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
Ahhh, thanks for this report Leslie Ann. I have fond memories of Thanksgiving weekend running the full and half in Victoria. Some great finish times here, congrats to all!
Great turnout overall and well represented STARR. I remember RVM weekends where getting up so early and the weather being horrendous, we needed those warm up blankets at the finish. Then there were times like this past weekend where the beautiful fall weather made up for all the cold rainy thanksgiving Sundays. My RVM days are over now but whether you run in an event, volunteer or cheer everyone participating it is still a wonderful way to spend thanksgiving weekend.