Road Race Series.

Last year the top 75 finishers ran under 17 minutes, fulfilling race organizers Karen Warrendorf and Steve Mattina goal of making this Canada’s most competitive 5K race. This years race should be no less competitive.

2016 Olympian Natasha Wodak recorded the fastest 5K ever run on the roads in Canada when winning this race in 15:39 last year, before going on to capture the Canadian 5K Championship in September. If she can better her time this year, she’ll earn a $250 bonus courtesy of Saucony on top of $500 for the win. Capable of pushing her to that time are a trio of women who ran 5000m indoor personal bests in that range this winter. Regan Yee ran 15:35.28, while her Langley training partner, Scotland’s Sarah Inglis ran 15:35.89. And Erica Digby ran 15:42.20. None are strangers to the St Patrick’s Day 5K – Inglis was 3rd last year, Yee was 2nd in 2017, and Digby was 3rd in 2016.

New to the local running scene is Shalaya Kipp, who represented the USA at the 2012 Olympics in the 3000m Steeplechase. Kipp recently moved to Vancouver to undertake PhD studies in Kinesiology at UBC. Also in the mix will be the aforementioned Lindsay Carson, Robyn Mildren who had a breakout 1:13:21 half marathon in Houston in January, and Kirsten Lee having run a 3000m PB indoors in February.

The men’s race will be equally compelling. Ontarian Evan Esselink moved to Vancouver in the fall to train with the BC Endurance Project. Esselink placed 4th at the 2018 Canadian 5K Championships in 14:26, and more recently ran an impressive 1:02:17 half marathon in Houston. Last year’s 3rd placer, John Gay, broke 14 minutes for 5000m indoors last month, clocking 13:57.04. And Justin Kent finished one place behind his training partner Esselink at the Canadian 5K Championship, and this winter ran 14:04.22 for 5000m indoors.

Others to watch for include 2018 Canadian U20 Cross Country Champion Tyler Dozzi, who set a Canadian U20 5000m indoor record of 14:18.92 in December; 2017 Canadian U20 Cross Country Champion Kieran Lumb; Max Trummer who placed 8th at the 2018 Canadian 5K Championships; SFU standout Rowan Doherty who was an All-American in the 3000m at the NCAA DII Championships last weekend; and Kevin Coffey the 2019 BC 8K Champion.

Kendra Lewis and Josh Woolgar who represent the next generation of BC distance runners, should be inspired by racing against such illustrious company. Lewis was unbeatable last fall, winning the Canadian U18 Cross Country Championship, as well as the BC High Schools Championship. And Woolgar was the 2018 BC High School Cross Country Champion.

At the other end of the spectrum, Marilyn Arsenault will take a shot at her own Canadian F5054 record of 17:43.

The men’s course record is 14:12, set by Lucas Bruchet last year, which if broken earns the winner a $250 bonus from Saucony. In addition, $150 is up for grabs courtesy of RunGo for the first male and female through the mile, provided they continue and finish within 1 minute of the race winner.

While the serious athletes may have the BC Championship as their goal, many more will come dressed in costume, and will stay for the Irish themed after-party. Proceeds from the event benefit the Canadian Diabetes Association, with over $100,000 donated to date.

The lead runners will be chasing a Maserati pace car, courtesy of Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver. The race will be started by the newly crowned Canadian Marathon record holder, Rachel Cliff, at 9:30am on Pipeline Drive, and circles around Brockton Point, before finishing back up Pipeline to the Stanley Park Pavilion.

Complete race information at http://www.stpatricks5k.com/


PROVINCIAL 8K ROAD RUNNING CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT ICEBREAKER 8K


January 22, 2019


The Steveston Icebreaker 8k was the first event in the Lower Mainland Road Running Series, second in the BC Super Series and also served as the BC Athletics Provincial 8k Road Championship.

For the 371 finishers, the weather couldn’t have cooperated more for the January race, that marks the kick off of the Road Running season in the lower mainland.

Kevin Coffey came out victorious on Sunday, winning the event with a 24:36 and earning the early season Championship belt. Close behind in second place was fellow Mile2Marathon runner Tony Tomsich, coming off his victory last weekend at the Pioneer 8k, with a 24:46.  Rounding out the medals with 25:15 was Max Trummer.

With a time of 29:08 and winning the woman’s championship, Andrea Lee of the Fraser Street Run Club sealed the victory. Second place Jen Moroz finished in 29:24 after her 3rd place finish last week at Pioneer 8k. Third place went to Emma Chadsey of Vancouver with a time of 30:16 from the Vancouver Falcons Athletic Club.

In the Masters 40+ event Kevin O’Conner, of the Vancouver Falcons Athletic Club, took the Men’s victory with 27:25. On the women’s Jillian Fong won with 30:22 placing fourth overall in the women’s field.

Full results can be found at - https://www.startlinetiming.com/en/races/2019/ice

BC Athletics 8k Championship winners can be found at – 8k Championship results

Next up in the BC Super Series is the First Half Half Marathon on February 10th and next in the Lower Mainland Road Running Series is the St. Patrick’s Day 5k, which is also the Provincial 5k Road Championship and fourth event in the BC Super Series.

The Championship was open to any Junior, Senior, Masters or Road & Trail member of BC Athletics as of the day of the event.


19-Ice8k-startline.jpg


Anthony Tomsich and Natasha Wodak win Harriers Pioneer 8K


January 15, 2019


(Victoria, BC – January 14, 2019) It was a glorious day in Victoria on Sunday for the first race in the Vancouver Island Race Series – the Harriers Pioneer 8K. The 40th annual event – hosted by the Prairie Inn Harriers – saw 536 compete under sunny, spring like conditions. Vancouver’s Anthony Tomsich was the overall winner with Natasha Wodak winning the women’s race.

Tomsich, was a first-time participant and was the clear leader winning in 24:44. He had been prepping for the race by doing workouts with his club, Miles2Marathon run club.  “I have been putting in some base mileage, so it was nice to come out and enjoy the beautiful weather that we had today.” Second was Christopher Taylor, also from Vancouver in 25:05, and third was Victoria’s Andrew Russell in 25:24.

Top male master, and eighth overall, was James Richardson from Ceevacs Roadrunners, Duncan with a time of 26:18. One of the masters favourite for the title, Jim Finlayson pulled a muscle and had to retire leaving the second place open to 2015 Island Series Champion Craig Odermatt to finish in 26:56. Third was Shane Ruljancich crossing the line in 27:34.

The highly anticipated duel between Wodak, the Canadian 8k record holder, and Rachel Cliff, defending Pioneer champion and the Canadian Half Marathon record holder, did not disappoint with the two virtually neck and neck throughout the race. Wodak, who has won Pioneer six times, triumphed to win the women’s race in 26:04. This was also a F35-39 age class record. Next weekend she will be running the Houston Half Marathon. “The previous two years at Pioneer I ran around 26:37. I did the same thing last year, ran Pioneer, then the Houston Half Marathon, and I ran 1:11:31 in Houston. So, running a little faster here, I hope to run a little faster in Houston too.”

Cliff couldn’t make it three in a row finishing second in 26:15 and third and top female master was Victoria’s Marilyn Arsenault finishing in 29:00. Arsenault’s time was also an age class record in the F50-54. Second and third masters female finishers also hail from Victoria – Catrin Jones (29:09) and Jen Millar (29:32).

There was a third age class record set by Roslyn Smith from Courtenay in the F70-74. Smith lowered her own record of 2018 finishing in 37:44.

“Vancouver athletes dominated the 40th annual Harriers Pioneer 8K by sweeping the top two positions in both the men's and women's fields on a clear and sunny day in North Saanich,” said Bob Reid, High Performance Director. “We had 14 athletes from Vancouver which is an excellent showing for the first race of the Island Series and the BC Super Series.”

Full results can be viewed on: https://racedaytiming.ca/results/2019Pioneer8K

The Harriers Pioneer 8K will be followed by Cobble Hill 10K on January 27, Cedar 12K on February 10, Hatley Castle 8K on February 24, Port Alberni Paper Chase 15K on March 10, Comox Valley RV Half Marathon on March 24, TriStars 10K on April 7 and the Synergy Health Management Bazan Bay 5K and Series Awards on April 14.

To register online for Cobble Hill 10K go to: www.islandseries.org


Pioneer_Anthony Tomsich.JPG


40th Annual Harriers Pioneer 8K kicks off Island Race Series & BC Super Series


January 09, 2019


40th Annual Harriers Pioneer 8K kicks off Island Race Series
Island Series registration deadline – January 11

(Victoria, BC – January 8, 2019) The first race in the Vancouver Island Race Series – the Harriers Pioneer 8K – takes place on Sunday, January 13 at 11:30 am. The race is the 40th annual event and is hosted by the Prairie Inn Harriers. The race is also the first in the BC Super Series, a series of 12 races to be run in Vancouver and Victoria.

The Pioneer course is a fast rural out and back route starting on John Road in North Saanich. North Saanich Middle School on McDonald Park Road is the venue for registrations, bag drop off and post-race awards and refreshments.

“The race start is 400m from the school via a pedestrian overpass over the Patricia Bay Highway (Hwy17) to the Visitor Information Centre. As parking is limited at the school, free parking is available in the lot behind the information centre near the race start/finish. Look for the PIH parking signs and attendants,” says race director Kathleen Birney. Race organizers would like to remind everyone that there is a new start time of 11:30 am.

“The 40th annual Harriers Pioneer 8K has once again attracted a stellar field of high performance athletes, many traveling from Vancouver as part of the BC Athletics Endurance Program,” says high performance director, Bob Reid. “Of particular interest is the women's division with two of the top runners in the country, Rachel Cliff, from Vancouver, and Natasha Wodak, of North Vancouver, going head to head for this year's victory, as they did last year. Cliff is the defending champion, winning the race twice in 2018 and 2017, and she holds the Canadian Half Marathon Record of 1:10:08.  Wodak has won the race five times and she holds the Canadian 8K Record of 25:28 (also the Pioneer Course Record) and Canadian 10,000m Record of 31:41.”

The men’s field will see a new champion as the 2018 and 2017 winner, Lucas Bruchet, will be competing in a race at the University of Washington. “Victoria's Matt Noseworthy and Nanaimo's Shelby Drope finished second and third behind Bruchet last year and both will be looking to break the tape on Sunday,” adds Reid. “Vancouver's Anthony Tomsich and Victoria's Adam O'Meara could be in the battle for the lead while Harriers Craig Odermatt should top the master men's M45 ranks with a strong challenge from Mark Cryderman and Shane Ruljancich.”

The race also has last year’s Island Series champions Shelby Drope and Catrin Jones registered as well as 2018 Vancouver Island Series Trail Race Champions, Andrew Russell and Patricia Roney. Two visually impaired triathletes, Jessica Toumela and Jon Dunkerly, will be running with Guides as they attempt to qualify for Team Canada to participate in the 2020 Para-Olympics in Tokyo.

Runners can register online until 6 pm, Friday January 11 at www.islandseries.org, at Frontrunners, 1200 Vancouver St, on Saturday January 12 from 10 am – 3 pm, or on race day from 9:30 am to 11:15 am. Race registration until January 11 is $30 for adults/$25 for students and $50 on race weekend.

The deadline for registering online for the series of eight races is 6 pm, Friday, January 11. The fee is $175.The eight races comprise the Harriers Pioneer 8K on January 13, Cobble Hill 10K on January 27, Cedar 12K on February 10, Hatley Castle 8K on February 24, Port Alberni Paper Chase 15K on March 10, Comox Valley RV Half Marathon on March 24, TriStars 10K on April 7 and the Synergy Health Management Bazan Bay 5K and Series Awards on April 14.

For more information on the Harriers Pioneer 8k go to: http://pih.bc.ca/race/1-pioneer-8k

To register online for the Harriers Pioneer 8k and for the series go to: www.islandseries.org

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For more information contact:

Louise Hodgson-Jones
General Manager, VIRA
250-812-2518
info@islandseries.org 


Kipkoech makes it five in a row – Finlayson sets a Marathon Master’s record – Wodak shatters her own Half Marathon record


October 08, 2018


(Victoria, BC – October 8, 2018) Daniel Kipkoech was determined to come back to Victoria and win his fifth consecutive marathon here, and he came through in style on a cool, rainy day in BC’s capital on Sunday. But the day proved that age has no limits as Jim Finlayson not only broke the Master’s course record, but set a Canadian Master’s age group record. In the Half Marathon Natasha Wodak shattered her own record, winning the women’s BC Half Marathon Championship. The Marathon had 1,339 registrants, the Half Marathon: 3,266, the 8K Road Race 2,384 and the Thrifty Foods Kids Run: 1,000, for a total of 7,989.

Kipkoech, who trains in Lethbridge, ran a strong race from the start and finished in 2:22:39. He led from the get go and enjoyed the cheers from the spectators that have taken them into their hearts since his first win in Victoria in 2014. “I kept hearing my name being called out which kept me going,” he said. Second was Mizael Carrera in 2:24:01 and third was Ryan Smith in 2:24:41. Victoria’s Jim Finlayson set a course age group and Master’s record and a Canadian M45-49 age group record with a time of 2:25:29. The old Master’s course record was set in 1988 by Tom Howard, who also won the very first Victoria Marathon in 1980.

