Jonathan
By Leslie Ann Bent
This cross-country race is the last of the big races in 2019 for our region. The Harrier dub this race as a fall challenge on character trails – muddy, wet and slippery with spectacular views from the summit on the long course. The race offers two distances – the classic climb which is 10 miles and ascends to the peak. The shorter race is 5.5 miles and follows part of the classic route but dodges the big climb. Both start at Thetis Lake. The race is close to home for STARR and an inexpensive well-run race. ($30 for early bird pricing).
STARR was represented by Jonathan Dvorak and Bruce Hawkes, both taking on the long course challenge. I asked Jonathan to provide some comments for this last 2019 race report.
“A fun run Stewart Mountain was today. Beautiful conditions for the race. Pretty fast field of runners. A couple puddles to play in again like Gunnar Shaw, but not as deep lol. I really enjoyed this race. The first half was pretty good climb, once you hit the peak it was a fast decent. The forest was beautiful, the trees were shining bright green. I would have to rank this one right up there with the best of the trail races under 20km that I have done this year. It was tough, very challenging, and tested you. It was really well put on and great positive energy. Highly recommend it!”
Jonathan was STARR’s first runner to cross the finish line with a time of 1:38:25. Bruce trailed behind clocking 2:26:43. Jonathan hit the nail on the head when he noted the fast runners. The first runner to cross was Jeremy Clegg with 1:16:07. Katie Nelson was the first female and crossed at 1:32:47. Despite the holiday season, the race attracted 102 runners for the long course and 45 for the short. It is something to consider for 2020.
Congratulations to both of our runners.