Mclean Mill 10k Race Report, April 6th 2025

By Andy Smith

Maggie, Jill & Kari beating the line up for the free Salmon Chowder and Cilli!

Six STARR runners participated in the McLean Mill 10k road race in Port Alberni on Sunday April 6th bringing home three medals and two top- ten ribbons.

A total of 412 runners travelled to the historic McLean Mill tourist site in Port Alberni on Sunday April 6th to race the McLean Mill 10k, the seventh event of the Island VIRS race series. The course is a rolling 10k loop on scenic quiet country roads. Participants were treated to candied salmon chowder and chili supplied by local Port Alberni restaurants.

The men’s race was won by Nathanael Tabert from Victoria based Speedfarm team (M25-29) in a speedy time of 32:54. The women’s race was won by Jennifer Erickson, also representing Speedfarm, in a time of 38:22. Island running clubs like Harriers, Ceevacs, Bastion, Comox Valley, and STARR were all well represented at this event. Over 20 clubs were represented as well as numerous unaffiliated runners.  STARR was represented by six competitors across several different age categories. Many age categories had between 10 and 20 competitors the largest being 40 competitors in the F30-34 category. Older age categories were also very competitive with 10 competitors in the Men’s 75-79 category. STARR runners had a good day bringing home three medals for top three finishes in W45-49, W50-54, and M60-64 categories as well as two ribbons for top ten finishes in F50-54 and F60-64 categories. Barb Cina placed third in W45-49, Stephanie Croft took third in W 50-54 and Andy Smith placed third in the M60-64 age group.  Jill Potter-Hellmann and Maggie Curtis placed 9th in the F60-64 and. F50-54 categories.

Cool and drizzly conditions greeted competitors on arrival in Port Alberni, but a warm welcome from the local sponsors and volunteers made up for wet conditions. STARR competitors enjoyed the rolling and challenging course through the beautiful Port Alberni Forest.  The McLean Mill historical site makes a scenic and family friendly location to host the race with plenty of historical buildings, old forestry machinery, and stories to capture spectator’s interest. Congratulations to the hosts and sponsors for a fun and well-run event and to our STARR runners for making the three-hour drive to participate.

Name Time Category Age Group Place

Andy Smith 43:53 M60-64 3rd

Barb Cina 45:25 F45-49 3rd

Stephanie Croft 51:35 F50-54 3rd

Jill Potter Hellmann 59:28 F60-64 9th

Maggie Curtis 1:00:20 F50-54 9th

Kari Toovey 1:02:07 F50-54 11th

Around The Bay 30 km Virtual Relay

By Leslie Ann Bent

What an incredible morning we had for our 5th annual Around the Bay simulation run (race?).  We had 26 participants with 5 of those runners choosing the virtual option.  From snowy Canmore, to sunny California and overcast skies in Sooke, we all came together to enjoy a day of running as well as some socializing. This year we were joined by 4 runners from Cowichan who seemed to enjoy STARR’s spirit and hospitality. We also had a very supportive cheering squad – Joldine, babies Rose and Geneva with their dads, as well as Barb’s partner on bike! There was lots of swag so no one went home empty handed. A special thanks to Maggie, Kari and Jill who took the last minute call for a substitute race morning.

When we started this STARR event 5 years ago, the idea was to promote some famous Canadian races without the need to travel afar.  Around the Bay has been taking place in Hamilton since 1894 and is considered North America’s oldest race – even older than the Boston marathon. For decades, elite runners have been using this race as their last training run in preparation for the Boston marathon which is usually 3 weeks later. Although the relay is not part of the 2025 line-up, we’ve kept up the tradition here in Sooke.

This year we had several teams complete the races within seconds apart. With the staggered starts and virtual options, we never know who is in the lead until all of the results are in and tallied. A shout out to the IT Band-its who flew to the finish 32 seconds ahead of the Sooke Snails. Also, the Last Minute Team, scraped to the finish ahead of Elbows Up by 23 seconds. A congratulations to all of our runners and walkers who had an incredible day.  Thanks for making the event such a success.

