By Leslie Ann Bent

It was such a pleasure to have the TC10k race live again in its 33rd year. The race director was expecting 5,500- to 6,000 runners and walkers to hit the downtown core of Victoria Sunday morning. Andy and I had been watching the weather reports this week, and we were wondering if the day might prove to be rainy. However, the weather turned out to be perfect for a race – no rain, little wind and a mild temperature, comfortable for running.

The event was well organized. A two-year break from live racing, didn’t impact the smooth running of this very popular race. Corrals were laid out for participants to self-seed based on predicted finish time. The race used wave starts to help keep social distancing easier. It was such a great atmosphere to race in person once again – cheering, seeing racers of all talents, music, volunteers, a real finish line, and something for everyone.

The course started by the Legislature, passing the Empress Hotel and eventually turning onto Yates for some uphill work early into the race. The wave starts really allowed participants to spread out earlier than typically experienced in such a large event. I passed two dinosaurs on the first kilometer and it was a reminder that charities are also back to having events like the TC10k to raise funds in support their work. After a bit of hill work early on, the race evens out along Cook. It then zigzags a bit passing along Richardson and Moss before hitting Dallas with a seaside view for the second half of the race and ending at the downtown core. Volunteers and residents alike were out cheering and providing energy along the route as we passed.

Eight STARR runners participated in the race that attracted nearly 4,000 finishers in the 10k event. Andy Smith was our first runner to cross with a chip time of 39:33, one second behind the 2nd place age-group finisher. What a great season Andy is having. Maggie was our fastest woman, achieving a 7-year PB with a time of 54:16. She too is looking strong and has had results this season to prove it.

The field was deep for those looking to place. Local Victoria Prairie Inn Harrier’s runner and Ethiopian immigrant, Teferi Kebede Balcha (M40-44) took home first place crossing the finish line at 31 minutes. Victoria runner, Jen Millar was the first woman to cross with a time of 36:10. More than 80 runners had a clock time under 40 minutes – a great race for competitors who feed off competition.

Bryn Brooks of Victoria requires honourable mention as the lone woman in the over 90 age category and breaking an hour with a respectable time of 58:44 – the oldest runner in the race. There were many inspiring stories from the race and this was just one of them.

A few comments from STARR runners:

Claude – “Great day for a race, perfect running temperature, beautiful course. A little smaller than other years, I believe around 5,000 as compared to about 8,000 pre-COVID. All the supporters and the cow bells make for a festive atmosphere.”

Maggie – “It was a great race--beautiful weather, nice race-day atmosphere, and my fastest 10km time in seven years, so I was pretty excited. I am so glad that it is back in-person. And I loved the staggered starts--it was so nice to have room to run from the beginning.”

STARR Results (chip time), age-group placing are based on official clock time

Andy Smith (M55-59) 39:33, 3rd

Claude Laforce (M60-64) 48:01, 9th

Steve Eriksen (M45-49) 49:09

Maggie Curtis (F50-54) 54:16

Pascale Knoglinger (F40-44) 1:02:07

Melanie Eskildsen (F40-44) 58:29

Ken Pungente (M75-79) 1:10:58, 11th

Leslie Ann Bent (F55-59) 1:29:28

Congratulations to all of our runners. What a great event.