The women’s race was won by Emily Setlack from Cold Lake, AB in 2:46:20, two minutes ahead of Edmonton’s Karissa Lepage (2:48:46). Third was Andrea Lee, who was second last year, bettering her 2017 time by 10 minutes, finishing in 2:48:48. Top female Master and seventh overall was Suzy Slane from Abbotsford, finishing in 3:05:13. This was Setlack’s first Victoria marathon and just her second overall. The undulating hills were a challenge, she said, but like Kipkoech the crowds pulled her through.

Michael Morabito won the Wheelchair category in 3:18:56.

The women’s half marathon was dominated by Wodak who broke the record she set in 2012. Her winning time was 1:11:45, also a F35-39 age group record. Second was Robyn Mildren finishing in 1:15:00 and third was Meg Lewis-Schneider just a few seconds behind in 1:15:31. Lewis-Schneider’s time was a F20-24 age group record. Top female master was Lioudmila Kortchaguina, fifth overall, finishing in 1:18:10.

The 2018 Canadian Half Marathon Champion, Trevor Hofbauer from Calgary, won the half marathon in 1:05:18, equaling the M25-29 age group that Geoff Martinson set in 2013. Second was Jared Carson in 1:06:39 and third was Julian Florez in 1:07:20. Top master, and sixth overall, was Vancouver’s Jerry Ziak who also won the BC Half Marathon Championship.

Jason Cole won the Wheelchair category in 1:36:12. Gregory Tonge won the  Men’s VI category in 2:45:24.

Justin Kent from Burnaby made it two in a row, setting a personal best in the 8K in 23:46, just 20 seconds shy of the course record set by Gary Barber in 1989. Second was Joshua Potvin in 25:00 and third was Victoria’s Nick Walker, with a time of 25:49. Craig Odermatt was top master and seventh overall, finishing in 26:47.

Last year’s half marathon winner Sarah Inglis won the 8K in 27:31. Lindsay Carson, who has won the last four Victoria 8K’s came a close second in 27:36. Third was Nicole Robert finishing in 38:05. Top master and eight overall was Cheryl Nicholls in 31:14. Age group records were set in the F13-15 – Sadie Sigfstead (28:35) – and F80-84 – Karen Vickers (46:17).

There were 6,957 finishers – 1,050 in the Marathon, 2,747 in the Half Marathon, 2,160 in the 8K, plus 1,000 in the Thrifty Foods Kids Run.

For full results from the 39th Annual GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon go to:

https://www.runvictoriamarathon.com/results/

The 40th Annual GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon will take place on October 13th, 2019.

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For more information contact:

Louise Hodgson-Jones                                          Ulla Hansen
Media Liaison                                                        High Performance Athlete Director
250-812-2518                                                      250-419-3870                             
media@runvictoriamarathon.com            elite@runvictoriamarathon.com


Natasha Wodak_Brynn Feather Visuals.jpg


Hofbauer and Wodak take the wins in the Under Armour Eastside 10K


September 15, 2018


VANCOUVER, September 15th.  Reigning Canadian Marathon champion Trevor Hofbauer comfortably won the sixth annual Under Armour Eastside 10K today ahead of a record 3,200 participants.  The top four men ran in a tight group until the 4-kilomtre mark before Adam Visokay, fourth place finisher, trailed off. Hofbauer took the lead ahead of second place finisher Lucas Bruchet and third place finisher Justin Kent , where he remained for the duration of the race.

“I felt strong out there from start to finish,” said Trevor.  “Luke and Justin are fast guys so I wanted to make sure I maintained a good pace throughout the race.

On the Women’s side, it was Natasha Wodak who took her second victory at Eastside.  Natasha, who is the course record holder, ran a great race alongside previous winner Leslie Sexton who finished in second place.  Natasha took the lead at the half way mark and never looked back.  London’s Lindsay Carson came in third.

Click here for the full story.


18-eastside10k-natasha wodak.jpg


VFAC Summerfast 10k


July 23, 2018


402 runners took to Stanley Park paths for the Vancouver Falcons Athletic Club’s Summerfast 10k on Saturday morning. The sanctioned and certified event is part of the Lower Mainland Road Race Series and the BC Super Series.

The men’s race saw a tie, between Rob Watson and Dylan Wykes in 32:09, both of the Mile2Marathon club. The women’s race was won by Stephie Penny Cook in 34:27, visiting from Scotland and it being just her second 10k race ever, the win was a surprise for her. 

Read more about the Summerfast 10k in Gord Kurenoff’s Vancouver Sun article.

For results click here.

VFAC Summerfast 10k - winnersVFAC Summerfast 10k - female winner
Images courtesy of VFAC Summerfast 10k.


Over $970,000 raised for charity at the 2018 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k


June 25, 2018


Dayna Pidhoresky takes the women's win and Kip Kangogo successfully defends his title for his 7th win of the event.

June 24, 2018 – VANCOUVER –More than 6,700 people took part in the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k, raising an estimated $970,000 for 70 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. This brings the grand total since 2007 to over $8 million.

Kip Kangogo

“Thanks to the commitment of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge participants and the generosity and support of the people of Vancouver, we’ve seen our fundraising efforts make a meaningful impact in the community, year after year,” said Larry Clements, District Vice President of Vancouver and Richmond District at Scotiabank. “Scotiabank’s goal has always been to help create a better life for people in the communities we serve. That’s why we’re so excited to celebrate the 12th annual Scotiabank Charity Challenge during the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k.”

Lethbridge Alberta’s Kip Kangogo cruised to his 7th victory at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon, while Vancouver’s Dayna Pidhoresky had an impressive win over pre-race favourite Sasha Gollish.

Dayna Pidhoresky

Kangogo started out with an easy pace and took an early lead over a pack of 8 runners at the eight kilometre mark. He extended
his lead at Jericho beach and never looked back, clocking in at 1:07:24. He was able to hold on to the win by beating Vancouverite, Anthony Tomsich, who came in second with a time of 1:08:04. Calgary’s Benard Onsare, who is coming off a lengthy injury, was third with a time of 1:09:37. Dayna Pidhoresky, who took the women’s title with a time of 1:13:06, was able to hold off current series leader, Sasha Gollish with a time of 1:15:05.  Cold Lake Alberta’s Emily Setlack was third with a time of 1:16:46.

Scotiabank believes in helping young people reach their infinite potential, and many organizations who take part in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge have a direct impact on our local youth. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank aims to help provide them with the skills and resources they need to succeed. This year’s top fundraising charity is Cassie & Friends, with 170 participants raising $215,000 to support juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

For more highlights and complete race results, please visit www.vancouverhalf.com.

 


Summer Beckons at the Longest Day 5K


June 15, 2018


Action resumes this evening in the BC Super Series, with the BlueShore Financial Longest Day 5K at UBC, the eighth race in the series.

Favourite in the womens race is Jenn Dowling-Medley, who currently lies fifth in the BC Super Series rankings. Her competition will likely come from UBC Thunderbird Madelyn Brunt, SFU’s Olivia Willett, Olympic 800m specialist Jessica Smith, and Lissa Zimmer who can move into the top 10 with a good performance.  

Theo Hunt, who ran 14:20 for 5,000m on the track last weekend, is the men’s favourite, and can move into the top 3 of the BC Super Series rankings with a time of 15:14 or quicker. Steeplechaser Ryan Brockerville should provide his closest competition. But watch also for top masters Jerry Ziak, Craig Odermatt and Kevin O’Connor.

Super seniors Gwen McFarlan (84) and Lenore Montgomery (88) will also likely show a clean pair of heels to many younger runners.

In addition to the 5K race, the event also has a 10K option, and a Kid’s Mile. A feature of the event is the post race barbeque, beer garden and a live performance by Taboo Queen. The event also supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Complete race information at http://www.thunderbirdstrack.org/longest-day-road-race/

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC’s best road races, http://www.bcathletics.org/BCSuperSeries/. The next event is the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon on June 24.


Watson, Zheng, Towett, Wodak: Champions at this year’s record-breaking BMO Vancouver Marathon


May 07, 2018


http://bmovanmarathon.ca/recap-2018/2018/05 


Winner of TC10K finishes in 29 minutes, 49 seconds


April 30, 2018


http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/winner-of-tc10k-finishes-in-29-minutes-49-seconds-1.23284802 


At least two exciting duels lined up to lead over 8,000 runners and walkers in the 29th TC10K


April 28, 2018


http://victoriasportsnews.com/at-least-two-exciting-duels-lined-up-to-head-over-8000-runners-and-walker-in-the-29th-tc10k/ 




Inspiring stories abound at the 2018 Vancouver Sun Run


April 23, 2018


http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/sun-run-colour 


2018 Sun Run: Familiar foes, friends Wodak and Cliff go head-to-head


April 17, 2018


http://vancouversun.com/sun-run/familiar-foes-friends-wodak-and-cliff-go-head-to-head 


2018 Sun Run: Vancouver's Martinson ready for annual charge towards men's title


April 17, 2018


http://vancouversun.com/sun-run/2018-sun-run-vancouvers-martinson-ready-for-annual-charge-towards-mens-title 


Natasha Wodak Blitzes a Canadian All-Comers Record at the St Patrick’s Day 5K


March 17, 2018


Going into today’s St Patrick’s Day 5K presented by BMO, expectations were high that some records would be broken, and the race sure didn’t disappoint in perfect running conditions.

Leading the way were the women, as the anticipated match-up between Canada’s two 10,000m representatives at the upcoming Commonwealth Games resulted in the fastest time ever run in Canada. Natasha Wodak ran a blistering quick 15:39, bettering the old record of 15:42 set by Carol Montgomery in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland in 2006. Her Canadian team mate Rachel Cliff helped get things off to a fast start, scorching through the first downhill mile in 4:38, with Wodak 4 seconds back. But Wodak was able to sustain the pace better through the second half, particularly over the uphill final kilometer, and ran out a convincing winner. Cliff hung on gamely to also finish well under her previous course record, in 15:51.

Wodak collected $500 for the win and the BC Championship, plus a $250 bonus from Saucony for the course record. Cliff received $300 for second, and a consolation $150 from RunGo for first through the mile. Some ways back, Scotland’s Sarah Inglis took third in 16:27. Ontario Cross Country Champion Natalia Hawthorn finished fourth in 16:30. And defending champion Dayna Pidhoresky, preparing to defend her Around the Bay 30K title next weekend, was fifth in 16:39.

Not to be outdone, Lucas Bruchet also broke his own 2016 course record by 10 seconds, reclaiming the title in 14:12. Pre-race favourites Bruchet and Rob Denault were joined at the front over the first mile by Trinity Western University’s Levi Neufeld, who surged to claim the mile bonus in 4:18, helped perhaps by the Maserati pace car. Neufeld faded a little over the remaining distance, but still finished strong to place sixth. Meanwhile Bruchet and Denault pushed ahead, with Bruchet using his strength and course knowledge to open up a small gap before the last turn, and the final uphill 100m sprint to the finish. Denault couldn’t let up before crossing the line in 14:16, as he was chased all the way by UBC’s John Gay who took third in 14:19, and surprise fourth placer Matthew Travaglini from Calgary in 14:24. Rob Watson completed the top five in 14:41.

The depth of performances was evident throughout the field as many PBs were set. Fifteen men broke 15 minutes. Eight women broke 17 minutes. And race organizers Steve Mattina and Karen Warrendorf far exceeded their goal of having 50 under 17 minutes, when the 75th finisher crossed the line as the clocked ticked past that mark.

Top masters were Craig Odermatt in 16:20, and Marilyn Arsenault who set a BC F5054 record in 17:50. The aforementioned Carol Montgomery finished second in the F5054 category. Top juniors were Tyler Dozzi in 14:57, and Grace Fetherstonhaugh in 17:33.

In total over 1,400 completed the scenic Stanley Park course under sunny skies, many dressed in costume to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. Many also raised funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association.

In addition to being the 2018 BC 5K Championship, the race was also the fourth in the 2018 BC Super Series, a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC's best road races. The next race in the BC Super Series is the Vancouver Sun Run 10K on April 22.

Complete race results at https://www.startlinetiming.com/en/races/2018/stpat


Canadian Record Holders to Face Off at St Patrick’s Day 5K


March 13, 2018


A captivating head-to-head contest between two in-form Canadian record holders will highlight Saturday’s St Patrick’s Day 5K presented by BMO, the 2018 BC 5K Championship and the fourth race in the BC Super Series.

Rachel Cliff, who set the Canadian Half Marathon record of 1:10:08 in Texas earlier this month, will face the Canadian 10,000m (track) and 8K (road) record holder Natasha Wodak, as both athletes make final preparations for the 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games in Australia next month. Cliff and Wodak are no strangers to each other, having found themselves in the same race on 10 previous occasions over the past year, with each coming out top 5 times. Cliff is a three-time former winner of the St Patrick’s Day 5K, and also the event record holder at 16:05, a time which if beaten on Saturday will earn the winner a $250 bonus courtesy of Saucony on top of $500 for the win.