All participants in our event can receive a 10% off registration price for the Run Saysutshun events, June 13/14 (Newcastle Island, Nanaimo) using the code Runguides.  This trail race includes 10k, half marathon, and various ultra options. Check out the website for more information.  https://www.runsaysutshun.com/

Results:

Solo (30km)

Dave D – 2:31

Scott – 2:47

Barb – 2:55

Sarah McW – 3:14

Kevin (Cowichan) – 3:14

2-Person Relay (15km each)

Jocelyn & Sarah (Cowichan) – 3:06:28

3-Person Relay (10km each – more or less!)

IT Band-its – Emily, Paul, Renato – 2:40:15

Sooke Snails – Robin, Claude, Vlad – 2:40:47

Last Minute Team – Tory (15k), Maggie, Kari, Jill (5k each) – 3:12:17

Elbows Up – Ken, Elysia (Cowichan), David W – 3:12:40

Hustling Mamas - Bri, Sonya, Karla  - 3:17:23

Bay City Rollers – Ian, Georgia, Sue – 3:36:36 (a truly virtual team)

220 VoltAGE – Jackie, Steve K, Danny (walker) – 4:20

Fat Dog Back Yard Ultra

March 15th 2025, Abbotsford Exhibition Park

Thanks to Sarah McWhirter for the race report….and quite some admiration too, this is a tough one!

This race sounds much easier on paper hahaha.

Racers and crew could arrive at 7am to set up their tent in tent city. It was a gravel parking lot with roughly 50 tents set up. You can't survive more than a couple laps ( 6.7 km per lap) without a tent set up and an experienced crew. I was so lucky to have my son who is no rookie at helping me at ultra races, he was a rock star.

Race started 9am sharp and you had to be back and in the starting zone before the next hr and lap started. There was a whistle at the 3-minute mark, 2 minute and 1 minute. If you planned it out it was ideal to be back with no more than 8 minutes until the next lap started (this was my plan, and I followed it strictly) and your crew waiting with what you previously had let them know you would need for that lap. 

The weather was brutal, rain, snow, wind and a few minutes of sun. That aside the atmosphere was competitive but super fun and supportive. Race director Eric and his amazing family put on unreal races. They rock and all the volunteers.

The food choices (if you choose to eat them and not your own) looked delicious.

I got in 10 laps and just felt like trash, also gets boring fast and being mostly pavement with a few very muddy spots, it was hard on the body if you are used to mostly trail.

This race is set up to get whatever distance you want to achieve, very little elevation and not technical at all.

Had a great time and happy I tried a back yard ultra.

I'd recommend this race to anyone who wants to get their first ultra distance or push to get the most laps and win it.

Bastion Cedar 12k Race Report - March 16, 2025

Thanks to Andy Smith for the Race Report

Five STARR members competed in good running conditions at the Bastion Cedar 12k race on Sunday, March 16th. This is the 5th event of the 2025 Vancouver Island Race Series (VIRS). Temperature was 7 degrees and conditions were dry when we arrived at Cedar Elementary School just South of Nanaimo for an 11am start. The event had been rescheduled from February 9th due to snow, but race organizers and local Bastion Running Club did a great job hosting the event despite the change in date. The racecourse is out and back along Cedar Road starting and finishing in front of Cedar Elementary School on pretty and quiet rural roads. There are rolling hills to keep things interesting and plenty of spectators at the finish line to cheer finishers across the finish line!

It’s always a fun vibe at these races and the local Bastion (Nanaimo) running club did a great job hosting 309 runners (148 women and 161 men). There were plenty of fast club level runners participating despite the reschedule. The winner of the men’s race was Dusty Spiller from the Cowichan Valley Running Team in a time of 40:08. Victory in the women’s race went to Julia Tschanz from the Speedfarm team in a time of 44:58.

More than 20 clubs competed at Sunday’s race.  STARR was represented by 5 competitors across several age categories bringing home three ribbons in a very competitive field. Top ten ribbon winners were Andy Smith in the M60-64 age group, Barbara Cina in the W45-49 age group and Jill Potter Hellman in the W60-64 age group. Everyone enjoyed the event. It’s a great location with quiet traffic, good parking and a local high school to host pre-race and post-race activities. A long list of series and local sponsors provided food, drinks and door prizes at the finish line. Congratulations on a fun event and to all our STARR finishers! Full results for STARR runners are listed below.

Name Time Category Age Group Place

Andy Smith 53:36 M60-64 6th

Barb Cina 56:02 W45-49 4th

Jill Potter Hellmann 1:13:37 W60-64 7th

Maggie Curtis 1:16:03 F50-54

Kari Toovey 1:16:03 F50-54

Westcoast 10k Race – STARR Captures 2 Medals & 3 Ribbons

Claude, Emily, Andy & Barb pre-race

Karla, kari, Jill & Maggie pre-race

A very wet mass start

A blurred Claude, clearly running too fast for the camera shutter speed!

Andy, Claude, Vlad & Scott enjoying the post-race refreshments

March 9, 2025 by Leslie Ann Bent

Even an atmospheric river couldn’t keep 500 runners away from Sooke’s only road race held on Sunday, March 9. The Westcoast 10k is one of the eight races that comprise the popular Vancouver Island race series.  The race is a gently rolling out and back course starting at Edward Milne Community School and runs along Sooke River Road. The race attracts young and old of all abilities. Of the nearly 500 runners who competed, 20 men and 18 women were over 70.  They’re still a competitive bunch and prove that age is just a number. There is also a children’s race that was greatly enjoyed by the youngsters.

Nine STARR runners were out to support the local race and see what their legs could do on this familiar course.  The first STARR runner to cross the finish line was Andy Smith (M60-64) with a time of 42:52. This result earned him a 3rd place age-group medal. Barbara Cina(F45-49) was STARR’s first female athlete to complete the course with a time of 44:38, also earning her a 3rd place age-group medal.  Honorable mention goes out to Vlad (M50-54) who completed his first race ever with a solid time of 52:26. It was wonderful having so many of our club members supporting this local race. Donna H, Jason and Leslie Ann were there cheering on fellow runners.

The race was not without its magical moments.  The Speedfarm team from Victoria kicked butt taking home gold medals for both male and female top athletes, as well as capturing 6 of the top 10 placings. The first overall finisher was Brandon Vail (M25-29) with an impressive time of 31:01.  Meg Lewis-Schneider (F30-34) crossed the finish line at 35:30. The top masters’ athlete was Andrew Russel (M40-44) with a time of 32:10.

If you thought it must get easier to place as you reach your golden years, think again.  Watching races is always an inspiring experience. The top 2 men in the 75-79 age group ran 51:57 and 52:55. The top female in the same age category ran 50:55.  Equally important and impressive are the back of the pack runners who just kept focused on the goal, spending about an hour and half out ponding the pavement in the rain and not giving up.

The race was extremely well organized. A big shout out to the Sooke Lion’s club for once again making their fantastic pancakes and strawberries for all of the competitors.

Congratulations to all of our STARRs who competed.

Results (chip time)

Andy (M60-64)             42:52, 3rd

Barb (F45-49)                44:38, 3rd

Scott (M35-39)              46:31

Karla (F35-39)               50:26, 10th

Claude (M60-64)          50:57, 8th

Emily (F30-34)              52:11

Vlad (M50-54)               52:26

Maggie (F50-54)           58:52

Jill (F60-64)                    59:14, 9th

Kari (M50-54)                1:02:31

Hatley Castle 8K

By Barbara Cina

Photos by Guido Cina

The Vancouver Island Road Series finally continued after the postponed race two weeks ago. The Hatley 8k race took place today on the grounds of Royal Roads University, surrounding the historic Hatley Castle, in Colwood. The early arrivers even found time for a photo-op with the resident peacocks freely roaming the gardens. Despite of an uncertain weather forecast, it turned out very favorable with a milky sun winning over the clouds perfectly timed for the race - allowing the course to dry up just enough.

