By Andy Smith

STARR members enjoyed a crisp cool day of friendly competition at the Vancouver Island Race Series on Sunday in North Saanich. The 2024 season kicked off at the Pioneer 8k road race hosted by the Prairie Inn Harriers running club. This event makes a great entry to the race season as the distance and terrain is not too intimidating. Nine STARR club members represented STARR in different age categories at this popular and well attended event (541 participants). Fortunately, the snow and ice that made Sooke roads so treacherous last week was nowhere in evidence on the fast out-and-back course. This event attracts some fast elite runners, and this year was no exception. It was fun to cheer the elites as well as STARR teammates as we passed each other on the way back to the start/finish. The Prairie Inn Harriers did a great job with volunteers and food. Hot coffee, pizza and door prizes at the awards ceremony were much appreciated. Jill was winner of a prize draw for gourmet coffee! Other draw prizes included a pair of running shoes courtesy of race sponsor Frontrunners.

This year the overall race winner was Aaron Ahl from Calgary who ran a blistering time of 23:44. He competed collegiately at the University of Washington and recently moved to Victoria to train and run professionally. Top female finisher was Anja Krueger from Winnipeg with a time of 27:55. She trains out of Victoria as a triathlete. The most outstanding performance of the race came from Vancouver Island legend Roslyn Smith (F75-79) who wowed the spectators and fellow racers by breaking the Canadian F75 8k record with a time of 39:02.

Whether “racing hard” or “shaking off the cobwebs” STARR participants seemed pleased with their performances on the day. Four earned medals/ribbons for top ten age group results. It was great to see an impressive turnout for the race especially the increased number of younger runners which bodes well for the future of running and running clubs here on Vancouver Island. Congratulations to all our finishers!

By Leslie Ann Bent

This has been an exciting second week on our virtual route challenges. The Yukon teams wanted to really experience winter conditions and so kindly brought the wind, ice and snow to our little spot on the globe here in Sooke. Today in Whitehorse, it was a high of -24C but felt like -42C this morning.  However, I’m told the weather is warming up. It’s not been so mild in Belfast either – just under zero there at the moment.  Seven “fabulous” prizes have been won again this week.  With 14 days of 31 under our belts, we’re 45% complete in time and all teams exceed 45%!!  Anything can happen though. Here is how this week played out.

Giant’s Causeway Challenge, Coastal Ireland

Our two Irish teams are quickly making their way north around the coast and are already experiencing what Northern Ireland has to offer.

This week, everyone had Belfast in their sights. The Causeway Coasters seemed to be on a mission.  They had no time to stop for tea or Bailey’s Irish Cream, nor even a Guinness as they made their way north, passing Portavogie with its pretty Kirkton church, nor in Ballycopeland to see the historic and only working windmill in Northern Ireland.  Even the world’s linen capital of Belfast did not give them time to pause and find the hidden treasures within. They didn’t even to stop to consider a side trip when they passed the ferry to Scotland.  No prizes for them this week but they are now very, very close to the UNESCO site – The Giant’s Causeway with its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you might recognize the area they are in – Ballintoy Harbour where part of it was filmed, and just beyond, the Dunseverick Castle – 1,500 years old!.  The Dunseverick Rambler’s Rest looked like just the spot for the Causeway Coasters to end week 2.

The Into the Mystic Team has decided to pace themselves because they want to experience some of what Northern Ireland has to offer while keeping a great pace too. Working together, their efforts have paid off. Bri was the first to get to Belfast and in The Tea Shop, guess what she found? A box of Irish breakfast tea and a souvenir sticker from Ireland. I hope she likes a strong tea! Belfast has a number of great tea shops and Bri was lucky enough to choose the right one! 

While Bri was enjoying her cuppa, Justin decided to secretly continue north and head a little off the beaten path once he arrived in Whiteabbey. His destination?  Mallusk.  He’d heard about the Bailey’s Irish Cream factory and he couldn’t resist. Maggie and Donna followed, wondering what he was up to. Fortunately, there were three cylinders of Bailey’s chocolates waiting for them, hidden near the factory. The team has carried on and are now comfortably resting at the Loughshore Hotel with a great view of the Norman Carrickfergus Castle said to be 800 years old and still intact.

