Ocean view near KM 4. Photo courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs
By Leslie Ann Bent
This year the Royal Victoria marathon weekend was back in full swing after a few years of COVID interruptions. The marathon, half marathon, 8km race and Thrifty Foods kids’ races were all live with options as well for virtual racing. The events attract about 8,000 runners each year over the Thanksgiving weekend. Four STARR members took part and weren’t disappointed.
This weekend of racing has something for everyone. It was the first live marathon since 2019. Victoria’s Teferi Kebede Balcha led the men’s marathon throughout the race and clocked 2:25 to take home the gold. On the women’s side, Rozlyn Boutin of Vancouver took home the gold with a time of 2:46.
The half marathon was by far the most popular race with 2,664 runners completing it. First over the finish line for STARR was Claude Laforce with a time of 1:50:29. Here is what Claude had to say about this year’s race:
“It has been a few years for me so it was good to do the RVM event again. Weather was great, no wind, starting temperature about 14 degrees, by the time I was done more like low 20s. The 1/2 and full marathon all started together, so the first few kilometers where a little crowded.
“I didn't want to zone out and miss the separation point or it would have been a long painful day. Beautiful course but it seems there is a lot more downhill on the first half so it's easy to start a little too fast. Definitely slowed down a little in the last third of the race, but it's good to do the event again.”
Steve Eriksen was also out on the half marathon race course that day and provided some comments on his experience. “The race was great although I did not take any photos. All of the pictures I took, were ‘mental ones.’ The weather was A+... what a glorious day for a race. I had originally planned on walking the whole half marathon, but ended up doing an on and off run/walk. It was hard to resist running once I was in the midst of all the RVM energy. Doing the slower pace really allowed me to enjoy the beautiful scenery that Victoria has to offer... without sweat in my eyes. The volunteers did a great job ensuring that everyone stayed hydrated and the supporters were out in hoards cheering. Well done to all of the organizers, volunteers, supporters and participants. I love living in one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
I too participated in the race but had a less ambitious distance goal. The 8km race took the to the streets at 7:15am and it was hard to get a good rhythm going between the early hour and the crowd of runners for the first kilometer or so, typical of a large race. The course changed from prior years (no Johnston Street hill). It was an out and back route along the water, primarily on Dallas Road. This made it possible to see the lead runners and cheer them on which was a wonderful motivator in itself. I loved the vibe of racing live again with so many participants, the enthusiasm of the volunteers and the energy that comes with a large race. The scenery was also beautiful. It was a great race, well organized and I’d highly recommend it for anyone wishing to race next fall.
STARR Results:
½ marathon
Claude Laforce (M 60-64) 1:50:29
Bri Fitzgerald (F30-34) 2:18:07
Steve Eriksen (M45-49) 2:43:56
8km
Leslie Ann Bent (F55-59) 1:10
Congratulations to all of our runners.