Speaking of the course, the 8k loop with 115m of elevation is quite spectacular with breath-taking views (or are there other reasons…?) over the Colwood Lagoon and the distant Olympic Mountains, in addition to the impressive old growth forest. The patchy road and rooty trails don’t necessarily make this run only an easy breeze, as the sprinkled-in ramps gets everyone steaming and temporarily forgetting about the scenery – at least as far as I was concerned.

For the 483 runners, the start horn was tooted at 11:00 sharp - with the last oncoming car luckily just making it out of the way in time. Anton Kuipers took his first win within this year’s series in impressive 26:34, followed by Brennen Smith and Nathanael Tabert.

The first female Meg Lewis-Schneider, finishing in 29:41, was followed by Zoe Hamel and Julia Tschanz.

Post-race, participants enjoyed hot dogs provided by Colwood Fire and refreshments in the Auditorium, where awards were also given out. The opportunity for some indoor shelter is a great addition to this race. Last year’s participants will recall how storm and rain cut all after-race activities short.

Notable performances of our STARR runners include (-apologies, should I have missed anyone):

 Barb Cina: 38:19 (3rd in F45-49)

 Emily Mann: 41:48

 Jill Potter-Hellmann: 49:09

 Maggie Curtis: 51:57

 Kari Toovey: 53:01

Undecided whether you’re more of a road or trail runner, and up for a short race not far from home – you should definitely consider this one for next year…

Cobble Hill 10K Race Report (BC Provincial 10K Championship)

We came; we saw; we did our best. Even though we were nursing a few injuries we still won medals and ribbons!

Five STARR members competed in sunny cool conditions at Cobble Hill on Sunday, January 26th to race the second event of the Island VIRS race series which was also the BC Provincial 10K Championships. Temperature was 3 degrees and the sun was shining on 603 athletes warming up for the 11am start. The course is a lollipop shape on pretty and quiet rural roads. There are rolling hills to keep things interesting and a nice downhill finish, so everyone looks good for finish line photos!

Cobble Hill is the BC Provincial 10k Championships which attracts some elite runners. There were fast visitors as well as strong club level runners from Vancouver Island. It’s always a fun vibe at the Island Race series and the local Ceevacs running club did a great job hosting 603 runners (305 women and 298 men). The winner of the men’s race was Alexandre Picard from Squamish BC in a time of 30:41. Alexandre is a trail runner named 2023 Canadian Men’s Mountain and Trail Runner of the Year after finishing 17th in Men’s Vertical at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. Apparently, he runs fast on roads as well! (Check out his Instagram if you want to see how hill running is done!) Victory in the women’s race went to Samantha Jory, a rising star from Vancouver who only started racing in 2022 and yet has become one of Canada’s top half marathon runners. She also boasts a best marathon time of 2 hours 36 minutes.

Many competitors at the Cobble Hill Race represent Island running clubs like Harriers, Ceevacs or Comox Valley. More than 25 clubs competed at Sunday’s race. STARR was represented by 5 competitors across multiple age categories bringing home two medals/ribbons in a very competitive field with many age categories having 20 or more entries. Andy Smith placed third in the M60-64 age group and Barbara Cina placed seventh in the W45-49 age group. Other club members turned in strong results despite nursing some nagging injuries. Everyone enjoyed the event. It’s a great location with quiet traffic, decent parking and a local high school to host pre- race and post-race activities. The CEEVACS club did a great job sponsoring the race providing volunteers, food, and home baking at the finish line. Congratulations on a fun event and to all our STARR finishers! Full results for STARR runners are listed below.

