STARR was well represented at the second race in the Vancouver Island race series last Sunday. Thirteen club competitors (plus family) made the drive to the Cobble Hill 10K race, a great turnout! Mother Nature smiled on the eager racers toeing the start line. At the 11am start (and 10:30 early start) sunny conditions greeted racers and rain held off until everyone finished. The Cobble Hill road course is a rolling out and back route on quiet rural roads. It’s a gradual climb over the first half of the course with two loops on the course providing opportunities for slower runners to see the elites leading the way home. The second 5K is predominantly downhill… always popular with runners! There were lots of smiles crossing the finish line. This year the finish line moved to the local Cobble Hill school which is better for spectators. Everyone liked the easy access to indoor washrooms and proximity to the awards ceremony and parking.
Despite some rainy January weather this year’s race was well attended. It was a 500 deep field with tough competition for age groups medals, and yet many more racers chasing personal goals. The VIRA series features a regular start at 11am plus an early start at 10:30am to allow slower runners to finish with the pack. Everyone finishes in time for the awards ceremony, post-race goodies and door prizes.
There were some very fast times among elite runners. Jim Finlayson from Victoria (M45-49) beat the younger guys to win the men’s race in a sizzling time of 31:51. Jen Millar (F40-44), also from Victoria won the women’s race in an equally remarkable time of 36:37. The top male competitor from STARR was Jonathan Dvorak (M45-49) in 40:19 and top female was Pauline Nielsen (F50-54) in 46:29. Age group medalists were Pauline (2nd, F50-54) and Andy Smith (3rd,M55-59). Six STARR racers finished in the top ten of their age groups and were recognized at the awards ceremony. It was a fun well organized event. Congratulations to all the STARR runners and family members who attended and special thanks to Pauline and Andrea for the photos!