The Gold Rush Challenge (724km)

Back on the other side of the world, three STARR teams continue to embrace the wild wilderness of the Yukon. All teams have had their last thrill of a big town, having left Whitehorse behind.

With Boone’s Crew leading the way, Jill took some time at Fox Lake to take some gorgeous photos.  While there, she was the first to find a bag of “gold” nuggets (gold foil wrapped chocolates). While Jill lingered, Danny, Jackie and Robin were a force to be reckoned with.  No stopping at the Montague Roadhouse and only a quick restock at the bake shop in Carmacks.  Although Jackie stopped quickly in Pelly Crossing to see where her son once worked, the rest of the crew carried on passing the Summit Road House. Although not quite there, I think Danny has his sights on McQuesten, which is a little known gem of a spot. It’s not far from the famous gold fields and offers excellent fishing, particularly for arctic grayling, with a good chance of sighting moose (as well as wolves and bears). The gang has set their tent up for the night with about 15km to McQuensten.

The Gold Diggers have been picking up their pace this week and have quickly passed Whitehorse. Marika wasted no time this week leading the charge and she was the first to reach the Montague Roadhouse historic site. It’s one of the last remaining relics of the Overland Trail.  She was lucky enough to find a Gold Rush scratch card.  Nice going Marika. With not quite enough time to reach Carmacks this week, and too early to stop in Braeburn at the lodge, the team has pitched a 4-season tent on the side of the road to end week 2 there.

Lastly, the Klondicitis had another fantastic week, with all members exceeding their individual goals once again. They too passed many of the spots that The Boone’s Crew passed but they did linger longer in Carmacks.  Sarah and Paul checked out the bake shop, while David wisely had a meal at the Sunshine Restaurant.  Under his seat, he too was lucky enough to find a Gold Rush scratch card.  With their stomachs refueled, the gang carried on towards Pelly Crossing.  They too were a bit short on time, so like the Gold Diggers, they found a protected spot by the side of the road not far from the abandoned Minto copper-gold mine and set up their winterized tent. It is the middle of winter. But somehow this area is warmer than Whitehorse – only -21C.  Some hot drinks would go down just fine.

Congratulations to all of our teams.  Who will win next week’s prizes?

RESULTS WEEK 2

Giant’s Causeway (Goal 500km)

Causeway Coasters – Ken (41km), Joldine (38km), Leslie Ann (45.9km), Sue (57.8km) = cumulative 378.8km (75% complete), Dunseverick, Northern Ireland

Into the Mystic – Maggie (28.5km), Justin (14.8km), Donna H (14.75), Kari (48km), Bri (20km) = 266.65 km (53% complete) Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

Gold Rush (Goal 724km)

Boone’s Crew – This week’s mileage – Danny (130.5km), Jackie (69.39km), Robin (73.5km), Jill (53.86km) – Cumulative 572.2km (79% complete)

Klondicitis – Sarah (76km), David D (68km), Paul (64.82km) – cumulative 437.72km (60% complete)

The Gold Diggers – Andy (46km), Ian (56km), Marika (87.7km) – 330km (46% complete)

By Leslie Ann Bent

This has been an exciting first week on our virtual route challenges.  Everyone has been welcoming in the new year with some really great runs & walks and in many cases, really outdoing themselves. Seven “fabulous” prizes have already been won. 

Giant’s Causeway Challenge, Coastal Ireland

Two teams made it to the Emerald Isle of Ireland.  Known for its scenic beauty, lush greenery, Guiness, castles & ruins, the U2 rock band, and Irish Cream, our STARR runners and walkers will have lots to enjoy over the next 500km.

They all got off to a great start, exiting Dublin with no difficulties, and quickly passing the less interesting industrial areas of Dublin’s outskirts. The first milestone destination was Dundalk (80km) with its famous Norman castle. Castle Roche can be seen from miles around. Joldine found the first hidden prize there – an Emerald Island treat bag!  I personally think she was also interested in experiencing the famous air trampoline park in Dundalk, but maybe I’m wrong. 