Olympian Lucas Bruchet will also be looking to improve the men’s course record of 14:22, a time he ran in 2016. His chief rival is likely to be Rob Denault from Ontario, but training at the Athletics Canada Western Hub in Victoria. Denault ran 14:12 in California last November, the fastest 5K by a Canadian in 2017. On their last meeting, Bruchet ran out a convincing winner at the BC Cross Country Championships, before going on to win the Canadian Cross Country Championship in Kingston, ON.

Looking to spoil the party will be a host of other talent. World Championship marathoner Dayna Pidhoresky will not relinquish the title she won last year easily, and will be eager to add another title to the BC 8K Championship she won in January. Lindsay Carson and Erica Digby, fresh off representing Canada at the Pan American Cross Country Championships will also be in the hunt. So too will be Vancouver Eastside 10K champion Sarah Inglis, and Robyn Mildren who sits second in the BC Super Series rankings behind Cliff.

On the men’s side, a quartet of representatives from last month’s Pan American Cross Country Championships will challenge for the podium, led by recent BC 8K Champion Justin Kent, UBC standout John Gay, Theo Hunt and talented Junior Tyler Dozzi. And Jesse Hooton and Rob Watson will be looking to maintain their place atop of the BC Super Series rankings.

Having come close to having 50 finishers under 17 minutes the last two years, race organizers Karen Warrendorf and Steve Mattina are hoping to break that particular barrier this year. And with representation from all of BC’s university programs taking part, chances are good that this may be Canada’s most competitive 5K race in 2018.

While the serious athletes may have the BC Championship as their goal, many more will come dressed in costume, and will stay for the Irish themed after-party. Proceeds from the event benefit the Canadian Diabetes Association, with over $100,000 donated to date.

The lead runners will be chasing a Maserati pace car, courtesy of Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver. The race starts at 9:30am on Pipeline Drive, and circles around Brockton Point, before finishing back up Pipeline to the Stanley Park Pavilion.

Complete race information at http://www.stpatricks5k.com/

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC’s best road races, http://www.bcathletics.org/BCSuperSeries/. The next event is the Vancouver Sun Run 10K on April 22.


Records Fall at the “First Half” Half Marathon


February 11, 2018


After last years cancellation due to snow, the weather gods smiled on the Pacific Road runners this year, and the athletes delivered in perfect conditions at this morning’s “First Half” Half Marathon, the third race in the BC Super Series.

Commonwealth Games bound Rachel Cliff had made it clear that her goal was to break Tina Connelly’s event record of 1:12:47 set in 2004. And she set about it from the gun, surrounded by a group of men, including husband Chris Winter. Through 10K in 33:54, Cliff remained comfortably ahead of pace around the Stanley Park seawall, and despite a couple of unplanned pit-stops, she broke the finish tape in 1:12:21 in sixth place overall, to earn a $1,500 record bonus in addition to $800 for the win.

Despite being some distance back in second place, Robyn Mildren broke her PB by over a minute in second place, clocking 1:16:47. Kate Gustafson completed the podium, ducking under 80 minutes to finish in 1:19:54. Brittany Therrien in her debut half marathon (1:21:08) and Briana Hungerford (1:21:29) rounded out the prize money positions.

The men’s race was closer, as 2013 and 2014 winner Rob Watson, and Jesse Hooton running his first half marathon, ran neck and neck for the first half of the race. Heading back along English Bay Watson gradually started to pull away, using his experience to run out the winner in 1:06:57. Hooton didn’t let up, and should be pleased with his 1:07:34 debut.

Triathlon professional Jeff Symonds was a distant third in 1:09:55. With top master Jerry Ziak in fourth in 1:11:26. Nic Browne was the final prize money winner in 1:11:53, not far ahead of the womens winner.

A couple of other record breakers finished together further down the field. Elizabeth Waywell shattered the Canadian F6064 record by over four minutes, running 1:31:02. A stride ahead of her, Jim Swadling just missed out on the BC M7074 record, and had to be satisfied with a new event age group record of 1:31:01.

Proceeds from the event supported Variety, The Children’s Charity, with a cheque for $40,000 being presented.

Complete results at https://www.startlinetiming.com/en/races/2018/fhhm

The next race in the 2018 BC Super Series is the BMO St Patrick’s Day 5K on Saturday, March 17 in Vancouver’s Stanley Park. The race also serves at the BC 5K Championship.

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC's best road races, which bring the best athletes in BC together in competition, and encourage participation from all abilities.


Kent and Pidhoresky Prevail in Windy Conditions to Win BC 8K Championship


January 21, 2018


Participants had to battle gale force winds along the banks of the Fraser River on Sunday morning, at the Steveston Icebreaker 8K. The out and back course ran into the teeth of the wind for the first 4K, before runners were rewarded with an equally strong tailwind for the return. Thankfully the rain largely held off for the second race in the 2018 BC Super Series, which also served as the BC 8K Championship, ad the first race in the Lifestages Lower Mainland Road Race Series.

Despite the conditions, Justin Kent stamped his authority on the race early, breaking away from his competition on the outbound leg, and running out a comfortable winner in exactly 25 minutes. Jesse Hooton, making a rare appearance on the roads having recently completed his UBC eligibility, was 100 meters back in 25:18. A further 150 meters behind was Rob Watson, taking the final podium position for the BC Championship. Anthony Tomsich and Brendan Wong completed the top 5 in 25:55 and 26:04 respectively.

The leading ladies were also buffeted by the wind, finding few men willing to provide a wind break for them. Dayna Pidhoresky was unchallenged all the way, running out a convincing winner in 28:34. A closer competition unfolded for the remaining places, with Jenn Dowling-Medley prevailing for second in 29:40, and top master Catherine Watkins taking third in 30:12. The top 5 positions were taken by Neasa Coll and Jen Moroz in 30:31 and 30:46 respectively.

In spite of the weather, hosts Kajaks Track & Field Club were rewarded with their biggest participation for the Icebreaker in recent years. Complete results can be found at https://www.startlinetiming.com/en/races/2018/ice, and the Championship results can be found at http://www.bcathletics.org/admin/js/elfinder/files/Documents/Results/BCChamps8K18.pdf

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC's best road races, which bring the best athletes in BC together in competition, and encourage participation from all abilities. Next race in the series is the Pacific Road Runners “First Half” Half Marathon on February 11.


BC 8K Championship Title on the line Sunday


January 19, 2018


The first of this year’s BC Championships takes place Sunday as the Kajaks Track & Field Club host the Steveston Icebreaker 8K, and will feature an abundance of Canadian talent. The race is also the second in the 2018 BC Super Series, and the first in the Lifestages Lower Mainland Road Race Series.

Top contenders for the men’s title include Justin Kent, Theo Hunt, Jesse Hooton, Anthony Tomsich and Rob Watson. The womens championship is highlighted by Dayna Pidhoresky, Catherine Watkins, Jen Moroz, Kate Gustafson and Neasa Coll.

Further down the field, age group world record holders Gwen McFarlan and Lenore Montgomery will likely have their own private contest in the 80+ category.

Race day registration is available at the Steveston Community Centre, with the race getting underway on the waterfront at 9:00am. Results will be posted at https://www.startlinetiming.com/

Race #3 in the BC Super Series will be the Pacific Road Runners “First Half” Half Marathon on February 11. Entry to that race is still open at http://www.pacificroadrunners.ca/firsthalf/

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC's best road races, which bring the best athletes in BC together in competition, and encourage participation from all abilities.


Rain, wind and cool temps cannot prevent fine performances at Harriers Pioneer 8K


January 07, 2018


http://victoriasportsnews.com/rain-wind-cool-temps-not-deter-rio-olympians-racing-sunday-harriers-pioneer-8k/


Season Three of the BC Super Series starts Sunday at the Harriers Pioneer 8K


January 05, 2018


The 2018 BC Super Series kicks the year off on Sunday, at the Harriers Pioneer 8K in Sidney. The race is also the first in the 2018 Island Race Series. Competitive fields and a new course brings the promise of fast times if conditions are favourable. The womens field in particular is worthy of a national championship, featuring three representatives from last summers World Track & Field Championships, 6 of the top 14 from the recent Canadian Cross Country Championships, and a number of other notable athletes.

Event and national 8K record holder (25:28) Natasha Wodak returns, after competing in the 10,000m in London last summer. Fellow 10,000m representative, and defending champion Rachel Cliff is also back. And Dayna Pidhoresky returns to the roads for the first time since racing the marathon at the world championships.

Cliff and Wodak placed 3rd and 4th respectively at the 2017 Canadian Cross Country Championships. While not far behind them was Lindsay Carson (6th) and Erica Digby (8th). These latter two will represent Canada at the Pan American Cross Country Championship in El Salvador in March. Kirsten Lee (13th) and Alison Hooper (14th) also placed highly.

Sarah Inglis, winner of the Vancouver Eastside 10K; Robyn Mildren, winner of Boxing Day’s Hamilton 10 Miler; and fast improving Meg Lewis-Schneider round out a talented ten, with many more challengers at their heels, including top masters Marilyn Arsenault, Lucy Smith, Jillian Fong and Heather Macdonald. Smith and Fong are expected battle for BC and Canadian records in the F5054 age group.

The men’s race may be a little easier to predict, as Olympian and National Cross Country Champion Lucas Bruchet returns to defend his title. 2015 champion Theo Hunt, who will also be heading to El Salvador in March, may provide the closest competition for Bruchet. As well as UVic’s Matt Noseworthy, and BC Half Marathon champion Ian Searle.

Top masters include Craig Odermatt, Kevin O’Connor, and Mark Cryderman.

In addition to Wodak, Cliff, Smith, Bruchet and Hunt, other past champions expected to attend include event record holder (22:58) Carey Nelson, Bruce Deacon, Peter Butler, Steve Osaduik, and Cheryl Nichols.

Entries will be taken on race morning at North Saanich Middle School, with the race getting under way at 11am. Complete information at http://pih.bc.ca/race/1-pioneer-8k. Results will be posted at http://racedaytiming.ca/results.html.

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC's best road races, which bring the best athletes in BC together in competition, and encourage participation from all abilities. http://www.bcathletics.org/BCSuperSeries/

Race #2 in the Series is the Steveston Icebreaker 8K, including the BC 8K Championship, on January 21.


Highlights from the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon


October 09, 2017


https://www.cheknews.ca/game-october-8th-2017-374814/


GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon Announces Elite Athlete Field


October 06, 2017


(Victoria, BC – October 6, 2017) Three-time winner of the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon, Daniel Kipkoech, will be back on Sunday hoping to make it four in a row it was announced today at the pre-race media conference. The 2016, 2015, and 2014 champion will be joined by Kip Kangogo and Teklu Deneke in the 38th annual event. In the women’s field Andrea Lee, Lissa Zimmer and Margreet Dietz, all from Vancouver, will be vying to be the champion. The event will also feature Olympians Evan Dunfee (Marathon Race Walker), and Reid Coolsaet (Marathon) who will be competing in the Half Marathon.

Kipkoech, who has a PB of 2:19, is the favourite on Sunday having already won the Calgary Marathon and the BMO Vancouver Marathon this year. Kangogo is the 2017 Canadian Half Marathon Champion and Deneke won the BMO Harris Bank AZ Marathon – his PB is 2:12. Dunfee, from Vancouver, was 4th in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and made headlines by not contesting a clash in the race that denied him a potential podium finish. Zimmer is the top seed in the women’s field. With a PB of 2:42 she was the top Canadian in this year’s Boston Marathon. Lee was third in the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon last year, and Dietz has medaled at the Seattle Marathon and Bellingham Bay Marathon.

The Half Marathon field sees Rob Watson from Vancouver back with a goal to better his second placing last year (1:09:55). With a PB of 1:03 he will have competition from Geoff Martinson (PB – 1:05) and Olympian Coolsaet. Coolsaet – Canada’s second fastest Marathoner – is coming off injury but has a PB of 1:02:42. Jim Finlayson is top master, with a personal best of 1:05:42 at the Comox Valley Half Marathon in 2005. Finlayson set the Canadian M45-49 half-marathon record in August in Reykjavik, Iceland in a time of 1:09:18. The women’s field is led by BC 1500 metre champion Sarah Inglis from Langley, who has a PB of 1:14:51. Lisa Brooking and Nicole Roberts, both with a PB of 1:16, are second and third seeds.

The men’s 8K field is led by Patrick Cheptoek from Uganda (PB of 22:54), followed by Alex Cameron from Portland (PB 24:44) and local Victoria athlete Thomas Riva with a PB of 25:05. Lindsay Carson, the 2016, 2015 and 2014 8K champion from Whitehorse, now residing in Burnaby, is returning to defend her 8K title. She won in 27:35 last year. She will be challenged by Kim Doerksen who won the 2014 BMO Vancouver Marathon, and has an 8K PB of 27:15 set in Victoria in 2014. Justine Stecko, from Victoria, who was second last year, will also be in contention.

