By Andy Smith
Five awesome teams from STARR completed the annual Relay Race held on Remembrance Day; at Thetis Lake. This event is hosted each year by the Prairie Inn Harriers as a fun event to engage the Island running community. For those who have not attempted this event; it is suitable for all ages and ability levels. Teams compete in a relay format with up to four runners completing a 4.5k circuit (each) of Thetis Lake’s perimeter hiking trail. The trail is challenging but not intimidating; a good test of legs and lungs, but short enough to keep runners together. The location and format make for a fun event where you can support teammates and cheer on the competition representing other running clubs on everything from family teams, kids’ teams, open teams, masters and super veteran teams and even a few soloists! You can enjoy a hot chocolate and cookies on the beach as you watch the handoffs. Some teams even had tents and propane firepits to keep warm! STARR has a long tradition of participating in this race and in 2022 we had a good range of open women’s, men’s and mixed teams as well as two men’s super-veteran teams (60+). At the time of publishing this report, the official results were not yet available.
“Thetis Therapy”; a Super Veteran team composed of Greg, Jim, Claude and Andy brought home the gold this year followed in second place by “Slugs in Motion” (LOL) , another men’s super ( or is that super men?) veteran team composed of Mark, Steve, Bruce, and Paul.
“Don’t Call Us Shirley” competed in the women’s open category (with team members all from Shirley): Leslie Ann, Stephanie, Marika, and Val.
“Quads of Fury” was a multi-generational women’s open team composed of Sarah, Mel, Mackenzie (Mel’s granddaughter), and Lisa.
“A Fleet of Feet” competed as a women’s open team composed of Jackie, Bri, Alex, and Karla. Danny Eddy was first alternate and cheered everyone on while volunteering behind the coffee and cookies counter. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed catching up with other STARR members.