While Joldine was having fun in Dundalk, Kari easily passed her making her way to the beach in Newry but not before stopping at the famous Newry Cathedral (1829) to find the next hidden treasure under a pew – the book Dubliners by James Joyce.  Perhaps it had been there for a while.

Sue had a great week too, edging through Newcastle (at 155km) to admire the great bake shops and beaches. She found our hidden prize – a bag of Irish Cream Lindt chocolates under a chair. The question is, will she share?

The Causeway Coasters continued north, stopping in Downpatrick to take in some Irish history.  They admired the site of St Patrick’s first stone church and wondered if he was in fact buried there as the Irish believe. They passed Strangford by a couple of kilometers and stopped to rest at the Quarry Hill Church Lodging.

Team A is strong and steady making their way north but also taking their time to see the sites. They decided to rest at Annalong – a quaint seaside village to finish the week reading and admiring the views of the Mourne Mountains. The Annalong Cornmill dates to the early 1800s and also provides a place of interest.

The Gold Rush Challenge (724km)

On the other side of the world, three STARR teams are embracing the wild wilderness, winter trekking by travelling along the Klondike Gold Rush trail from Skagway, Alaska to Dawson City, Yukon. 2023 marked 125 years since the Gold Rush. There are 3 ways to experience the Gold Rush – buy gold, discover the stories and follow the route. Ten STARR runners are following the route!

All have left Skagway, Alaska and managed to trek the Chilkoot trail despite parts of it being officially closed to flooding. What’s a little flood trail damage to our STARRs? The Canadian side is open so somehow each team managed to make it over the border. This area is rugged and steep, and many of our runners have been put to the challenge. Sarah was the first to cross the Alaska/BC border (at 73km) and found the first hidden prize on the Gold Rush route – The Complete Book of Women’s Running (Runner’s World).  She’ll have lots of lonely days on this route to read and pick up some tips! Along the route the other team members may have stopped at the log cabin or the Tutshi Sled Dog Tours.  Yes, in these parts of BC, there is snow and there is sledding! Despite few signs of any community, the silent tranquility of the southern part of the route with majestic mountains and lakes will take your breath away.  No wonder some linger.

Part way through the week, Danny somehow passed Sarah, and was the first to arrive at the Caribou Crossing Trading Post, just past Carcross (115km). There he found a Gold Rush scratch card. Perhaps he’ll be luckier than those panning! While Danny was contemplating his potential win, Jackie took the opportunity pass him, heading to the Traveling Light B&B (150km) to get first pick of the best room in the house and discover the next hidden treasure – a cookbook using superfoods.

While Jackie was snoozing and figuring out her next meal, Robin passed her, and made it to Whitehorse first.  There he found a Whitehorse log skyscraper mug as a souvenir to take home once his travels are done. Jill finished the first week for their team, getting fairly close to the Yukon Horse packing Adventures on the base of Fox Lake.

The Gold Diggers are taking their time, admiring the scenic beauty and pacing themselves for a long month of short dark days and waiting for Marika to shake her nasty sick bug. They are now all healthy and en route. They spent some time in Carcross. With a population of about 300 in such a rural setting it looked like a fine place to stop. They refuel with a coffee before heading north.  In 10km, they will be able to rest at the Traveling Light B&B on Hwy 2 now that The Boone’s Crew has left and made room for them.

Lastly, the Klondicitis had a fantastic week, with all members exceeding their goal for the first week. After Sarah’s win, the team opted to focus on moving forward. They opted not to stop at the Caribou RV Park, nor detour to the Northern Lights Resort & Spa. Instead, they plowed through Whitehorse, and set up camp just north of Upper Laberge, where the Yukon River widens.

Congratulations to all of our teams.  We’re off to a great start.  Who will win next week’s prizes?