For the ninth year in a row the event will host the BC Marathon Championships. The total prize purse for the High Performance Athlete Program in the Marathon and Half Marathon is $32,800, with $3,000 each going to the top male and female Marathoner, and a $4,000 bonus for a new men’s or women’s Marathon course record. The Men’s course record was set in 2013 by Lamech Mokono in 2:13:42 and the Women’s by Lucy Njeri in 2011 (2:37:56). Natasha Wodak-Fraser set the women’s Half Marathon record in 2012 (1:14:06). The Men’s Half Marathon record is held by Jon Brown (2002 – 1:02:32). Gary Barber holds the men’s 8K Road Race course record (1989 – 23:23), and Ulla Marquette holds the women’s record (1991 – 26:24). Two World Records have also been set in Victoria - Gwen McFarlan in 2010 in the W75-79 (4:02:27); and Betty Jean McHugh in the W80-99 in 2008 (4:35:52).

Over 8,000 have registered for the event so far which features the Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 8K Road Race and the Thrifty Foods Kids Run.

Late entries for the Marathon, Half Marathon, 8K, and the Thrifty Foods Kids Run are being accepted at the Race Expo, at the Victoria Conference Centre, from 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm on Friday, October 6, and 9:00 am – 6:00 pm on Saturday, October 7. There is no race day registration.

For more details visit www.runvictoriamarathon.com


Sarah Inglis and Geoff Martinson win the Under Armour Eastside 10K


September 18, 2017


http://canadarunningseries.com/2017/09/sarah-inglis-geoff-martinson-win-armour-eastside-10k/

 


Fast and Furious Action Expected at the Under Armour Eastside 10K


September 14, 2017


Close contests are anticipated when the BC Super Series resumes at the Under Armour Eastside 10K in Vancouver on Saturday morning. The Canada Running Series event also serves as the 2017 BC 10K Championship for added spice.

Rachel Cliff and Natasha Wodak will resume their local rivalry. Cliff leads 3-1 in their head-to-head races this year. But Wodak came out top in their most recent contest, at the World Track & Field Championships in London.

Mixing it with the BC duo will be a pair of Ontarians with equally good credentials. Canadian Marathon record holder Lanni Marchant and defending Eastside 10K champion Leslie Sexton will make for an intriguing west vs east competition.

And don’t count out Malindi Elmore. Like Cliff, Wodak and Marchant, a former Vancouver Sun Run champion, who more recently has successfully transitioned to triathlons.

In the absence of BC Super Series leader Hilary Stellingwerff, it’s likely that Wodak will take over top place in the series.

The mens race will largely be a BC affair. This years Vancouver Sun Run runner-up Geoff Martinson will start as favourite. But don’t ignore his BC Endurance Project colleagues Justin Kent, Kevin Coffey and Dylan Wykes.

The BC Super Series leader Theo Hunt is a late scratch, which should allow Martinson to take over the series lead.

Action gets underway at 8:30am, with a new start/finish on Cordova Street in Gastown. The race sold out with 2600 entries almost 3 weeks ago. Complete event information, http://canadarunningseries.com/vancouver-eastside-10k/

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC’s best road races. The 2017 series will conclude with the BC Marathon Championships at the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon on October 8. Complete series information, and current standing, http://www.bcathletics.org/BCSuperSeries/


Kangogo & Tessier Take Tactical Wins at 2017 Scotia Half


June 26, 2017


http://canadarunningseries.com/2017/06/svhm-2017-race-report/


Thomas Toth to face string field at Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon


June 21, 2017


http://canadarunningseries.com/2017/06/newcomer-thomas-toth-face-strong-field-scotiabank-vancouver-half-marathon/


Stacked Field for the 2017 BMO Vancouver Marathon and Half Marathon


May 04, 2017


http://bmovanmarathon.ca/invited-athletes 


Kenya’s Kipkoech beats headwind to win second Times Colonist 10K


May 01, 2017


http://www.timescolonist.com/sports/kenya-s-kipkoech-beats-headwind-to-win-second-times-colonist-10k-1.17671783 


Champions back to defend titles at TC10K


April 27, 2017


Sunday’s TC10K features a talented women’s field, chasing honours in the 5th race in the 2017 BC Super Series, and a number of returning Kenyans contesting the men's race.

Four-time defending champion Jane Murage of Kenya failed to finish last weekend’s Vancouver Sun Run, and will have her work cut out to claim a fifth title.

Challenging her will be in-form Dayna Pidhoresky of Vancouver, winner of last weekend’s Scotiabank Montreal Half Marathon, as well as last month’s Around The Bay 30K in Hamilton, where she beat Murage convincingly. Pidhoresky will be looking to improve her 10K PB of 33:35 set last year at the Vancouver Eastside 10K.

Another in-form athlete is last year’s runner-up and 2016 Canadian Half Marathon Champion, Emily Setlack of Cold Lake, AB, who ran a personal best to finish fourth at last weekend’s Vancouver Sun Run in 33:44.

Just behind Setlack at the Sun Run, and returning to fitness following foot surgery, Rio Olympian and Canadian 10,000m record holder Natasha Wodak, returns to the TC10K for the first time since winning in 2012.

Also returning is 2015 runner-up and last year’s third place finisher, Lindsey Scherf of the US. Scherf finished second at December’s Honolulu Marathon in 2:34.

Late entrant, and another Rio Olympian who placed 6th at the Sun Run, is Victoria based Hilary Stellingwerff.

Rounding out the elite women’s field is 4-time Sun Run masters champion Catherine Watkins.

Defending men’s champion Daniel Kipkoech of Kenya is the favourite for the men’s title. Since winning last year’s race Kipkoech has gone on to win the 2016 Vancouver and Victoria Marathons, the Calgary 10K and the Edmonton Half Marathon. Last weekend he finished 3rd at the Vancouver Sun Run in 29:54, and is preparing to defend his Vancouver Marathon title next weekend.

2013 Champion Paul Kimugul likely poses the greatest challenge, but Kimugul was only 8th at this year’s Sun Run, and placed 4th at last years TC10K.

Last years 3rd place finisher, Solomon Rotich, also of Kenya, is another returnee. But he was only 15th at this year's Vancouver Sun Run.

Local Nick Walker, who recently won the Island Race Series, may spoil a Kenyan sweep of the men's podium. While another local, Jim Finlayson, will defend his masters title.

The action gets underway from in front of the Empress Hotel at 8:00am Sunday, with the finish in front of the BC Legislature. Complete information at www.tc10k.ca


Vancouver Sun Run 2017: Elite runners bask in the warmth of their victory after a cool run in cloudy Vancouver


April 23, 2017


http://vancouversun.com/sun-run/vancouver-sun-run-2017-elite-runners-bask-in-the-warmth-of-their-victory-after-a-run-in-rainy-vancouver 


Sun Run gives elite 'walk stars' a pace of their own at start line


April 19, 2017


http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/sun-run-gives-elite-walk-stars-a-pace-of-their-own-at-start-line 


Sun Run: Elite men embrace race-day vibe, amazed by sheer numbers


April 19, 2017


http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/sun-run-elite-men-embrace-race-day-vibe-amazed-by-sheer-numbers


Elite Sun Run winner Rachel Cliff aims to improve on her first, victorious effort


April 19, 2017


http://vancouversun.com/sun-run/elite-sun-run-winner-rachel-cliff-aims-to-improve-on-her-first-victorious-effort


Proudfoot and Pidhoresky Prevail at St Patrick’s Day 5K


March 18, 2017


The competition lived up to the hype Saturday morning, as Ross Proudfoot edged Luc Bruchet in a photo-finish at the St Patrick’s Day 5K presented by BMO, second race in the 2017 BC Super Series. And Dayna Pidhoresky demonstrated she is fully recovered from injury, to outlast the rising stars.

On a cool, chill morning, no one was eager to set the pace into a headwind, despite the downhill start. Once the leaders turned onto Park Drive, late entrant Kevin Friesen took the initiative and upped the tempo, pulling a large pack behind him. Approaching the first mile, Ross Proudfoot surged to grab the $150 bonus offered by RunGo in 4:36, as 4 seconds covered the top 14.

Meanwhile the pre-race favourites for the womens title were locked in close combat, as Trinity Western University’s Regan Yee took the mile bonus in 5:01, a stride ahead of Hilary Stellingwerff, with Dayna Pidhoresky close behind.

Proudfoot was absorbed back into the pack, as slowly the top contenders emerged at the front, and the final kilometer back uphill to the Stanley Park Pavilion took a toll on those who went out too hard. Course record holder and defending champion Luc Bruchet kicked hard on the last incline, almost catching the Maserati pace car, and thought he had created enough of a gap rounding the final bend 40m before the finish. But Proudfoot was not done. And as Bruchet relaxed across the line Proudfoot caught him in the final strides to win by 10cm, as both ran 14:40. Consolation for Bruchet was victory in the BC Championship, for which the Ontarian was not eligible. An equally fast finishing Geoff Martinson was only a couple of strides back in 14:41.

Another blanket covered 4th to 6th places, as Kevin Coffey, 14:48, caught early leader Friesen, 14:49, in the final 10 meters, with TWU’s Nickolas Colyn just behind in 14:50. UBC’s Kieran Lumb wrapped up his final preparation for next weekends Junior World Cross Country Championship in 14:54. And Rob Watson was the last to duck under 15 minutes, by one second.

Pidhoresky used her course knowledge and endurance to her benefit, working hard on the uphill to open an unassailable gap on Yee, running out the Champion in 16:28 to Yee’s 16:34. Surprise came in the form of SFU’s Rebecca Bassett taking third place in 16:49. For both Yee and Bassett this was their first serious road race, but likely won’t be their last.

Stellingwerff struggled towards the end, but held on for fourth place in 17:01. Robyn Mildren, who outsprinted Sabrina Wilkie by one second over 10K two weeks ago, repeated the feat as they clocked 17:08 and 17:09. Kirsten Lee, daughter of former Canadian 10,000m record holder Sue Lee, took seventh in 17:16, just ahead of top master Catherine Watkins in 17:18.

Canadian Masters Cross Country Champion Jerry Ziak was first master, finishing 17th overall in 15:47. Other notable age group winners included Mark Bennett, 17:15 M55; Jillian Fong, 18:05 F50 (BC record); Thelma Wright, 22:57 F65 (tied BC record); and Lenore Montgomery, 37:00 F85.

The depth of competition was as impressive as usual, with 40 men under 17 minutes, and 40 women under 20 minutes.

Complete results: https://www.startlinetiming.com/en/races/2017/stpat/event/5K


Track Stars to Duel on the Roads at St Patrick’s Day 5K


March 16, 2017


(Vancouver, BC – March 16, 2017) Two intriguing head-to-head contests featuring Rio Olympians will highlight Saturday’s St Patrick’s Day 5K presented by BMO, the 2017 BC 5K Championship and the second race in the BC Super Series.

Defending champion Luc Bruchet will renew his rivalry with Ross Proudfoot in the title bout. Last summer both were chasing Olympic 5000m qualification, with Bruchet going on to represent Canada, while Proudfoot had to watch from home. Since then Proudfoot has relocated from Guelph to Victoria, and rebounded to win the Canadian Cross Country Championships in the fall with Bruchet second. Most recently Proudfoot edged Bruchet by a second over 3000m indoors in February, while Bruchet won the first race in the BC Super Series, the Harriers Pioneer 8K. This will be their first match-up on the roads, and could lead to an improvement of Bruchet’s course record of 14:22.

The women’s contest pitches experience against young talent. Two-time Olympian Hilary Stellingwerff will be up against Trinity Western University star Regan Yee. Stellingwerff, who retired from the track after representing Canada in the 1500m at the last two Olympics, has transitioned to the roads. She was runner-up to St Patrick’s Day course record holder Rachel Cliff at the Harriers Pioneer 8K. Cliff will be absent this year, as she competes at the New York City Half Marathon on Sunday. Yee took second place last weekend at the USports 3000m Indoor Championships, and is the NACAC U23 3000m Steeplechase Champion. Their only previous head-to-head was at the 2015 BC Cross Country Championships, where Stellingwerff came out top over 6K.

Looking to spoil the party will be a host of other talent. 2014 Champion Geoff Martinson is the former St Patrick’s Day 5K course record holder. UBC freshman Kieran Lumb will use the race as a final tune-up to next weekend’s IAAF World Junior Cross Country Championships in Uganda, having won the NACAC regional Championship two weeks ago. Declan White is another TWU star, coming off last weekend’s USports Championships. UVic freshman Josh Kozelj won the Bazan Bay 5K two weeks ago. And never count out the experience of Rob Watson, 2015 PanAm Games marathoner.

On the women’s side, last years runner-up Dayna Pidhoresky will return to racing for the first time since last October’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Last years third place Erica Digby was only two seconds behind Yee over 3000m indoors this winter. Lindsay Carson, a Canadian cross country international, will make the trip down from Whitehorse. And Catherine Watkins, another 2015 PanAm Games marathoner, is always in the mix.

While the serious athletes may have the BC Championship as their goal, many more will come dressed in costume, and will stay for the Irish themed after-party. Proceeds from the event benefit Diabetes Canada.

The lead runners will be chasing a Maserati pace car, courtesy of Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver. The race starts at 9:30am on Pipeline Drive, and circles around Brockton Point, before finishing back up Pipeline to the Stanley Park Pavilion.