Name Time Category Age Group Place

Andy Smith 42:26 M60-64 3rd

Barb Cina 43:45 W45-49 7th

Jill Potter Hellmann 58:13 W60-64

Maggie Curtis 58:43 F50-54

Kari Toovey 1:00:31 F50-54





January Blues - Final Week Recap

Everyone has had an incredible month of running, jogging and walking to hit their distance goals. Danny was the STARR of the event, clocking 506kms solo a couple of days before the cut off. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) made it to the finish line with a few days to spare. The Hobblers still have a couple participants to report their final 5 days but I believe they are done with only a few clicks officially to go! We’ve reported 4,700km of cumulated distance. Rumours are that everyone had fun. We sure had favourable weather for this year’s challenge.

The Nile teams completed their challenge in the city of Aswan – a picturesque, slow paced tourist city but with lots of things to see and do. One of the most famous sites is the Philae Temple. Whether or not the teams took advantage of the archeological features or simply completed their journey sailing sown the Nile, they can rest assured it was a successful team effort.

The last teams to finish in England enjoyed the small community of Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border. They were surprised to see only a small sign indicating the end of the famous route – no plaques nor monuments. The night at the Border Hotel was most welcome after 31 days en route.

The draw for entrances into the Run Saysutshun trail race and the Oak Bay Road race will take place on Tuesday, February 11 at the STARR meeting (7pm, Sooke library). I will bring prizes that have not yet been picked up.

Congratulations to everyone.

January Blues Recap Week 5

We’ve had another phenomenal week. All three teams tackling the Pennine Way plus the West Coast trail have completed the routes. Solo Man is on track to finish it this week. The two Nile teams are almost done. With 5 days to go, they should reach Aswan. The two Pennine Way Only teams were at a disadvantage from the start with lower individual distance goals than their team goals so much more distance to make up. But fear not, with the Shining STARRS completing the route last week, Joyce has been added to the Hobblers and Leslie Ann to the FOMO. It’s a Long way to Aswan team has scooped up Georgia to help with last push to Aswan. The goal of the challenge has been to encourage club members to get out during the cold wet month of January, set some distance goals and have some comradery with fellow STARRS in a fun way. So far, we have reported 4,277km of distance so far this month. WE CAN MAKE IT!

Pennine Way Teams

For Every Day I’m Shuffling and Quick Quacks it was all about flying back to Vancouver Island to tackle the West Coast trail – the final leg of the journey, back to west coast time, but not before saying goodbye to the Scottish border. Robin and Nick both found the a tea shop at the end of the trail and their hidden English tea treat bags. Kayla and Jill found the Wedale Book shop on the Scottish border and each have taken home a book. Maggie got the book on Scottish Castles plus some Irish Cream chocolates as souvenirs from the British Isle trek. Jackie got a souvenir book of the Yorkshire Dales (thanks, Paul for the import!). Tea and books seemed to be the theme for those teams.

The West Coast Trail is considered the hike of a life time. It’s an iconic back country trail that even the most experienced hikers find difficult. With ropes, about 100 ladder systems, tides and weather, this is not the trip for everyone. The upside is the scenic beauty for 75km. Although only open from May to September, our STARRs have taken it on as just part of the course.

For FOMO and The Hobblers, they are still out on the Pennine Way enjoying the sights. They have all left the Pennine mountains which seems like a treat from constant ups and downs, but that is not to be. Hadrian’s Wall provides a scenic and historic week but it is not so easy on the feet and legs. One of the shocking feature is the number of tourists who seem to have come from nowhere to join the walk as this section of the trail is much more popular. There’s been some farmland and moors. The FOMO team took a break at the Greenhead Tea Room. Although biscuits, scones, and cakes are made on the premises, English tea treat bags are ready to go (this week’s hidden treasure). Danny found a similar spot for a rest and left with a cupcake (scratch card!).

We neglected to mention that Paul was able to participate last week on his home turf of northern England by substituting Leslie Ann on week 3 while she was off on medical leave from the team. He brought along a few souvenirs that have now been won. Shining STARRS really appreciated his presence and local insight. He is now back on warmer soil, sunning himself. Thanks, Paul!