RESULTS WEEK 1

Giant’s Causeway (Goal 500km)

Causeway Coasters – Ken (46km), Joldine (35.6km), Leslie Ann (50.4km), Sue (64.1km) = 196km (39% complete). Just past Strangford, Northern Ireland

Team A – Maggie (47km), Justin (15km), Donna H (16.4), Kari (41.2km), Bri (21km) = 140.6km (28% complete) Annalong, Northern Ireland

Gold Rush (Goal 724km)

Boone’s Crew – Danny (120km), Jackie (39.39km), Robin (41.5km), Jill (44.06km) – 244.95km (34% complete)

Klondicitis – Sarah (90km), David D. (70km), Paul (68.9km) – 228.9km (31.6% complete)

The Gold Diggers – Andy (51.5km), Ian (56km), Marika (32.5km) – 140km (19.3% complete)

Track your daily running, jogging and walking mileage (January 1-31).  Submit your weekly kms for the chance to win fun prizes and help STARR members achieve their distance for January.  Every step counts. Be on a team to help motivate each other. Deadline to enter: Dec. 23.

Do you remember when COVID first hit us back in March, 2020? STARR couldn’t run together but we could still be an awesome team. We launched the virtual Vancouver Island Circuit Challenge to run/walk around the perimeter of Vancouver Island. Then, in February of 2022, we tackled the virtual tour around Sicily.

We thought we’d bring some sun, fun, fitness and armchair travel to you. This type of event might help us stay connected as runners and walkers during the month and inspire each other.  Everyone who opts to join one of the three challenges by running, jogging and walking will have their distance count towards their team goal, so read on for more details.

1.     Challenge 1 – Giant’s Causeway – 500km along part of the Irish coast from Dublin, through Belfast, past the famous Giant’s causeway and finishing at Portland Beach – Up to 4 runners/walkers per team

2.     Challenge 2 – London to Paris – 497km. Enjoy the many famous sites of London (Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London….) making your way east through Canterbury, to Dover, and yes you can walk on water – 51km across the English Channel to Calais, through the beautiful towns of Pas de Calais, the Somme, and finally weaving your way to the City of Lights – cafes and sweet treats await. Up to 4 runners/walkers per team.

3.     Challenge 3 – The Gold Rush Trail – 724km – This distance challenge starts in Skagway, Alaska and winds its way north and east through a small square of BC and largely through Yukon passing Whitehorse, cross the mighty Yukon River, and finally into the gold fields of Dawson City, having a cold one at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall. Up to 4 runners/walkers per team.

Choose your team or ask to be matched with a team or to have an additional runner/walker added.

Are you up for the challenge?  There will be some “fabulous” prizes for us to “pick up” in predetermined secret spots along the way. Who will be lucky? Every step counts!  Check the STARR website weekly for updates. There will also be finishers patches or medals for everyone who completes the challenge by 5pm January 31.

Why not set some goals for the month and see how you do? We can do it!

Email with: which challenge you want to do, either who your teammates are or if you would like to be matched (also if you could include your personal weekly mileage goal which will help us match your teammates).

Here is how it will work:

1.       Track your mileage from January 1 to 31 inclusively.

2.       Each week you run or walk, email your mileage in kms for that week by 5pm each Sunday (runwithstarr@gmail.com).  Mileage received later will be added to the following week.

3.       Leslie Ann will update the club members each week as to where each team is virtually so we can follow the progress, and give kudos when applicable to STARR members who have achieved good results.

4.       Prizes will be found in hidden places along our route.

5.       Small prize and badge/medal presentation will be made at the February club meeting or a chosen Saturday run in February.

By Leslie Ann Bent

I tell my friends who will listen that the Thetis Lake relay is always cold, often wet, but tons of fun with lots of comradery. Many of you are familiar with the trail, but for those of you who aren’t, the course is a technically hilly trail around Thetis Lake with a couple of unforgiving hills at the end. Although the final results aren’t yet available, I believe there were about 100 teams competing so the trail was busy!

STARR came out in full force with 4 teams (16 participants). We were all grateful to Sarah for bringing the needed tent and heater. Although one club member commented that this was the first year that we weren’t freezing our buns off, it still was a damp and chilly afternoon. The tent provided good cover and conversation before and after the race as club members stood around the fire to warm up.

We woke up to a heavy downpour on Saturday morning with BC Hydro reporting 100,000 power outages. We were all wondering what our chances might be to have a dry race. The weather gods were with us. The rain tapered off before the start of the race and only re-commenced as the awards ceremony started.

