Jordan. Photo courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

By Leslie Ann Bent

Sunday, March 12th marked the 4th race in the Vancouver Island race series at Hatley Castle. This 8km race has everything – steep climbs, fast descents, gravel, asphalt and even a castle to keep the route interesting. The race site describes it as a character course with spectacular vistas of the Olympic Mountains and the Esquimalt Lagoon. This race was popular, attracting 445 participants and is not so far for runners coming from Sooke.

Eleven STARR members took on this challenging course and managed to dodge the rain that came later that day. Our first runner to cross the finish line was Jordan Zalba (M 35-39) with an incredible time of 37:44. A few minutes behind, our top female runner, Pauline Nielsen (F50-54) clocked in at 39:33, earning her a 2nd place age-group medal. The most senior member of our club was Bruce Hawkes (M80-84) who scooped up a second-place age group medal as well.

The competition on the course was tough. The winner, Brennen Smith of Speedfarm took first place with an amazing time of 25:55. Emily Bugoy (F30-34) was the top female runner, crossing the finish line with a fast time of 30:48, with Catrin Jones of the Prairie Inn Harriers hot on her heels, 3 seconds behind. Eleven runners finished the course in under 30 minutes.

Here’s what STARR runner, Maggie Curtis had to say about the race:

“It was a gorgeous day--the rain held off for us. The course has a lot of hills in the first 3-4 km (including a couple good ones) but then there is forest trail and downhill. My tìme was not great for me but it still felt good to finish. Hot dogs and cookies at the end too!!”

STARR Results (net)

Jordan Zalba (M35-39) 37:44

Greg Balchin (M 60-64) 38:12, 6th

Pauline Nielsen (F50-54) 39:33, 2nd

Stephanie Croft (F45-49) 40:51, 8th

Sonya Huser (F35-39) 41:31

Melanie Eskildsen (F40-44) 45:15

Justin Heeley (M50-54) 47:33

Maggie Curtis (F50-54) 49:44

Joldine Lee (F60-64) 58:50

Bruce Hawkes (M80-84) 1:03:06, 2nd

Donna Heeley (F35-39) 1:12:39