Maggie, Pauline and Steve. Photo courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs
By Leslie Ann Bent
Despite the fog and significant highway delays for tree trimming along Route 14 on Sunday, six STARRs made their way to Cobble Hill for the first race of the VIRA series. Yes, we had a live race!
This race is hosted by the Ceevacs Roadrunners each year and is a popular one. The website describes the race course as scenic and flat on country roads in the Comox Valley. This year 414 runners took part in this annual race, along with more than 70 volunteers to make sure the event was well supported. They didn’t disappoint.
STARR’s Steve Eriksen had this to say about the race.
“We were unable to avoid the fog, as it lingered on the race course. It sure made the lovely farms and properties look great. What a scenic route and kudos to all of the volunteers. As for timing, I was able to pull out a 46:55. My PB for an In-Person race. Unfortunately, not quite fast enough to place in my division. I didn't see Pauline until after the finish line. I think she was hot on my tail.
“Overall, it was nice to change up the scenery and get out of Sooke to run. Look out Hatley Castle, here come the STARRs!!”
Two STARR runners took home some hardware. Pauline placed 3rd in the F50-54 with a time of 50:27. Bruce snatched a win in the M80-84 with a time of 1:15:22. Maggie earned a top 10 finish in the F50-54 with a 9th place ribbon.
The field was hot with athletes itching to race. In case you are curious, first across the finish line was Logan Roots from Courtenay with an incredible time of 31:56 (M25-29). Taking the lead on the women’s side was Meg Lewis-Schneider of Victoria with a time of 35:38. All top 10 runners ran under 35 minutes.
STARR results
Steve Eriksen M45-49 46:55
Pauline Nielsen F50-54 50:27 (3rd)
Maggie Curtis F50-54 56:10 (9th)
Teresa Walker F50-54 1:12:40
Bruce Hawkes M80-84 1:15:22 (1st)
Honourable mention goes to one of STARR’s newest runners, Melanie Eskildsen. She was revved up for her first race ever, only be to delayed en route by the tree trimmers and fog, missing the race’s start. We’ll be watching for you, Melanie. There are more races to come!
Congratulations to all of our STARRs. It was a great way to ring in 2022 on the race circuit.
All photos in above gallery courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs