Photo Credit Joe Crazy Legs
By Leslie Ann Bent
When one signs up for a race months in advance, it’s never certain what kind of day you might get for racing. What a beautiful day the runners had this year for the Royal Victoria (RVM) marathon weekend. The marathon and half marathon were sold out months in advance, which made it a crowded and busy race day out on the course. Over 12,000 participants registered for the multi-race event. There are races distances for everyone – 5k, 8k, half marathon and marathon, plus a kids 1k race. The RVM also has a high performance assistance program to attract high caliber athletes to our city.
Six STARR runners enjoyed a sunny Thanksgiving day for the race. Kudos to all of the volunteers and spectators who help make this event special. In the marathon division, Craig McMillan of North Vancouver (M45-49) took first place with a time of 2:28:53. He was the only marathoner to break 2:30. For the women, Victoria’s Zoe Hamel placed first with an incredible time of 2:47:51.
The half marathon leaders were spread out. Andrew Davies (M20-24) of Sarnia, Ontario placed first with a time of 1:03:19. The top female athlete was Makenna Fitzgerald (F20-24) of Calgary with an impressive time of 1:14:21.
It would have been exciting to watch the 8k runners at the finish line. In the male category, the top three runners were just seconds apart. Aaron Ahl (M25-29) took home gold with a speedy time of 23:48. The females were also in a chase situation. The top runner, Julia Hawkins of Vancouver, crossed the finish line at 28:06.
Congratulations to all of our STARR runners who were out racing on Thanksgiving weekend.
STARR Results (Chip time)
Marathon
Scott R (M35-39) 4:24:48
Half marathon
Emily (F30-34) 1:55:13
Laurelle (F25-29) 2:03:47
Claude (M60-64) 2:04:42
Melanie (F40-44) 2:17:40
Barbara (F45-49) 1:59:10
8k
Jill (F60-64) 45:12
Joldine (F60-64) 1:00:39