Complete race information at http://www.stpatricks5k.com/

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC’s best road races, http://www.bcathletics.org/BCSuperSeries/. The next event is the Vancouver Sun Run 10K on April 23.


2017 BC Super Series to score 4 from 11 races


February 07, 2017


Despite the unfortunate but necessary cancellation of the "First Half" Half Marathon, awards for the 2017 BC Super Series will still be based on best 4 scores. 

However, special recognition will now be given to anyone completing 7 or more races, rather than the previous 8 required.


Women’s Record a Target at the “First Half” – February 5


February 01, 2017


(Vancouver, BC – January 31, 2017) The 28th edition of the Pacific Road Runners “First Half” Half Marathon on February 5th will see Olympians and Pan Am Games medalists up against international competition in the second race in the 2017 BC Super Series, a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC’s best road races. Keen competition is anticipated in both the men’s and women’s races, with the women’s event record under threat if conditions are favourable.

Headlining the women’s field is a quintet of Canadian talent.

  • Rachel Cliff (Vancouver, BC) ran a 5000m qualifying time for Rio, but was unfortunate not to be selected to the team. She was the Vancouver Sun Run champion in 2014.
  • Rachel Hannah (Guelph, ON) won bronze at the 2015 Pan Am Games, and was Canada’s fastest marathoner in 2016 (2:32:09).
  • Hilary Stellingwerff (Victoria, BC) did represent Canada in Rio at the 1500m. Now retired from track competition, she is turning her attention to the roads.
  • Emily Setlack (Cold Lake, AB) was the 2016 Canadian Half Marathon Champion.
  • Melanie Myrand (Montreal, QC) has the Quebec provincial half marathon record of 1:14:51 as her goal.

Breaking the event record of 1:12:47, set by Tina Connelly in 2004 would result in a $1500 bonus for the winner. Connelly will be back as a masters competitor, where the race will feature 2016 Portland Marathon Champion Kate Landau (Tacoma, WA) and 2015 Pan Am Games marathoner Catherine Watkins (Vancouver, BC).

Dylan Wykes (Vancouver, BC), who set the men’s record of 1:04:21 in 2012 prior to the London Olympics, returns in an attempt to win the race for a record fourth time. His competition includes his Mile2Marathon Coaching colleagues Rob Watson (Vancouver, BC), a two time former winner and runner-up last year; and Kevin Coffey (Vancouver, BC) who finished third last year. Challenges to the local dominance will come in the form of Norberto Abad (Mexico) who has represented his country in the World Mountain Running Championships on multiple occasions; and Brian Masterson (Seattle, WA) 2016 Bellingham Bay Half Marathon Champion.

Three-time masters winner and 1:07:03 course record holder Jim Finlayson (Victoria, BC) will return again, but will find tough competition in the form of Canadian Masters Cross Country Champion, Jerry Ziak (Vancouver, BC).

The oldest competitors will be 82 year olds’ Gwen McFarlan from Richmond, who has set a number of world age best performances; and Roger Roufosse from Surrey.

For many the “First Half” has become an annual tradition. Henny Coates of Vancouver has completed the race 23 times, and three time winner and former Olympian Art Boileau has completed 20 First Halfs. “Everyone has their personal goals and motivations for doing the race”, says this year’s race director Terry Bushnell. “The goal of the Pacific Road Runners is to provide a top class competition for runners of all abilities, and use the proceeds to benefit the local community”.

Proceeds from the event benefit Variety - The Children’s Charity.  The 51st Show of Hearts Telethon takes place on February 12. This year’s “First Half” contribution will take total donations past $750,000 since 1995.

Starting and finishing at the Roundhouse Community Centre, the route includes a circuit of the Stanley Park seawall. The race gets underway at 8:30am, with a loop around BC Place, before heading out to Stanley Park. The winners will return to the Roundhouse shortly after 9:30am. The race sold out in under 72 hours last November, and has attracted entrants from seven Provinces and seven States, as well as from Australia, Brazil, Ireland and Mexico.

Additional information on the event website: www.pacificroadrunners.ca/firsthalf

Complete elite field here: www.pacificroadrunners.ca/firsthalf/2017-elite-field/

Pacific Road Runners (PRR) is a recreational running club, with members interested in leading a fit and active lifestyle combined with social events; meeting Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the False Creek Community Centre on Granville Island. 


Inaugural BC Super Series Wraps Up at GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon


October 07, 2016


The 12 race BC Super Series, that kicked off on the Island in January with the Harriers Pioneer 8K, will conclude down the road on Sunday at the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon. Sunday’s race also serves as the 2016 BC Marathon Championship.

Although the series leads, held by Rob Watson and Dayna Pidhoresky, are unlikely to change, keen competition can still change some of the minor placings. Watson will be in Victoria, but racing the half marathon, not the full marathon distance.

Sabrina Wilkie, currently occupying third place in the rankings, will make her marathon debut. And Cheryl Pepin, who has only run three series races so far, could move into the top half dozen overall. But favourite for the BC Championship title is former winner Catrin Jones.

On the mens side, Drew Nicholson is the highest ranked of those taking part, and could move up into the top 10. But the battle for the BC Championship is more likely to be between Bryan Andrews and defending BC Marathon champion Oliver Utting.  

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC's best road races, which bring the best athletes in BC together in competition, and encourage participation from all abilities. Complete series details at www.bcathletics.org/BCSuperSeries/


Rain can't dampen great competition at Eastside 10K and BC Championships


September 17, 2016


In conditions more suited to cross country running than road racing, Ontarians Eric Gillis and Leslie Sexton upstaged the locals at the Vancouver Eastside 10K Saturday morning, held in west coast liquid sunshine.

Guelph resident Eric Gillis demonstrated early that he’s recovered quickly from his 10th place finish in last months Olympic marathon, and will be ready to roll at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon next month. After an opening kilometre run in 3:03, Gillis maintained that tempo and opened a gap on the chasing group to pass halfway in 15:13. Only Justin Kent seemed interested in giving chase, and between 5K and 8K he gradually reduced the gap until he was almost on Gillis’ shoulder. But Gillis clearly had more left in the tank, as he was able to increase the pace over the final two kilometres to come home the winner in 30:16.

Kent had the consolation of winning the BC 10K Championship in 30:26 in his first race at the distance, which bodes well for the future. Behind him, Geoff Martinson, last years Eastside champion, took third place overall in 30:43. And recent Ontario transplant to BC, Kevin Coffey, rounded out the BC Championship awards in fourth, in 31:01.

In contrast, London’s Leslie Sexton bided her time before moving to the front and taking the victory in 33:17. The early pace was set by Dayna Pidhoresky, who was closely tracked by Natasha Wodak. Pidhoresky passed halfway in 16:33, with Wodak 5m behind, and Sexton a further 40m back. But like Gillis, Sexton ran a negative split, catching the leaders before the Dunsmuir Viaduct, and then running away from them to record a new PB.

Pidhoresky was able to maintain her lead over Olympian and reigning Eastside champion Wodak, and was rewarded with a PB of 33:35 in taking the BC Championship. Wodak took third in 33:42. While Natasha Labeaud completed the Championship podium.

Top masters were Edmonton’s Brian Stewart and Vancouver’s Jillian Fong.

In addition to the BC Championship, the Vancouver Eastside 10K was also the 11th race in the BC Super Series. With her 10K PB, Pidhoresky extended her lead in the Series. While Rob Watson held on to his lead, as Kevin Coffey halved it to just two points. The final race in the BC Super Series is the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon on October 9.

Complete Championship results, and BC Super Series rankings updates, will be posted in the next few days. Race results here: https://www.sportstats.ca/display-results.xhtml?raceid=40520


Rio Stars Spice Up the BC 10K Championship


September 14, 2016


After a brief summer hiatus, the BC Super Series returns on Saturday with the sold out Vancouver Eastside 10K, incorporating the BC 10K Championship. And what a race is in prospect, with some of Canada’s brightest stars from Rio headlining the competition. The 4th year Canada Running Series event has quickly established itself as one of BC’s premier fall races.  

Guelph’s 3-time Olympian Eric Gillis, who placed an outstanding 10th in the Rio Marathon, returns to Vancouver for the third time this year, having won both the “First Half” Half Marathon and the Vancouver Sun Run 10K in the spring. Having recovered quickly from his Olympic exertions, Gillis will be running the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon next month, with the Canadian record as his goal.

Over the shorter 10K distance Gillis will have to show the speed that won him the Canadian 10,000m Championship this summer, as his competition features a wealth of local talent including defending Eastside champion Geoff Martinson, and the inaugural winner Dylan Wykes. Rob Watson leads the BC Super Series, but only by 4 points over Kevin Coffey, and both will be racing Saturday. Others to watch include Justin Kent and Theo Hunt, who placed 5th and 8th at last weekend’s Canadian 5K Championship in Toronto.

The women’s race features local Olympian Natasha Wodak, who placed 22nd in the 10,000m final in under 32 minutes. Wodak is the defending Eastside champion, having won last year in a course record 33:04. Challenging her will be last years runner-up and the BC Super Series leader Dayna Pidhoresky, who took 4th place at last weekend’s Canadian 5K Championship, as well as 2014 Eastside champion Natasha Labeaud. Also in contention will be top master Catherine Watkins and Sabrina Wilkie, lying 2nd and 3rd in the BC Super Series.

From out of province, Ontario’s Leslie Sexton and Yukon’s Lindsay Carson should mix it up with those seeking the BC Championship title.

One other Rio star will also be competing. Evan Dunfee, who came agonizingly close to medalling in the 50K race walk, is unlikely to make the podium Saturday. But he could walk the distance in around 40 minutes, which would likely see only 100 or so runners finish quicker than him.

Jerry Ziak, Kevin O’Connor and Craig Odermatt should have another close battle for the mens masters title.

The Eastside 10K gets under way on Dunsmuir Street at Beatty at 8:30am, heading east across the Viaduct before looping back for a circuit of Gastown, and then returning back to the start. If the mens or womens winner returns in under 29:18 or 33:04 respectively, they will win a $500 course record bonus on top of $1800 for the overall win, and $600 for the BC Championship.

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC's best road races, which bring the best athletes in BC together in competition, and encourage participation from all abilities. The Eastside 10K is also the final race in the Lifestages Lower Mainland Series. The finale of the inaugural BC Super Series is in 4 weeks time, at the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon, also incorporating the BC Marathon Championship. Complete series details at www.bcathletics.org/BCSuperSeries/


Kelowna set to welcome the BC Super Series


July 01, 2016


The BC Super Series visits the Okanagan for its tenth event this weekend, as the Kelowna Running Club presents the Fresh Air Midsummer 8K, incorporating the 2016 BC 8K Championship. The race is also the seventh event in the Canadian Tire Interior Road Race Series.

The race has attracted entries from across BC, from Prince George to Victoria, as well as strong representation from the Lower Mainland and Alberta.

Local athlete Brad Bickley, winner of multiple local races, may find more competition than he is accustomed to, as Nic Browne of Vancouver, currently lying ninth in the BC Super Series rankings, can be expected to vie for the Championship title.

In the women’s contest, Jessica Kaiser from Cochrane, AB, who placed 45th at last years World Mountain Running Championships, will present a challenge to the locals, led by Stephanie Trenholm, as well as Coquitlam’s Olivia Willett, the top rookie in the BC Super Series rankings.

The Okanagan is home to many of BC’s best masters road runners, and most will be present on Sunday. Entries include Liz Borrett, Diane Leonard, Cindy Rhodes, Roly Muller and Sergio Pio, as well as David Guss from Calgary.

A number of the masters will also be competing at the BC Masters Track Field Championships, taking place all weekend at the Apple Bowl, in conjunction with the Jack Brow meet.

The Fresh Air Midsummer 8K gets underway at 8:00am Sunday morning from Gyro Park, and follows an out and back course close to the lake shore. Shorter distance races for under 12s follow the main event.

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC's best road races, which bring the best athletes in BC together in competition, and encourage participation from all abilities.

The BC Super Series will take a short summer break following this event, before reconvening on September 17 at the Vancouver Eastside 10K, which also serves as the BC 10K Championship.


Kip Kangogo runs to victory, marking his fifth win at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon


June 27, 2016


VANCOUVER, BC – (June 26, 2016) – Over 6,500 people took part in the 18th annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k on Sunday, June 26. The event raised more than $860,000 and counting for 81 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. This amount is a significant contribution to the $50 million raised nationally in the lifetime of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge since its inception in 2003.

Race day saw momentous victories on a sunny Vancouver morning as runners brought their best to the scenic course, stretching from UBC to Stanley Park. Kenyan-born Kip Kangogo of Lethbridge, Alberta owned today’s race, as he has since his Canadian debut in 2009, leading the men’s pack and winning his fifth Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon in eight years with a time of 01:07:03. Kenya’s Pius Kipsang Korir followed in second place, with Kangogo’s fellow Kenyan Canadian, Willy Kimosop in third for the men’s event.

Romanian born American, Adriana Nelson came to Vancouver looking for a half-marathon win, and led the women’s pack from the beginning. She ran to victory three minutes clear of second place, Lindsay Tessier from Toronto.