At the start line I was able to high five some of the STARR runners as I wished them luck – Kari, Sarah, Pauline, and David. This type of race also has many familiar faces from various clubs like the Harriers and Ceevacs who we see at the VIRS series races. Former members of the STARR, Jonathan and Greg C. were also there, cheering on the STARRS, or whizzing past depending on where you encountered them. We also recognized volunteers and announcers who help keep many of the south Vancouver Island races humming. If it weren’t a race, then I’d say it was like one big happy family out there on Saturday.

I started at the back of the pack, taking it slow on the first hill. The terrain was better than I had anticipated after so much rain – wet and muddy in parts, but not too slick. The early part of the trail is rolling and gives you a chance to catch your breath and warm up the legs. I was impressed with the added gravel that seemed to take the edge off some of the more treacherous sections I’d recalled from prior years – fewer exposed roots and rocks. However, this is a course that doesn’t let you get too comfortable. Rare is there a flat section and over confidence is not your friend. One of the Harriers reminded me about what was lying ahead – what they call the 3 Sisters that will “kill” you at the end so one should leave something in the tank for the finish.

So, after huffing and puffing my way around the course and scaling the last of the Three Sisters, I was relieved to hear the cheering at the main beach transition, and spot Maggie with her pink neon hat waiting in the chute for our hand off. Pauline and Kayla were cheering and I could see Jackie along the sidelines watching the STARRs come through. I must say, after an invigorating run, hot Campbell’s soup never tasted so good! Thanks, Prairie Inn Harriers for a great race.

No official times are in but we did take home some ribbons.

Run Lake the Winded – Andy, David, Claude, Mark (Veterans, M 50+) – 1st place

Unstoppable STARRs – Pauline, Leslie Ann, Sue, Maggie (Veterans, F 50+) – 2nd place

Snap, Crackle, Creak and Pop – Jackie, Paul, Joldine, Jill (Super Veterans, Mixed 60+) 3rd Place

What the Hill – Sarah, Kari, Bri, Marika (open female 20+ years)

Congratulations everyone.

If you’re looking for a fall challenging and fun race, this is one race to consider. It’s a very enjoyable race that allows people of all ages and abilities to have fun with their teams and competitors.

By Leslie Ann Bent

It was -3C when I started my drive toward the Sooke Potholes for our STARR’s second annual “Predict Your Time” run.  At least the sun was shining.  Fifteen members and three volunteers ventured out in the cold to test their ability to predict their time (pacing skill) while ridding themselves of modern technology – no phones, no watches, no devices to help them keep pace. 

There were two courses – the 8.6km long course which featured the Galloping Goose trail plus a side show through the Potholes campground.  The short course stuck to the “Goose” but runners and walkers still had to be on their toes to ensure they didn’t go too far, or too short with two turn-around spots. 

Andrea volunteered at the 2nd turn-around for our short course runners while cheering on the long course runners as they passed.  Danny biked to the Potholes campground to ensure the long course runners had support.  Andy marked the course in advance so we were very thankful to all of them for their help. Like every event, one runner did get “lost.” 

On the long course, Steve E. took home the star trophy for being closest to his predicted time – just 6 seconds faster than expected. Iris earned her first-place medal – just 14 seconds off her predicted time on the short course.  David spent most of his time on the course breathing down Jackie’s neck. He won the second-place medal for the long course, being just 42 seconds faster than his predicted time.

There is always at least one interesting story when we have a group of STARRs together.  Paul opted for the short course.  All was well when he was about 2/3 of the way through the course, passing the clock at the perfect pace.  However, he turned at the first spot that that crossed the main road, looking like it could be the turn-around.  Thinking the course was a little short as he made his way to the finish line, he told himself that maybe he turned too early.  No Andrea and no fence had been in sight.  So, after returning close to the finish line, he returned back up the hill to see if he could find Andrea and the fence.  Despite adding perhaps a kilometer or kilometer and a half to his route, he crossed the finish line 6:13 slower than his predicted time.  Still, he earned the second-place medal. The day did not end too badly for him.

