By Andy Smith
Maggie, Jill & Kari beating the line up for the free Salmon Chowder and Cilli!
Six STARR runners participated in the McLean Mill 10k road race in Port Alberni on Sunday April 6th bringing home three medals and two top- ten ribbons.
A total of 412 runners travelled to the historic McLean Mill tourist site in Port Alberni on Sunday April 6th to race the McLean Mill 10k, the seventh event of the Island VIRS race series. The course is a rolling 10k loop on scenic quiet country roads. Participants were treated to candied salmon chowder and chili supplied by local Port Alberni restaurants.
The men’s race was won by Nathanael Tabert from Victoria based Speedfarm team (M25-29) in a speedy time of 32:54. The women’s race was won by Jennifer Erickson, also representing Speedfarm, in a time of 38:22. Island running clubs like Harriers, Ceevacs, Bastion, Comox Valley, and STARR were all well represented at this event. Over 20 clubs were represented as well as numerous unaffiliated runners. STARR was represented by six competitors across several different age categories. Many age categories had between 10 and 20 competitors the largest being 40 competitors in the F30-34 category. Older age categories were also very competitive with 10 competitors in the Men’s 75-79 category. STARR runners had a good day bringing home three medals for top three finishes in W45-49, W50-54, and M60-64 categories as well as two ribbons for top ten finishes in F50-54 and F60-64 categories. Barb Cina placed third in W45-49, Stephanie Croft took third in W 50-54 and Andy Smith placed third in the M60-64 age group. Jill Potter-Hellmann and Maggie Curtis placed 9th in the F60-64 and. F50-54 categories.
Cool and drizzly conditions greeted competitors on arrival in Port Alberni, but a warm welcome from the local sponsors and volunteers made up for wet conditions. STARR competitors enjoyed the rolling and challenging course through the beautiful Port Alberni Forest. The McLean Mill historical site makes a scenic and family friendly location to host the race with plenty of historical buildings, old forestry machinery, and stories to capture spectator’s interest. Congratulations to the hosts and sponsors for a fun and well-run event and to our STARR runners for making the three-hour drive to participate.
Name Time Category Age Group Place
Andy Smith 43:53 M60-64 3rd
Barb Cina 45:25 F45-49 3rd
Stephanie Croft 51:35 F50-54 3rd
Jill Potter Hellmann 59:28 F60-64 9th
Maggie Curtis 1:00:20 F50-54 9th
Kari Toovey 1:02:07 F50-54 11th