“We would like to congratulate all of the runners in the 2016 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k, especially those who participated in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge and ran for causes close to their hearts,” said Winnie Leong, Senior Vice President of the BC and Yukon Region at Scotiabank. “This marks a special year for the race here in Vancouver. With the support of the local community, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge reached a fundraising total of $860,000 and counting – helping to take our national fundraising even further past the $50 million national fundraising milestone achieved this past week.”

The race also saw record-breaking moments as Jason Cole and Rand Surbey broke the Guinness World Record for fastest half-marathon pushing a wheelchair. The powerhouse duo had a strong finish in the race and in their fundraising efforts, raising over $15,000 for the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. The Scotiabank Charity Challenge also saw a record broken as Cassie and Friends Society raised over $120,000 this year, surpassing the most a charity has raised through the Challenge in Vancouver, annually.

“Today we saw residents of Vancouver and surrounding areas unite in an inspiring way – from talented runners to dedicated supporters cheering on race participants, we witnessed a great deal of athleticism, philanthropy and community spirit,” said Clif Cunningham, Canada Running Series Western Race Director. “With the combination of outstanding running achievements and hundreds of thousands of dollars raised for local charities here in BC, we couldn’t have asked for a better day.” 

Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k Results:

Half-Marathon Results 

Half-Marathon Male              

  1. Kip Kangogo – Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada                                  TIME : 01:07:03
  2. Pius Kipsang Korir–  Kenya                                                            TIME : 01:07:29
  3. Willy Kimosop – Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada                                TIME : 01:08:11

Half-Marathon Female                      

  1. Adriana Nelson – Boulder, Colorado, USA                                    TIME : 01:14:35
  2. Lyndsay Tessier – Toronto, Ontario, Canada                                TIME : 01:17:30
  3. Robyn Mildren – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada               TIME : 01:18:55

5k Results

5k Male                       

  1. Alistair Kealty – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada                 TIME : 17:07
  2. Dorian Baysset – Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada                    TIME : 17:56
  3. Samuel Yeung – Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada                TIME : 19:28

5k Female                   

  1. Olivia, Willett – Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada                   TIME : 18:57
  2. Carina Blafield – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada               TIME : 20:12
  3. Hannah Ye – Leesburg, Virginia, USA                                           TIME : 20:22

 To see a list of charities involved in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visit the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k website.

 For more highlights and complete race results, please visit: www.vancouverhalf.com


International Flavour to the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon


June 22, 2016


The ninth event in the 2016 BC Super Series brings athletes from Alberta and Ontario, as well as Americans and Kenyans, to race the locals from UBC to Stanley Park on Sunday morning at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon.

Adriana Nelson from Colorado, making her first visit to Vancouver, will be the favourite for the women’s title. The former Romanian, who became a US citizen in 2011, placed 12th at the US Olympic Marathon trials earlier this year in 2:38:56, and has a half marathon best of 1:11:09.

A tight race for second is likely to feature Lyndsay Tessier from Toronto, and locals Sabrina Wilkie and Robyn Mildren. Mildren beat Wilkie by one second at the recent BlueShore Financial Longest Day 5K, so Wilkie will undoubtedly be seeking to reverse that, and by completing her fourth race in the BC Super Series is likely to move into the top 3 in the standings.

Melanie Kassel from Chilliwack, who was top master at the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon, should claim that award again on Sunday.

The men’s race is harder to predict. Rob Watson, the BC Super Series leader, has not been training as intensely since the Virgin Money London Marathon in April, but his competitive instincts will undoubtedly kick in once the gun fires. Kip Kangogo from Lethbridge has won the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon four times previously, most recently in 2013. He was top Canadian at the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon four weeks ago, which may take the edge off his performance this year. Kenyan Pius Kipsang Korir took fourth place at the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon. Another to watch is Blair Johnston, the reigning BC 10K Champion, who will be making his half marathon debut.

An intriguing masters contest is also in prospect, as Jerry Ziak turned 40 only days ago, and will be set to challenge Jim Finlayson for that title.

The race gets underway at 7:30am Sunday morning on UBC’s East Mall. After looping around the university campus it follows the waterfront along Spanish Banks, through Kits and across Burrard Bridge. The winner will break the tape at Second Beach shortly after 8:30am.

In addition to being the 9th race in the BC Super Series, the event is also part of the Canada Running Series and the Lower Mainland Road Race Series, and is a fund raiser for over 70 charities.

Complete event information can be found at http://www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm

The 10th race in the BC Super Series follows in a weeks time at the Fresh Air Midsummer 8K in Kelowna on July 3, which also serves as the 2016 BC 8K Championship.


World Age Best for Lenore Montgomery at the BlueShore Financial Longest Day 5K


June 13, 2016


Apart from the unexpected appearance of a vehicle as the race was about to start, the BlueShore Financial Longest Day Road Race went very much to plan at UBC on Friday evening. The forecast thunder showers never materialized. The new course proved to be fast. The race favourites emerged the winners. And the post race barbeque and entertainment was as good as ever.

The most outstanding performance of the 8th race in the BC Super Series belonged to 86 year old Lenore Montgomery. At last years race she set an F8589 world age best time of 36:11. Just last week she lowered that time to 35:13 at the Sandcastle Classic. And on Friday night she improved that mark again, running a remarkable 34:56.

The race was notable for the performances of masters, or soon to be masters. Catherine Watkins missed her PB by a single second in winning the women's race in 16:55. Not far behind, Robyn Mildren out-sprinted Sabrina Wilkie for second, clocking 17:19 and 17:20 respectively.

Jerry Ziak, running his final race before turning 40, was the overall 5K race winner in 15:47. Canadian Masters Cross Country champion Craig Odermatt made the trip over from Victoria to finish second in 16:19. And Kirill Solovyev completed the podium in 16:36.

Both Ziak and Watkins completed their fourth race in the BC Super Series, and will move into the top-5 of the series rankings. 

Complete series rankings will be updated in the next few days. In the meantime the race results can be found here

The next race in the BC Super Series is the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon, from UBC to Stanley Park, on Sunday, June 26.


BC Super Series Resumes Friday at the BlueShore Financial Longest Day 5K


June 09, 2016


After a brief hiatus the BC Super Series resumes Friday evening with the eighth race, the BlueShore Financial Longest Day 5K at UBC, hosted by the Vancouver Thunderbirds. Also the seventh race in the regional Lifestages Lower Mainland Series.

Favourites are Catherine Watkins, second last year, and Jerry Ziak, third last year. Both have only run three BC Super Series races to date, so wins on Friday will undoubtedly move them to the fore in the series rankings where an individual’s best four results score. Neither of the current series leaders, Dayna Pidhoresky and Rob Watson, is expected to race. And a number of other series contenders are focused on track competition for the summer.

But victory will not come easy. Sabrina Wilkie has been steadily returning to form this year. And Robyn Mildren, who won the Whistler 10K outright last weekend, may also challenge. On the men’s side, Ziak’s competition will include Canadian Masters Cross Country Champion Craig Odermatt, and Chris Napier who lies immediately behind Odermatt in the rankings after 7 races.

In the rookie of the year rankings, open to anyone under 25, Olivia Willett will hope to consolidate her lead, fresh off of winning silver and bronze medals at the BC High Schools Track & Field Championships.

In the masters age graded rankings, Anthony Skuce will also be looking to strengthen his hold on the top spot. Further up the age groups, Lenore Montgomery ran an F8589 world age best at this race last year, and is capable of improving her time this year.

Of the seven people who share the lead in series participation by having completed five of the previous races, five are expected to complete their sixth race Friday.

The BlueShore Financial Longest Day 5K gets underway at 7:05pm on Friday at UBC Thunderbird Stadium, and will be followed by the usual popular barbeque, plus live entertainment by the Richard Reichert Band.

The ninth race in the BC Super Series follows in two weeks time, with the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon on June 26.

Complete series details at www.bcathletics.org/BCSuperSeries/


Local and international winners create excitement in celebration of 45 year history


May 03, 2016


Top local and international BC athletes competed at the 45th year of the Vancouver Marathon and BC Half Marathon Championships with top times from runners out of Kenya, Ethiopia, the United States, and Canada.

The overall Marathon champions were Kenya’s Daniel Kipkoech with a time of 2:21:04, and Ethiopia’s Hirut Guangul, who finished with a time of 2:39:52. Both Elite Athletes came back to win after placing second last year.

“This is a beautiful course. I like the fans, the people are so nice,” says Kipkoech of the BMO Vancouver Marathon. “They motivate me. I like their cheering, it’s a very good thing. They give us energy after 42 kilometers.”

Local Canadians and international Elite Athletes battled for the other podium spots in the historic 45th year of the Marathon.

In the men’s Marathon, Ethiopian Habteselassa Lemma Gemechu took second this year in a time of 2:23:34. British Columbia’s Ryan Day took home third-place, and was the top Canadian with a time of 2:36:45.

Chief of the Bonaparte Indian Band, Secwepemc Nation, Day ran the race alongside fellow BC Elite Athletes Oliver Utting and Graeme Wilson before breaking away around Siwash Rock in Stanley Park.

“It’s a beautiful course,” adds Day. “The cheering is awesome. I know lots of people here. It’s good to get out, run hard, and healthy.”

American runner Allison Macsas claimed second in the women’s Marathon with a time of 2:42:07, and North Vancouver’s Ellie Greenwood was third in 2:45:21.

In the BC Half Marathon Championships, Langley’s Lisa Brooking won the women’s division with a time of 1:16:03. “It was fabulous. It was such a beautiful day, great course, good crowds,” says Brooking. “It’s definitely one of my favourite Half Marathons, just because of the scenery, and it really showcases Vancouver well… the time just passes, the kilometers just kind of click by.”

Vancouver’s Neasa Coll and Chilliwack's Melanie Kassel took home second and third at the women’s BC Half Marathon Championships with respective times of 1:19:15 and 1:23:55. Jane Murage of Kenya clocked in at 1:14:41 to take the overall women’s Half Marathon title.

On the men’s side, Terence Attema, 26, of Abbotsford won the men’s BC Half Marathon Championships with a time of 1:07:02. Jim Finlayson, 43, of Victoria pushed through to second place with a stunning performance of 1:09:54, and Jeremiah Ziak of Vancouver took home third-place with 1:11:05.

Kenyan Paul Kimugul was the overall winner of the Half Marathon at 1:05:01. At the Finish Line, the African embraced his two-year old daughter Lynn, named after the event’s Elite Athlete coordinator, in a nice celebration of his third BMO Vancouver Half Marathon championship title.

Still winning after 45 years, Tom Howard, the first-ever Marathon winner in 1972, 1973 and 1974, took home first in his age category of 65-69 with a time of 36:42 in the 8KM.

“It was a celebration of history, and of amazing regional athletes, recognizing both the 45th year of the Vancouver Marathon and the BC Half Marathon Championships,” says Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society, the non-profit organization responsible for annually organizing the world-class event.

“Local, regional and international athletes performed for thousands of raving fans around the city to clock podium finishes at the electric downtown Finish Line under blue skies and sunshine.”

“Everyone who crossed that Finish Line is winner,” adds Krepiakevich. “Congratulations and thank you to all for making this another successful event.”


Kipkoech, Murage claim TC 10K titles


April 24, 2016


For her 29th birthday Sunday, Jane Murage received a brand-new watch, a surprise rendition of Happy Birthday from organizers and friends of the Times Colonist 10K Race and many congratulatory mentions from fans along the route on a cool, cloudy morning.

Oh yeah, the Kenyan police officer also received the top prize of $2,000 for claiming her fourth straight TC 10K victory, a feat that's never been accomplished by either a male or female competitor over the 27-year history of the run.

Murage completed the course in 33 minutes and 45 seconds, just two seconds ahead of hard-charging Emily Setlack of Cold Lake, Alta. who, as the top Canadian, added a $1,000 bonus to her $1,000 runner-up finish.

Lindsey Scherf of Mountain View, Calif., was third in 34:20, ahead of Lenah Jerotich of Kenya (34:45) and Victoria’s own Lucy Smith, fifth in 35:59. Smith — a six-time winner of the event, but never with four in a row — did top the masters’ women’s field on this day.

Daniel Kipkoech led a field of top six Kenyans on the men’s side in a time of 29 minutes and 42 seconds, ahead of Christopher Cheruiyot (29:48), Solomon Rotich (30:05), Paul Kimugul (30:06), Leonard Kipkoech (30:46) and Willy Kimosop (31:15). Shoayb Bascal, of the UVic Vikes, was the top Canadian in seventh in 31:21.

“This is like the best day of my life. Winning this day is just like a present to me,” said Murage, who broke away from the pack about eight kilometers in. “I felt good because it was my birthday and I wanted to win.

“I love this race,” added the smiling Murage, who calls the TC 10K her favourite run in North America. “I love Victoria. I love the people and I heard my name, ‘Go Jane, go.’ It’s just perfect. The cheering -—people calling out my name, ‘Jane, Jane, Jane’ — I felt strong.”

As did Setlack, who opted to run without a watch to keep pace of her time.

“I really surprised myself. I didn’t think I was capable of doing that,” said Setlack, who improved her personal best, which she had previously recorded at last week’s Vancouver Sun Run, by 15 seconds. “I really just raced and kept my eyes in front of me.