Congratulations to all of our runners.  Thanks to our volunteers. I think everyone had a good time.

Thanks Jill for the winners’ photos.

By Greg Balchin

Port Alberni’s is our most favourite trail series run. It has all the twists and turns you could ask for, with a couple of ravine dips just to keep the climbers happy.

This course begs to be run hard and fast. There are numerous trail and Galloping Goose-like flat spots that allow you to pick up the pace (if you have enough gas in the tank). The catch, however, is the likelihood of going out too fast, and bonking before the finish line. I’ve done this twice now (I’m a slow learner) and it’s so frustrating, because the fastest part of the track is the last 5k. 

You also have to deal with Port Alberini’s 30’c heat and humidity, which conspire to reduce your sweat’s ability to cool you down. Water consumption at the aid stations is a must. Pauline and I filled our 2ltr water bags with ice cubes. That actually helped us a lot. It cooled our backs down for most of the run, even though the sloshing around melting ice, was a bit distracting.

116 long distance runners showed up for the event , 164 short course runners took off 15 minutes after our race start. Pauline killed it on this race, coming in at 2:38:32 while still managing to take videos of the run at the same time! I limped in nearly 13 minutes behind her, at 2:40:30 . Pauline got 1st place in her age group and was 38th of 116 to cross the finish line (very impressive)! I was a distant 51st of 116, and 2nd in my age group.

We really had fun on this run, lots of friends to run with, the running community (trail and road runners) is a relatively small number of people, especially the trail runners. There are approximately 600-700 of us registered, and fewer actually make it out to the majority of the events, so you really get to know people over the years.

A number of us got stung by wasps again. I got stung in the same spot on my knee as last year. There’s a nest about 3k into the trail, and they just wait for us every year. I think they enjoy this event as much as we do. Ultimately,  the fault is mine. I’m not running fast enough. The first 30 runners never get stung, the rest of us, however, are never so lucky.

By Maggie Curtis

Sooke runners were out in full force at the 2023 Kusam Klimb in Sayward, BC on June 24, 2023.  The weather and conditions were perfect–sunny but not too hot, very little snow and no detectable smoke from nearby fires.  The race was the first Klimb since 2020, so it was pretty exciting to be back up there!

 The Kusam Klimb has been an epic race on Vancouver Island every year since 2004 (except for a few years that were canceled for weather).  The race features 1500 metres of elevation gain in under 8 kilometres followed by some steep and technical downhill and then a trail run of around 12 km.  It is just over 23KM in total.

This year the event was taken over by Coastline Endurance, who made some minor changes to the main course, and added the “Kusam Mini” which is a shorter race that goes to checkpoint one.  The mini had 75 participants and the full klimb had 496.  Coastline did not hold the post race banquet like in the past.  However, they did add some great things:  a smorgasbord of snacks and beverage choices at some of the checkpoints (candy, fruit, cookies, coke, gatorade, pickles, chips, the list goes on) and as much beer and chile/buns as you wanted at the end, making for a very festive finish line.  The missing nanaimo bars were noticed by many, but it could be argued that the other treats made up for them.

Patricia Roney was the  top female Kusam Klimb finisher with a time of 2:46:24.  The top male finisher was Nicholas Lightbody (what a great name for a runner!)  and he did the 23 km trail run in 2:18:14 with the second and third place finishers less than two minutes behind him.  Several runners from STARR finished the grueling race (even in perfect weather, it is HARD):

(50-54) Pauline Nielson came in 90/496 with a chip time of 3:39:07

(60-64) Greg Balchin came in 95/496 with a chip time of 3:41:21

(40-44)Marika Nagasaka came in 101/496 with a chip time of 3:44:46

(45-49)Steven Eriksen came in 121/496 with a chip time of 3:51:55

(40-44) Sarah McWhirter came in 167/496 with a chip time of 4:13:03

(50-54) Maggie Curtis came in 401/496 with a gun time of 6:44

(40-44) Melanie Eskildsen came in 402/496 with a gun time of 6:44

Some familiar STARR faces, Sharon Cormier and Melanie Cunningham, volunteered at the registration pickup and were also cheering people on at checkpoint one.  Both women have completed the Kusam a few times in the past and it was wonderful to see them.  The photo below was taken by Melanie Cunningham at checkpoint one (I was still cocky at that point 🙂).  The volunteers and crew did a great job.  In addition to hosting runners and hikers, Sayward is also hosting and feeding firefighters in the area who are battling fires in the region.   Thank you Sayward and I wish safety for your beautiful community and surrounding area.