Nile teams

This was another great week for the Nile teams. There is so much culturally and historically to see and do along the Nile it’s hard to pick and choose what to write about. One of the most interesting sites this week was passing the Valley of the Kings (across the river from modern day Luxor). It was part of the ancient city of Thebes and was the burial site for most of the pharaohs.

Another amazing part of the week included seeing the Temple of Edfu. It is one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt and dedicated to the falcon god Horus. The temple was built between 237 and 57BC. The inscriptions on the walls provide important information on the Hellenistic period. Because everything is so well preserved, visitors could spend a lot of time exploring the building, inscriptions, learning about related mythology and learning about this period of Greek rule. The It’s a Long Way team decided to stop here for the night. David found the hidden book in a Luxor books shop. Ian, Bri and Tory were lucky finding the hidden treat bags – licorice for Bri, citrus for Tory and mint for Ian.

The Dream has carried on toward Aswan. They only have 6km to go so should arrive tomorrow. Barb was lucky to find a pyramid shaped chocolate while Sarah is taking home a book.

Congrats to everyone who finished. Good luck to our remaining participants.

RESULTS – Where we are as of January 26

Nile (821km)

Dream Team (Sarah, Tory, Barb) 815km – 6 km to go! Just past the Temple of Kom Ombo

It’s a Long Way… (David D, Andy, Ian, Bri and newly joined Georgia) 711km, almost at the Temple of Edfu

Pennine Way plus West Coast trail (506km)

Shining STARRs (Joyce, Joldine, Georgia, Leslie Ann)– complete

Every Day I’m Shuffling (Jill, Jackie, Robin, Rick)– complete

Quick Quacks – (Kari, Shawn, Maggie, Kayla) complete

Solo Man (Danny) – 445kmm Pennine way, complete; near Darling River campsite, West Coast Trail

Pennine Way (431km)

The Hobblers (Stephanie, Karla, Michelle, Venice and newly joined Joyce) 345km, Bellingham, just past Hadrian’s Wall

FOMO (Ken, Liz, Vanessa and newly joined Leslie Ann) – 327km, between Greenhead and Bellingham

January Blues Recap Week 3

Well, we’ve had another successful week on our virtual trails. Collectively we’ve accumulated over 2,200km already this month with still 12 days to go. Many prizes were also won this week.

Was it you? Read the recap to find out. One team has completed the challenge and another team is on the heals of completion. WE CAN DO THIS!

As a reminder, anyone who reported late will have their distance added to next week’s tally. It’ll be counted but just not in this week’s report.

The Nile teams

After the desert stretches, the first major city the teams have passed is Sohag. It’s got a variety of restaurants to choose from and it’s also a Christian city. It’s a Long team, decided it was a great place to rest up for the journey to Abydos and possibly Uxor next week. Andy found a good book and Ian managed to find a pyramid shaped chocolate box as part of the souvenir shopping.

The Dream Team had further sights. They carried on to Abydos, one of the oldest cities in Ancient Egypt. It’s a sacred city and one of the most important sites in ancient Egypt. There is so much to see here that the team has found a lovely inn to spend the night. The city dates back to 3300 BC. It was a royal burial ground for Egypt’s first pharaohs. With its inscriptions and funeral monuments, it has contributed a lot to the current understanding of ancient Egypt’s linguistic development, architecture and state. Both teams are on target to reach Aswan by January 31.

The Pennine Way Teams

It’s been another great week for those on the Pennine way although rain mixed with snow is the weather of the day out in the open moors of this northern path.

The Hobblers and FOMO are strolling along and enjoying the sights. Some of the moorland can be bleak. However, both have now been to the highest pub in England – at the Tan Hill Inn. They tell us the beer is good – great after so many kilometers of walking. The roaring fire and tasty food was a welcome treat. The Hobblers (Stephanie, Karla, Venice, Michelle) have just left the town all with English breakfast tea treat bags that they found at the inn. FOMO is nearing Middleton-in-Teesdale, where there are shops, B&Bs and services.

