Claude, Emily, Andy & Barb pre-race
Karla, kari, Jill & Maggie pre-race
A very wet mass start
A blurred Claude, clearly running too fast for the camera shutter speed!
Andy, Claude, Vlad & Scott enjoying the post-race refreshments
March 9, 2025 by Leslie Ann Bent
Even an atmospheric river couldn’t keep 500 runners away from Sooke’s only road race held on Sunday, March 9. The Westcoast 10k is one of the eight races that comprise the popular Vancouver Island race series. The race is a gently rolling out and back course starting at Edward Milne Community School and runs along Sooke River Road. The race attracts young and old of all abilities. Of the nearly 500 runners who competed, 20 men and 18 women were over 70. They’re still a competitive bunch and prove that age is just a number. There is also a children’s race that was greatly enjoyed by the youngsters.
Nine STARR runners were out to support the local race and see what their legs could do on this familiar course. The first STARR runner to cross the finish line was Andy Smith (M60-64) with a time of 42:52. This result earned him a 3rd place age-group medal. Barbara Cina(F45-49) was STARR’s first female athlete to complete the course with a time of 44:38, also earning her a 3rd place age-group medal. Honorable mention goes out to Vlad (M50-54) who completed his first race ever with a solid time of 52:26. It was wonderful having so many of our club members supporting this local race. Donna H, Jason and Leslie Ann were there cheering on fellow runners.
The race was not without its magical moments. The Speedfarm team from Victoria kicked butt taking home gold medals for both male and female top athletes, as well as capturing 6 of the top 10 placings. The first overall finisher was Brandon Vail (M25-29) with an impressive time of 31:01. Meg Lewis-Schneider (F30-34) crossed the finish line at 35:30. The top masters’ athlete was Andrew Russel (M40-44) with a time of 32:10.
If you thought it must get easier to place as you reach your golden years, think again. Watching races is always an inspiring experience. The top 2 men in the 75-79 age group ran 51:57 and 52:55. The top female in the same age category ran 50:55. Equally important and impressive are the back of the pack runners who just kept focused on the goal, spending about an hour and half out ponding the pavement in the rain and not giving up.
The race was extremely well organized. A big shout out to the Sooke Lion’s club for once again making their fantastic pancakes and strawberries for all of the competitors.
Congratulations to all of our STARRs who competed.
Results (chip time)
Andy (M60-64) 42:52, 3rd
Barb (F45-49) 44:38, 3rd
Scott (M35-39) 46:31
Karla (F35-39) 50:26, 10th
Claude (M60-64) 50:57, 8th
Emily (F30-34) 52:11
Vlad (M50-54) 52:26
Maggie (F50-54) 58:52
Jill (F60-64) 59:14, 9th
Kari (M50-54) 1:02:31