A rain-drenched Pinetree Classic

by Nancy Tinari

Just over 200 brave runners arrived at Coquitlam’s beautiful Mundy Park to race at this year’s rain-drenched Pinetree Classic. The competitors showed the true spirit of cross country as they completed between one and four circuits of the hilly, well-groomed 2K trail loop. The crowds of spectators, huddled under a sea of colourful umbrellas, watched many dramatic sprints as the competitors came up the final steep hill.

The first race included all men and women from Juniors through to competitors over age 70, with the men running 8K and the women running 6K. The men’s race developed into a good battle between Zachary Matyas, Chris Taylor, and Drew Nicholson, but Matyas prevailed with a healthy 23-second lead at the finish. Mike Murphy was the first masters finisher in fourth place overall. Joshua was the only male Junior competitor, though two younger boys ran out of their category in this 8K race. Rachel Ruus, continuing her racing comeback after giving birth a few months ago, was the overall women’s winner as well as the top masters woman. She was followed closely by Breanna Chipney. Alexondra Kiely was the first female Junior finisher.

Races two and three featured JD athletes running the 2.2K course. There were many speedy times in the 7:30 to 9:00 minute range. Category winners included Jacob Leader (M2006), Brooke Irish (F2006), Logan Peterson (M2005), Maya Baechler (F2005 and overall winner of Race two!), Lockhart Macgregor (M2004), Sophie Forsyth (F2004), Owen Pinto (M2003 and fastest one-loop finisher of the day at 7:36), and Selin Tasdemir (F2003).

Race four included both JD athletes born in 2000–2002 and Juvenile runners born in 1998 and 1999. The JD girls ran one loop with all other competitors completing a second loop of the course. JD winners included Quinn Cameron (M2002), Kendra Lewis (F2002), Yousef Mian (M2001), Brooke Mussche (F2001), Jordan Schmidt (M2000), and Grace Fethersonhaugh (F2000). The Juvenile champions were Joshua Kozelj, coming in at 13:11 with a huge lead, and Jamie Hennessey, winning the girls’ race in 15:36.

The Phoenix Running Club, hosts of the Pinetree Classic, would like to thank all competitors, coaches, parents, volunteers, and sponsors who participated. You made the 2015 edition of this traditional meet a gritty and successful event.

Please view race results on the Phoenix website at http://www.phoenixrunningclub.com/pinetree-classic/2015-results