“I remained there neck-and-neck with the group, but Jane is a very talented runner and she took off in the last two kilometres. I managed to come back, though,” said Setlack, who now focuses on the Canadian half-marathon championship in Calgary at the end of May.

There was also a sprint for third among the men as Rotich managed to overtake Kimugul just at the finish line.

“I found that my pace was not comfortable [early],” said Rotich, who moved up from fifth.

The Kenyans were in a pack for the first five kilometres and it was at the six-kilometre mark, along a windy Dallas Road, that it broke apart with Kipkoech, Kimugul and Cheruiyot leading the way until Rotich legged out the last stretch.

“Coming back was very windy, too much wind [on Dallas Road],” said the men’s champion, Daniel Kipkoech, who won the Goodlife Victoria marathon in 2014 and 2015 and finished sixth last week at the Vancouver Sun Run. “Today, I’m happy because last week, I made a mistake.

“Today was a tactical race and I pushed the last two kilometres. That was my plan and it worked and that’s why I am so happy. Last week, I ran the first 2K too quick and the last 5K I was finished, so today I made a different plan.
“I just said, ‘Let me wait for my time to go.’ I told myself to be patient and then go,” added Kipkoech, who was running the TC 10K for the first time.

In other notable finishes, Victoria’s Jim Finlayson topped the men’s masters field at 32:07, three seconds back of UVic’s Ben Weir who was third among the Canadian men behind his Vikes teammate Bascal and Terence Attema of Abbotsford. Attema was eighth overall and Weir 10th.

Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell was the first to cross the line on the day in the wheelchair race in an unofficial 28:20.

A total of 9.474 racers began the day, including 936 in the Thrifty Foods Family Run. Final numbers on how many finished were not available at press time.

The total prize money was $13,500 with $2,000 to the men’s and women’s winners, $1,000 for second, $500 for third, $250 for fourth and $125 for fifth. Top Canadians earned $1,000.

mannicchiarico@timescolonist.com

 


International Fields Set For TC10K


April 21, 2016


Victoria will be the stage for race six of the BC Super Series on Sunday, as a number of the top finishers from last weeks Vancouver Sun Run seek redemption at the TC10K.

Jane Murage (KEN) returns to defend her hat-trick of victories, having placed third at the Sun Run. To succeed she will undoubtedly have to be close to the event record of 32:54, as she will be challenged by Lindsay Scherf (USA), Emily Setlack (CAN) and Lenah Jerotich (KEN), who were close behind Murage at the Sun Run in fourth, fifth and sixth places respectively. Setlack will be favourite to finish top Canadian following her 34:02 PB last week. Top BC honours are likely to go to ageless Lucy Smith, 6-time winner of the event, and top master.

The mens race is likely to be a Kenyan sweep, but the order on the podium may come down to the tape. Christopher Cheruiyot took second place at the Sun Run, just ahead of 2013 TC10K champion Paul Kimugul. Last years runner up Leornard Kipkoech also returns. And so too does the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon champion Daniel Kipkoech, and another former TC10K champion Willy Kimosop. Top Canadian and BC honours are also likely to be closely contested between Terence Attema (recently moved to BC from ON), UVic stars Shoayb Bascal and Ben Weir, and Jim Finlayson who took the honours last year, as well as finishing top master.

Complete event details at www.tc10k.ca

 


Rio Bound Canadians Triumph at the Vancouver Sun Run


April 19, 2016


Canada Day came early on April 17 as Lanni Marchant, Eric Gillis and Tristan Smyth triumphed over international competition at the 2016 Vancouver Sun Run.

Recaps of their races here:

Lanni Marchant fulfills wish list with Sun Run win

Eric Gillis tries to pad Rio resume by winning second Sun Run men's title

Tristan Smyth wins Sun Run wheelchair division in a breeze

Top BC finishers were Geoff Martinson and Dayna Pidhoresky. Rob Watson, who was absent preparing for the London Marathon, retains his lead atop of the men's BC Super Series rankings. And Pidhoresky takes over top spot in the women's rankings. Complete series rankings will be updated shortly.

Complete Vancouver Sun Run results can be found here.

Video of the top finishers here, thanks to Rick Horne.

 

 


Trevor Hofbauer and Rachel Cliff win Modo Spring Run-Off 8K


March 20, 2016


VANCOUVER. March 20th, 2016. Trevor Hofbauer and Rachel Cliff recorded convincing victories ahead of more than 1,100 runners at Sunday’s Modo Spring Run-Off 8K in Stanley Park. Participants were drawn from 5 provinces and six countries.  The event was “Opening Day” for Canada Running Series 2016, the country’s #1 running circuit, as well as race #4 for the BC Super Series.  It was also an important fundraiser for the Music Heals Foundation.   

Vancouver-based, Rob Watson came in second place with a time of 24:10.  Rob used the run as a hard training day en route to next weekend’s IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff, Wales and then on to the London Marathon in April where he needs to post a “do or die” time better than 2:12:50 in order to qualify for this summer’s Olympic Marathon.  Vancouver’s Kevin Friesen was third with a time of 24:28

“It was a fun day out there,” Said Hofbauer, “The competition was really strong and the weather held up great.  Three of us stuck together for most of the race until the 7K mark where I got away from the group.  I was able to hold them off for the final 1K”

On the women’s side, Rachel Cliff led from Start to Finish to notch a decisive victory. She continued her strong Spring form; coming off a personal best and Course Record time at the St. Patrick’s Day 5K last weekend (16:05), she broke the tape today in 26:47.  Dayna Pidhoresky, also from Vancouver, came in second place at 28:00 and Neasa Coll finished third with a time of 29:44.  Rachel was able to take over the lead in the BC Super Series by winning the 4th event on the calendar.  Rob Watson consolidated his lead in the series with his second place finish.

“I felt really strong today and wanted to be smooth.” said Cliff, ”I kept pace with a group of the guys and then 3 of us took off around the 3K mark.  I split up and held on for the win during the last 1K.”

Participants today ran in support of Music Heals, who raise awareness for Music Therapy programs across Canada.  More than $4,200 was raised for the Charity with fundraising open to April 3rd.   

 “We were thrilled with the turnout today and the quality of the competition,” said Canada Running Series President Alan Brookes, “What a way to launch into Spring.  We want to thank everyone for making this event such a success.  We are very proud to open Canada’s running series in the world’s most beautiful park. Special thanks to the City of Vancouver and Parks Board for allowing us to race here”.

Canada Running Series now moves to Toronto for the sister event, the Race Roster Spring Run Off 8K in High Park on April 9th. It will return to Vancouver on June 26 for Scotiabank Vancouver Half-marathon, race #9 in the BC Super Series. Meanwhile the BC Super Series resumes on April 17 with the Vancouver Sun Run.

Modo Spring Run Off 8K Male:   

  1. Trevor Hafbauer                          23:48
  2. Rob Watson                                   24:10
  3. Kevin Friesen                                24:28

Modo Spring Run Off 8K Female:

  1. Rachel Cliff                                     26:47
  2. Dayna Pidhoresky                       28:00
  3. Neasa Coll                                      29:44

Complete results can be found at www.springrunoff.ca   

BC Super Series rankings will be updated as soon as complete results are confirmed.


Internationals Lining Up at the Modo Spring Run-Off 8K


March 17, 2016


(Vancouver, BC – March 17, 2016) Another star-studded field will toe the line for the Modo Spring Run-Off 8K, the fourth race in the BC Super Series, on Sunday morning in Vancouver’s Stanley Park.

Headlining the Canada Running Series event is one of Canada’s best marathoners with aspirations of qualifying for the Olympics later this year. Rob Watson has the London Marathon on April 24 as his primary goal. Before that he will be representing Canada at the World Half Marathon Championships in Wales on March 26.

Despite winning the first BC Super Series race, the Harriers Pioneer 8K in January, with marathon preparation in his legs Watson will be hard pressed to win by two in-form shorter distance specialists. Calgary’s Trevor Hofbauer made up half of Canada’s NACAC 10K winning team in Puerto Rico last month. While Kevin Friesen beat Watson by 21 seconds last weekend at the BC 5K Championship.

Adding a new mix to the field is another Canada international Terence Attema, who recently moved to BC from Ontario.

The women’s race is led by the same 1-2 as topped the podium at last Saturday’s St Patrick’s Day 5K, Rachel Cliff and Dayna Pidhoresky. Cliff won the 5K Championship in a course record 16:05, with Pidhoresky 35 seconds back. And Pidhoresky won the “First Half” Half Marathon in February. Whoever wins on Sunday will likely move to the top of the BC Super Series rankings.

Watson meanwhile is all but assured of remaining top of the men’s rankings, having run all races to date.

Watson was pleased to learn that Music Heals is the featured charity in this year’s Modo 8k, being a huge music lover himself. In fact, the Executive Director, Chris Brandt, will be among those who toe the starting line but with slightly different expectations. Brandt says he is delighted the charity will again benefit from the association with Canada Running Series.

Racing gets underway at 10:00am, with the start and finish located at the Stanley Park Pavilion. And in keeping with the charity theme, the post race party will feature live music from Dominique Fricot.

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC’s best road races, BC Super Series. The next event is the Vancouver Sun Run 10K on April 17.


Bruchet and Cliff Set Course Records to Win BC 5K Championship


March 12, 2016


The weather gods smiled on the BMO St Patrick’s Day 5K, as the forecast wind and rain did not materialize, the sun breaking through to provide perfect conditions for the BC 5K Championship and the third race in the BC Super Series in Vancouver’s Stanley Park on Saturday morning.

A large group pursued the Masarati pace car off the start line, and after the initial downhill rush Lucas Bruchet moved to the front to control the race. Passing the mile in 4:24 he was 25 meters clear of the chase group of Chris Winter, Justin Kent and Kevin Friesen, with Thomas Riva 10 meters further back.

Bruchet never let up, extending his lead around the rest of the course, storming back up the hill to the finish in 14:22 to break Geoff Martinson’s course record time by 2 seconds. The race for second remained undecided until the final strides, as Winter just held off Kent, both clocking 14:34. And Friesen was not far behind in 14:36.

Rachel Cliff dominated the womens race from the start. By the mile, reached in 4:50, she had created a gap of 50 meters over Dayna Pidhoresky and Erica Digby, who were running together. She too did not let up around the rest of the course, coming home in 16:05 to break her own course record by 9 seconds. Pidhoresky pulled away up the hill for second in 16:40, with Digby third in 16:51. Anne-Marie Madden, who was only 11th at the mile, snatched 4th place from Catherine Watkins, 17:02 and 17:03.

With their overall wins, course record bonuses, mile bonuses and BC Championship titles, Bruchet and Cliff each profited by $900.

Watkins had the consolation of finishing top master. While on the men’s side Kevin O’Connor was top master in 15:37. With his run O’Connor will have kept second place in the BC Super Series. Series leader Rob Watson, who ran 15K warming up today as he prepares for the London Marathon, was 7th today.

Former national champions Nancy Tinari and Thelma Wright won their respective age divisions. And many more were rewarded with Irish stew, beer and a jig at the finish.

Complete results at https://www.startlinetiming.com/en/races/2016/stpat

The BC Super Series returns to Stanley Park next Sunday for the Modo Spring Run-Off 8K, for which online registration closes on Monday. Series rankings will be updated once today’s results are finalized.

 


Olympic Hopefuls to Contest the BC 5K Championship on Saturday


March 08, 2016


(Vancouver, BC – March 8, 2016) Saturday morning will see sub-4 minute milers, national champions, and international marathoners in head-to-head competition around Vancouver’s Stanley Park at the BMO St Patrick’s Day 5K. The 5K distance is always an intriguing race, pitting middle-distance against endurance specialists, and the third event in the BC Super Series brings them together for the BC Championship.

“I have a passion to put on the most competitive race we can over the distance” says race director Steve Mattina. “The BC Super Series is trying to gather like-minded events to support the pursuit of competitive running and the dreams of Canadian athletes to achieve all their goals.”

A tight five-way battle is anticipated for the men’s Championship, with a $250 bonus on offer for breaking the course record of 14:25.

  • Series leader Rob Watson steps down in distance as he prepares to qualify for Rio at the London Marathon next month.
  • Former Canadian Cross Country Champion Chris Winter has already run an Olympic qualifying time in the steeplechase, and finished second to Watson at the opening Series event, the Harriers Pioneer 8K in January.
  • Lucas Bruchet is another former Canadian Cross Country Champion, and a sub-4 minute miler, who placed fourth at last years Canadian 5K Championship.
  • Bruchet’s training partner Justin Kent finished a place behind him at the Canadian 5K Championship.
  • Thomas Riva has the fastest credentials, also having broken the 4-minute mile barrier, and run 3:37 for 1500m last summer. This will be a step up in distance for him.

The women’s Championship may have less contenders, but nevertheless could produce a course record.

  • Two-time defending champion and 16:15 course record holder Rachel Cliff returns, hoping for the hat-trick.
  • Also returning is last years runner-up Dayna Pidhoresky, fresh off winning the last BC Super Series event, the “First Half” Half Marathon.
  • Both will have to be at their best to beat last summer’s breakout performer Fiona Benson, who has a Rio qualifying time at both 800m and 1500m.
  • PanAm Games marathoner Catherine Watkins will likely be not far behind, and should be the top master.

