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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.