The Kusam Klimb is truly an amazing experience.  I pushed my limits and was elated crossing the finish line.  There were volunteers cheering at the checkpoints and the summit, and their cheers could be heard as we approached, giving us hope and joy.  I highly recommend this race for anyone who wants a real challenge that they can hold in their hearts for years to come.  I hope I see you next year on Mt. H’Kusam!

By Kari

Since I started running in 2016 I have generally told myself that I would never run a marathon, or even a half marathon. Honestly, I am still just thrilled that I get out and run (jog? amble?). But moms are persuasive and mine convinced me to run the Half Corked Marathon in Osoyoos this year. Its motto is “if you finish first, you missed the point” so I figured it might be a good intro half marathon for me.

The run starts at a different winery each year. The big yellow school bus picked us runners up at 7:10 am on Saturday, May 27 and took us to Rust Winery, where we were greeted with gorgeous views, granola bars and glasses of chardonnay. Never have I ever drank a glass of wine before noon, never mind 7:30 a.m., but, when in Rome…

The run organizers then got us organized (the run is organized in waves, each of about 50 people, starting at 20 minutes apart) and told us that, while last year the run was 24 km, this year the run was 18-20 km (no one really measured I guess). The first part of the run was up a long driveway, to our next winery, Culmina Family Estate. Our reward for ascending the hill was a lovely grapefruit/rose spritzer. Despite me promising to myself to not drink every wine that was offered, I accepted a glass. Then we ran back down the hill and were greeted by Road 13, where I indulged again. These are all small, sample sizes of wine but I am not a big drinker so by this point I had a stern talk to myself about not drinking at every stop. But the next winery had sangria. What winery was that, you ask? I don’t know as I was slightly drunk by that point.

After the sangria I drank a lot of water. It was starting to get hot – the day started out a bit overcast and cool but, in true Osoyoos fashion, the sun started to shine and the heat was coming on by 8:30.

Next up was Silver Sage Winery, which became my favourite of the route – they had a lovely spread for the runners, including antipasto, fruit, baked goods, real wine glasses, seating and loud cheering for everyone that came along. After I had some food (and a small glass of sparkling white wine), I headed off towards Nostalgia winery, the official half way point, where I limited myself to some apple fritter. From that point, I carried on, only stopping for a wine spritzer from Tinhorn Creek. At this stage the wineries become less frequent and the prickly pear cactus at the side of the road more abundant, but I could feel the end of my run getting closer and luckily, after one rather grueling and long hill, the rest of the way was mostly downhill (literally, not metaphorically) and, at one point, right through the rows of growing grapes of a vineyard. I ran across the finish line at the Oliver Community Park, happy to be finished and mostly sober. There is no official time keeping for the run and I am not sure how long I took – I do know that it took me longer than ever to hit the 10 km mark, but in my defense, I have never stopped for an antipasto platter mid-run and also there was wine. Did I mention the wine?

Once at the finish line I was given drink tickets for more wine tasting and ate delicious paella in the sun. After I was refueled, I danced with my mom to her favourite local band while we watched the rest of the runners come in. It was a really fun run and a great excuse to spend a weekend in Osoyoos with my mom.

If anyone plans to go in the future (I would like to go back), costumes are encouraged and I saw some great ones – people dressed as bunches of grapes, the Cheshire cat and Mad Hatter, a bride and groom, T-Rexes, Care Bears, etc.  The run itself is expensive ($265) and the organizers make way too much use of all-caps in their communication but it is a fun run and likely the easiest “half” in the world (there were many, many, non-runners in the crowd).

Now I am considering running the half marathon at the RVM. Does anyone know what wineries that goes to?