While the serious athletes may have the BC Championship as their goal, many more will come dressed in costume, and will stay for the Irish themed after-party. Proceeds from the event benefit the Canadian Diabetes Society.

The race starts at 9:30am on Pipeline Drive, and circles around Brockton Point, before finishing back up Pipeline to the Stanley Park Pavilion.

Online registration for the BMO St Patrick’s Day 5K closes on Wednesday night. Complete race information at http://www.stpatricks5k.com/

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC’s best road races, http://www.bcathletics.org/BCSuperSeries/. The next event is the Modo Spring Run-Off 8K on March 20.


Pidhoresky successfully defends, and Gillis triumphs at First Half


February 15, 2016


A wet and cool Valentines Day did not dampen spirits at the 27th “First Half” Half Marathon, the second race in the BC Super Series. Although the winning times were not as quick as hoped for, the depth of the fields was impressive, with eight women finishing under 1:20.

From the gun the lead trio of men quickly separated themselves from the rest of the field. Eric Gillis, Rob Watson and Kip Kangogo set out with a World Half Marathon qualifying time of 1:04 as their target, but it quickly became apparent that conditions were against them. Kangogo was the first to fall off the pace as they passed English Bay. And after the Georgia Street underpass, Gillis was on his own out front as Watson was feeling the chill.

Gillis passed 10K in 30:31, 100m clear of Watson, and continued to extend the gap all the way to the finish, to win $800 for the victory in 1:05:46. Watson persevered for second in 1:07:39. Kevin Coffey, who ran alone for the first 15K, caught and passed Kangogo at Second Beach, to take third in 1:08:21. Kangogo, also not enjoying the damp, finished fourth in 1:09:09. And Logan Roots rounded out the money winners in a PB of 1:09:39 for fifth.

Kevin O’Connor narrowly missed ducking under 1:10 for the M4549 Canadian Masters record, finishing in 1:10:10. His consolation was beating 3-time masters champion Jim Finlayson.

Dayna Pidhoresky made her intentions clear from the gun, as Krista DuChene and Erin Burrett allowed her to break away in the first mile. Reaching 10K in 35:01, she was over a minute clear of DuChene and Burrett who were still running together. From there her pace slowed to match her pursuers. But being largely out of sight on the winding seawall, there was never any danger of them reeling her in.

Pidhoresky won comfortably in 1:15:11, a minute quicker than her winning time last year, and the joint fifth best time ever recorded at the First Half. DuChene was finally able to drop her shadow in the second half, but Burrett never gave up the chase, as they finished in 1:16:20 and 1:16:30 respectively. The surprise came in fourth place as Karen Tulloch finished strong to beat many more favoured athletes in 1:17:26. Top master Catherine Watkins was happy with her fifth place in 1:18:08.

Behind the winners the masses came, with just over 2000 total finishers. They included Team Hamm and Legs and Team Josh, two young wheelchair athletes who have benefitted from support from Variety – the Children’s Charity. The First Half once again donated $50,000 to the charity as part of the 50th annual Variety Show of Hearts Telethon.

Complete results, http://www.startlinetiming.com/en/races/2016/fhhm

Rankings in the BC Super Series will be updated shortly, once results are finalized.

Next up in the BC Super Series is the BMO St Patrick’s Day 5K in Vancouver’s Stanley Park on March 12, which also serves as the 2016 BC 5K Championship.


Rio bound Gillis and DuChene to race the “First Half” – February 14


February 09, 2016


(Vancouver, BC – February 7, 2016) The 27th edition of the Pacific Road Runners “First Half” Half Marathon on February 14th will feature some of Canada’s best endurance runners as they prepare for Rio this summer. Keen competition is anticipated in both the men’s and women’s races, with the event records under threat if conditions are favourable.

Also at stake will be places on the Canadian team at the upcoming IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff, WAL next month. And additionally the “First Half” is the second race in the 2016 BC Super Series, a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC’s best road races.

Two time Olympian Eric Gillis (Guelph, ON) already posted a Rio qualifying time last fall at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Rob Watson (Vancouver, BC) and Kip Kangogo (Lethbridge, AB), who both represented Canada in the marathon at last summer’s Pan Am Games in Toronto, are still seeking qualification for Rio.

Watson recently ran 1:03:58 at the Houston Half Marathon, placing him second on the Canadian rankings for selection to the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships. Gillis and Kangogo will have to run faster than 1:04:03 to move into the top 3 for selection. The course record is 1:04:21, set by Dylan Wykes in 2012. Wykes, who also won in 2015, will not be defending his title this year.

The women’s race will also feature a trio of talent. Krista DuChene (Brantford, ON), like Gillis, has already qualified for Rio in Rotterdam last spring. Dayna Pidhoresky (Vancouver, BC) will return to defend her title. And last years runner-up, Erin Burrett (Nanaimo, BC) will also return.

All three women recently ran in Houston, where DuChene beat Burrett by 23 seconds in the half marathon, and Pidhoresky had to abort her attempt in the marathon. Like the men, the course record of 1:12:47, set by Tina Connelly in 2004, will have to be bettered for any of them to qualify for the World Half Marathon Championships. 1:12:25 being the time to beat.

Another 2015 Pan Am Games marathon representative, Catherine Watkins (Vancouver, BC), will have to be at her best to win the masters title, as she will be up against Marilyn Arsenault (Victoria, BC) and Lucy Smith (Victoria, BC). While three-time masters winner and 1:07:03 course record holder Jim Finlayson (Victoria, BC) will return again, with his competition likely to come from Oliver Utting (Burnaby, BC) and Kevin O’Connor (Vancouver, BC).

The oldest competitors will be 88 year old BJ McHugh from North Vancouver, who has set a number of world age best performances at previous “First Half”s; and 81 year old Roger Roufosse from Surrey.

For many the “First Half” has become an annual tradition. Henny Coates of Vancouver has completed the race 22 times. “Everyone has their personal goals and motivations for doing the race”, says this year’s race director David Parker. “The goal of the Pacific Road Runners is to provide a top class competition for runners of all abilities, and use the proceeds to benefit the local community”.

Proceeds from the event benefit Variety – The Children’s Charity. The 50th Show of Hearts Telethon will be underway while the race is being run. This year’s “First Half” contribution of $50,000 brings total donations to over $700,000 since 1995.

“The Pacific Road Runners having been teaming up with us for 21 years and we greatly appreciate their support,” says Kristy Gill, Variety’s executive director. “Just like the runners in this race, Variety kids strive to reach their full potential. Variety steps in to help kids with special needs on their individual journeys, and our thanks goes to the Pacific Road Runners for their outstanding support.”

Starting and finishing at the Roundhouse Community Centre, the route includes a circuit of the Stanley Park seawall. The race gets underway at 8:30am, with a loop around BC Place, before heading out to Stanley Park. The winners will return to the Roundhouse shortly after 9:30am.

The race sold out all 2,000 entries in under 24 hours last November, and has attracted entrants from six Provinces and six States, as well as from South Africa and Estonia.

Additional information on the event website: www.pacificroadrunners.ca/firsthalf

Pacific Road Runners (PRR) is a recreational running club, with members interested in leading a fit and active lifestyle combined with social events; meeting Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the False Creek Community Centre on Granville Island.


Watson and Wodak Winners of the Harriers Pioneer 8K


January 10, 2016


The Prairie Inn Harriers launched the new BC Super Series in style with a stellar field for the Pioneer 8K. Conditions were perfect for fast times, and a collection of Canadian internationals did not disappoint. 

After the initial downhill rush, Rob Watson emerged at the front of the field of over 500 runners. Forcing the pace, he opened a gap on his competitors on the first uphill around the 2K mark, before reaching halfway in 11:51, 40 meters ahead of the trio of Chris Winter, Brandon Lord and Dylan Wykes. Watson extended his advantage to 75 meters, before the battle between Winter and Lord started to reel Watson in with 400m to go. However, Watson’s lead was more than enough, as he broke the tape in 23:47, eight seconds ahead of Winter in 23:55, with Lord a couple of steps behind in 23:56. Wykes had to settle for fourth in 24:12.

Natasha Wodak set a Canadian 8K record of 25:28 on this course in 2013. She was not able to approach that time today, but nevertheless won the event for the fifth time, six seconds faster than last year, in 26:31. She led from the gun, passing halfway in about 13:10. Her training partner, Rachel Cliff, was equally untroubled in second, finishing in 27:10. Rounding out the podium was the ageless Lucy Smith, who first won the race in 1992, and today was top master in 28:27. Masters rival Marilyn Arsenault wasn’t far behind in 29:05

Kevin O’Connor surprised himself with a 25:43 clocking to take top spot in the men’s masters race, ahead of Canadian Masters Cross Country Champion, Craig Odermatt.

The first major competition of 2016 was also the first event in the 2016 Frontrunners Island Race Series, which continues in two weeks time with the Cobble Hill 10K. Race Two in the BC Super Seriesis the Pacific Road Runners “First Half” Half Marathon in Vancouver on February 14, where another outstanding field is anticipated.

Complete results of the Harriers Pioneer 8K are here.


BC Super Series Launches with Serious Competition on Sunday


January 08, 2016


Some of BC’s best road runners will help kick off the inaugural race of the new BC Super Series on Sunday – the Harriers Pioneer 8K in Saanichton on Vancouver Island.

An intriguing men’s competition will feature Olympic marathoner Dylan Wykes, Commonwealth Games steeplechaser Chris Winter, PanAm Games marathoner Rob Watson, and FISU 10,000m representative Brandon Lord, as well as members of the University of Victoria CIS Championship winning cross country team.

The women’s race will feature recently crowned Canadian Cross Country Champion Natasha Wodak, who set a Canadian 8K record on this course in 2014, and her training partner who finished third at the Cross Country championships, Rachel Cliff, as well as the World 50K Championship Bronze medallist Catrin Jones.

The masters competition will be equally compelling, with Canadian Masters Cross Country Champion Craig Odermatt up against Kevin O’Connor and Jim Finlayson. And on the womens side Marilyn Arsenault and Lucy Smith will do battle.

The BC Super Series is a collaboration between BC Athletics and 12 of BC’s best road races, which bring the best athletes in BC together in competition, and encourage participation from all abilities.

The 12 races were selected based on the quality of the events and the competitiveness of their fields. They include BC Championship races at 5K, 8K, 10K, Half and Full Marathon distances. Collectively the 12 events will bring together over 100,000 participants, present over $100,000 in prize money, and raise over $1,000,000 for charity in 2016.

Complete series details at www.bcathletics.org/BCSuperSeries

The Harriers Pioneer 8K is also the first race in the 2016 Frontrunners Island Race Series. The race starts at 11:00am from the Saanich Fairgrounds. Entries will be taken on the day. Results will be posted at racedaytiming.ca


BC Super Series Promotes Participation and Performance in 2016


November 10, 2015


(Vancouver, BC – November 10, 2015) BC Athletics, in collaboration with twelve of BC’s best road races, will launch the BC Super Series in 2016. Attracting more than 100,000 participants, and featuring more than $100,000 in prize money, the races bring the best athletes in BC together in competition, and encourage participation from all abilities.

Kicking off at the Harriers Pioneer 8K in January, the BC Super Series will make stops in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna before concluding at the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon in October.  Included in the series will be BC Championship races at 5K, 8K, 10K, Half and Full Marathon distances.

“I really like the idea of the BC Super Series,” said Kimberley Doerksen. “It's a fun way to have competition outside of just one race.”

Participants must compete in four or more races to qualify for BC Super Series awards. Recognition will be given to top overall performers, top masters, rookie of the year, and frequent finishers.

“I love this idea! I think it will get all of us elites out to more road races together,” said masters’ athlete Catherine Watkins.

The twelve races were selected based on the quality of the events and the competitiveness of their fields. The 2016 BC Super Series events are:

  • Harriers Pioneer 8K
  • Pacific Road Runners “First Half” Half Marathon
  • BMO St Patrick’s Day 5K*
  • Modo Spring Run-Off 8K
  • Vancouver Sun Run 10K
  • TC10K
  • BMO Vancouver Half Marathon*
  • BlueShore Financial Longest Day 5K
  • Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon
  • Fresh Air Midsummer 8K*
  • Vancouver Eastside 10K*
  • GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon*

      *BC Championship race

“The Vancouver International Marathon Society is thrilled to be a part of the BC Super Series, and to host the BC Half Marathon Championships at the BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 1st, 2016,” said Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director. “We are certain Vancouverites will be excited to watch and cheer for our top BC athletes as they compete for this title.”

BC Athletics is the Provincial non-profit amateur sport organization for Track & Field, Road Running, Marathons/Ultras, Cross Country/Trail Running and Race Walking. A Branch member of Athletics Canada, BC Athletics is made up of individual members, member clubs and affiliated organizations. The purpose of the Association is to promote, encourage and develop the widest participation and the highest proficiency in the sport of Athletics.

http://www.bcathletics.org/BCSuperSeries/