By Leslie Ann Bent
I tell my friends who will listen that the Thetis Lake relay is always cold, often wet, but tons of fun with lots of comradery. Many of you are familiar with the trail, but for those of you who aren’t, the course is a technically hilly trail around Thetis Lake with a couple of unforgiving hills at the end. Although the final results aren’t yet available, I believe there were about 100 teams competing so the trail was busy!
STARR came out in full force with 4 teams (16 participants). We were all grateful to Sarah for bringing the needed tent and heater. Although one club member commented that this was the first year that we weren’t freezing our buns off, it still was a damp and chilly afternoon. The tent provided good cover and conversation before and after the race as club members stood around the fire to warm up.
We woke up to a heavy downpour on Saturday morning with BC Hydro reporting 100,000 power outages. We were all wondering what our chances might be to have a dry race. The weather gods were with us. The rain tapered off before the start of the race and only re-commenced as the awards ceremony started.
At the start line I was able to high five some of the STARR runners as I wished them luck – Kari, Sarah, Pauline, and David. This type of race also has many familiar faces from various clubs like the Harriers and Ceevacs who we see at the VIRS series races. Former members of the STARR, Jonathan and Greg C. were also there, cheering on the STARRS, or whizzing past depending on where you encountered them. We also recognized volunteers and announcers who help keep many of the south Vancouver Island races humming. If it weren’t a race, then I’d say it was like one big happy family out there on Saturday.
I started at the back of the pack, taking it slow on the first hill. The terrain was better than I had anticipated after so much rain – wet and muddy in parts, but not too slick. The early part of the trail is rolling and gives you a chance to catch your breath and warm up the legs. I was impressed with the added gravel that seemed to take the edge off some of the more treacherous sections I’d recalled from prior years – fewer exposed roots and rocks. However, this is a course that doesn’t let you get too comfortable. Rare is there a flat section and over confidence is not your friend. One of the Harriers reminded me about what was lying ahead - what they call the 3 Sisters that will “kill” you at the end so one should leave something in the tank for the finish.
So, after huffing and puffing my way around the course and scaling the last of the Three Sisters, I was relieved to hear the cheering at the main beach transition, and spot Maggie with her pink neon hat waiting in the chute for our hand off. Pauline and Kayla were cheering and I could see Jackie along the sidelines watching the STARRs come through. I must say, after an invigorating run, hot Campbell’s soup never tasted so good! Thanks, Prairie Inn Harriers for a great race.
No official times are in but we did take home some ribbons.
Run Lake the Winded – Andy, David, Claude, Mark (Veterans, M 50+) – 1st place
Unstoppable STARRs – Pauline, Leslie Ann, Sue, Maggie (Veterans, F 50+) – 2nd place
Snap, Crackle, Creak and Pop – Jackie, Paul, Joldine, Jill (Super Veterans, Mixed 60+) 3rd Place
What the Hill – Sarah, Kari, Bri, Marika (open female 20+ years)
Congratulations everyone.
If you’re looking for a fall challenging and fun race, this is one race to consider. It’s a very enjoyable race that allows people of all ages and abilities to have fun with their teams and competitors.
