The 1st race of the 2019 Island Race Series, the 40th Annual Pioneer 8K, was held on 13 January. The weather was absolutely perfect, approx. 10 deg, sunny and calm. Compared to last year's wind and rain, this was a breeze. There were 547 runners/walkers (2018 481) covering the out and back course and finishing at the Pat Bay info centre. The nice weather did bring out the fair weather participants. The start was delayed 1/2hr to 11:30am due to the large attendance.
The overall (OA) winner was Anthony Tomsich (35-39) in a time of 24:44. The top Female was Natasha Wodak (35-39) with a time of 26:04 and 5th OA. Wodak also holds the Pioneer 8K record with a time of 25:28 set in 2013.The top Male Master was James Richardson (40-44) from the Ceevacs crossing the line with a 26:18 and 8th OA. The top Female Master was Catrin Jones (40-44) in a 29:09 and 36th OA.
STARR had 7 runners/walkers scattered throughout the course in various age groups. Our 1st runner in was Jonathan Dvorak (40-44) with a time of 32:35. He had a 5th in a field of 18 and was 83rd OA. Our next runner and newest STARR was Andy Smith (55-59) in his 1st Pioneer. He hit the mat with a 33:53 and was 7th in a field 28 and 114th OA. Good job Andy. Also in his 1st Pioneer, David White (50-54) was next in with a 38:14 and was 13th in a field 23 and 212th OA. Next in was our long time STARR Stephanie Croft (45-49) with a time of 39:35 and 11th in a field 30 and 245th OA.
In a time of 52:16, Jenny Adams (F60-64) was 21st in a field of 35 and 465th OA. Our next runner in was veteran runner Bruce Hawkes (75-79). Hawkes was in with a 54:08 and was 8th in a field of 10 and 488th OA. Closing our STARR field and also new to the STARR’s and the Pioneer, walker Leslie-Ann Bent (50-54) was in with a 1:08:11. She was 20th in a field of 20 and 535th OA. Well done Leslie Ann.
Congratulations to all the STARRs for the excellent performance on the course. Let's give them a high 5 in the results since they deserve it. I would be reticent if I did not mention our STARR cheering squad…Megen and her two girls, Adriana and Vince throughout the course. All our STARRs were gathered at the finishing line to bring our last runner in.
We are presently in 16th position with 47 pts. This was another Pioneer 8k in the books. Hope to see everyone next year. The next race is the Cobble Hill 10K on 27 Jan …another series favourite known for the race food at the finish line. A Bravo Zulu to all.
Report by Vince. Photos by Megen
