Running for STARR, Jonathan Dvorak won his age group at the Cedar 12K. Photo courtesy of Neil Gaudet
By Andy Smith
Runners representing STARR turned in a great result at the Cedar 12K road race on Sunday, March 3.
Jonathan Dvorak, Andy Smith, Pauline Nielsen, Stephanie Croft and Bruce Hawkes represented STARR at the Cedar 12K; race number 4 of the 2019 Vancouver Island Race Series. The new rolling out-and-back course just south of Nanaimo received positive feedback from the 308 racers participating in Sunday’s event. Sunny skies and 5 degree temperatures greeted racers; making for nearly perfect race conditions despite a cool breeze. All age groups were well represented. Participation increased from prior years despite rescheduling the race from February to March due to last month’s snowstorm. The host Bastion Run Club did a great job hosting the event supplying enthusiastic volunteers and a post-race “sweets” table (including, of course, Nanaimo bars) that was truly impressive!
If you look closely, you can see a Hawkes - Bruce Hawkes had a top 3 finish in his age group. Photo courtesy of Neil Gaudet
There were some excellent performances turned in by STARR racers. Jonathan Dvorak won the 40-44 age group in a time of 48:51; a tremendous effort and his first age group win. Andy Smith finished 3rd in the 55-59 age group in a time of 50:15. New club member Pauline Nielsen placed 2nd in the women’s 50-54 age group in a time of 59:37. Welcome Pauline, and congratulations! Stephanie Croft finished 5th in the women’s 45-49 category in a time of 1:00:03 and Bruce Hawkes turned in yet another impressive result in the men’s 75-79 category, to place 3rd in a time of 1:16:50.
This year’s women’s race was won by Catrin Jones of the Prairie Inn Harriers team in a speedy 45:20. The men’s race was won in a blistering time of 38:56 by Andrew Russell, also of the Harriers team, at an average pace of 3:14 per km! The open rolling terrain seemed to please the faster runners.
Andy Smith had a strong run in the Cedar 12K. Photo courtesy of Neil Gaudet
The Harriers team dominates the team standings, but good news; STARR has improved from 10th to 9th in the series standings 1 point ahead of the LifeSport team.
Congratulations to the 5 racers who represented STARR at the race, each of whom placed in the top ten of their respective age groups winning medals or ribbons and some also earning points for the club!
If club members are considering participating in The Cedar 12K next year the new course has great scenery and quiet roads plus the excitement of cheering on race leaders and teammates once they pass the turnaround on this rural out and back course. Great hospitality from the Bastion running club and a warm school gymnasium for pre and post-race activities. Hope to see you next year!