By Andy Smith
Five Starr members made the scenic drive up-island to Port Alberni for the seventh race in the Vancouver Island Race Series on Sunday April 7 hosted at the Mclean Mill historical site. It’s a great location for an event with a rolling course over quiet rural roads. This race has a relaxed vibe and great scenery with giant trees and Vancouver Island’s central mountains in the background.
Formerly known as the Port Alberni Paper Chase 15K race; the course was shortened in 2023 to start and finish at the beautiful and rustic Mclean Mill historical site. The abandoned mill is now a tourist site with lots of historical interest and a great location for post-race food and celebrations.
This year the McLean Mill 10K, as organised by Ridge View Health & Performance, drew a great crowd of 469 runners representing age categories from under-16 to 80+. The race was won by Logan Roots from the Esprit running club in a time of 32:22. The top female runner was Carley Gering (also from the Esprit club) in a time of 37:47.
STARR participants had a great day with 3 earning medals/ribbons for top ten age group results. Congratulations to Bruce Hawkes for winning the M80+ category and to Jill and Maggie for top ten results in their age groups! The VIRA race series wraps up next weekend with the Bazan Bay 5k in Sidney.
Name Chip Time Age Group Age Group Placing
Melanie Eskildsen 56:34 F40-44
Jill Potter-Hellman 57:20 F60-64 7
Maggie Curtis 57:37 F50-54 9
Donna Heeley 1:26:27 F45-49
Bruce Hawkes 1:47:08 M80+ 1