Solo Man has reached Hadrian’s Wall. As mentioned last week, this epic world heritage site is truly worth seeing.

The other 3 teams have all made their way through past the highest peak of the trail and through Bellingham. It borders the Northumberland National Park and is a historic market town. Jackie and Jill were last to throw some snow balls on Cross Fell and found the snow balls treasure (treat bags). Shawn and Kari both found books hidden enroute. Joyce found a British Isles tea treat bag while Georgia scooped up the Scottish breakfast tea at the border of Scotland.

The Shining STARRs completed the Pennine Way and flew back to Vancouver Island. Tackling the full West Coast Trail, and landing in Port Renfrew. They are done! Every Day I’m Shuffling also crossed the Atlantic and over to the Pacific. They are more than half way along the West Coast Trail.

Where we are as of January 19:

Pennine Way + West Coast Trail (506km)

Solo Man – (Danny) – 325k, Hadrian’s Wall

Shining STARRs – (Joyce, Georgia, Joldine, Leslie Ann) – 514km, complete

Every Day I’m Shuffling (Jill, Robin, Jackie, Rick) – 479k, Pennine Way complete, more than half way along the West Coast Trail

Quick Quack (Maggie, Kari, Kayla, Shawn) – 372.5k, half way between Byrness and Windy Gyle

Pennine Way (431km)

FOMO (Ken, Liz, Vanessa) – 208k, 7km to Middleton in Teesdale

The Hobblers (Stephanie, Karla, Venice, Michelle) – 191k, just past Tan Hill enroute to Middleton in Teesdale

Nile (821km)

It’s a Long Way to Aswan, Damn (Andy, Ian, Dave D, Bri) – 459k, Sohag

Dream Team – (Sarah, Tory, Barbara) – 509k, Abydos

Pioneer 8K Race Report

STARR members and friends getting excited about their first race of 2025! What a great start to the year!

By Andy Smith

Starr members enjoyed a crisp sunny day at the Vancouver Island Race Series last Sunday in North Saanich. The 2025 VIRA season kicked off at the Pioneer 8k road race hosted by The Prairie Inn Harriers running club. This event makes a great entry to the race season as the 8k distance, and flat(ish) course are great for blowing off Christmas calories. 11 STARR club members and friends represented 7 different age categories at this popular event (667 participants). Conditions were excellent with sunny conditions and comfortable temperatures.

This out and back course attracts some elite runners, and this year was no exception. It was fun to cheer the elites as well as STARR teammates as we passed each other on out/return legs between start/finish. The Prairie Inn Harriers did a great job with volunteers and food. Hot coffee, pizza and door prizes at the awards ceremony were much appreciated.

This year the overall race winner was Russell Pennock from Kelowna (M30-34) who ran a very fast time of 24:01. He competed collegiately at the University of Calgary. Top female finisher was Jaime Hennessey from Maple Ridge with an equally impressive time of 27:48. Our top finishers were Andy Smith and Barb Cina. Kudos to STARR members who showed up for the race despite nursing some injuries!

There were a few glitches with timing equipment this year which delayed medal and ribbon presentation. However, STARR participants seemed pleased with their performances on the day with 2 top-ten performances earned for age group results. It was great to see another impressive turnout for the race with 100 more competitors than last year. Congratulations to all our finishers!


Name Chip Time Age Group Age Group Placing

Andy Smith 34:09 M60-64, 3rd in age group

Barb Cina 36:12 F45-49, 5th in age group

Jordan Zalba 39:10 M35-39

Emily Mann 39:19 F30-34

Stefanie Croft 42;57 F50-54

Jill Potter-Hellmann 46:38 F60-64

Teresa Willman 47:06 F55-59

Maggie Curtis 47:35 F50-54

Kari Toovey 48:32 F50-54

Joldine Lee 58:26 F60-64

Venice Epp 1:06:22 F25-29

January Blues Recap-Week Two

Greenhead to Bellingham-Hadrian’s Wall

What an incredible week we’ve had. Several hidden prizes were found in Egypt and England. We covered nearly 1,930km in just 12 days! We’ve crossed the highest peak on the Pennine Way, and seen more interesting ruins and tombs along the Nile. Most participants have reported this week.

The Pennine Way teams

We have 4 teams, one solo and one team in progress starting the Pennine Way again this week. This week, we passed a number of interesting places including Bronte country in Yorkshire. If you haven’t read Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte or The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte this might just be the month to give the Brontes a try or a re-read as we tromp through their region of northern England.

En route this week we’ve done some serious climbing with stunning views. Fortunately, no one was trapped mine shafts and sinkholes that linger near the path in the area Fountains Fell. Pen-Y-Ghent is part of the Yorkshire 3 peaks and was another highlight this week. We had some easier kilometers too and most of us have passed some great waterfalls and have really experienced the Yorkshire dales. We also hit the highest peak of the trail Cross Fell at nearly 900 meters. Can it all be downhill from here?

Everyday I’m Shuffling team was the first to report in this week. They led the charge through the route with Robin finding a non-fiction book on a Britch Spy in Tan Hill and Jill finding a lovely Yorkshire Dales tea towel at a souvenir shop in Dufton. They ended their week just past Aliston.

The Quick Quacks were delighted with all of the snow on Cross Fell. They are still there playing. There are rumours of a snowball fight and perhaps a snow fort. Kayla has temporarily lost her signal and couldn’t report in this week. Look out Every Day and Shining STARRs, you might get passed by this ambitious group!

The Shining STARRs maintained their lead. Joyce found the hidden snow balls through the fell (Ferrero Rocher Raffaello treat bag) but pushed the team on. Although it was a tough week, they made it to the epic world Heritage site of Harian’s Wall, Britain’s largest Roman archeological feature. They are camped out there for the night.

Solo Man continues to inspire us all as he’s reached 200km solo, following the teams, and ending his week between Tan Hill and Middleton in Teesdale.

Team 1 is catching up in their reporting, ending the week in Ickhornshaw, a small village on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales national Park. The most interesting feature of this village is the 12th century St James Church, known for its stained glass windows and stonework.

The Nile teams

More magic moments were in store this week for our two Nile teams although last week had more highlights. The teams crossed the Nile at Al Faruqiyyah. At El Amarna, they were able to experience more ancient tombs and ruins. Another gem is the town of Asyut, on the caravan route and noted for high quality textiles, grains and fruits.

The Dream team’s Tory, found the peppermint treat bag in Salaqus while Barba managed to find the licorice treat bag. The team has just passed Asyut and more importantly passed It’s a Long Way… team.

It’s A Long Way.. team had a decent week. Ian managed to find a citrus treat bag before catching the ferry across the Nile. While waiting for the ferry, Bri found a little book shop and the hidden book. Although passed by the Dream Team, they are exploring the fascinating desert and find themselves in the middle of no where close to Al Kawamil.

Where we are as of January 12:

Pennine Way

Solo Man – (Danny) – 200k, half way between Tan Hill and Middleton in Teesdale

Shining STARRs – (Joyce, Georgia, Joldine, Leslie Ann) - 329km, Hadrian’s Wall

Every Day I’m Shuffling (Jill, Robin, Jackie, Rick) – 295km, just past Cross Fell/Aliston

Quick Quack (Maggie, Kari, Kayla, Shawn) - - 272km, almost in Aliston and past Cross Fell

Team 1 (Stephanie, Karla, Venice, Michelle) - 88k (not all reported) - Ickhornshaw

New team in progress (Ken, Liz and possibly Vanessa) – 44k, Standege

Nile

It’s a Long Way to Aswan, Damn (Andy, Ian, Dave D, Bri) – 331k in the desert near Al Kawamil

Dream Team – (Sarah, Tory, Barbara) – 370km, just past Asyut