David had a strong showing at the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon.
A warm sunny day and a snow-capped Mount Washington greeted STARRs who ventured up island to Courtenay for the Comox Valley RV Half marathon last Sunday.
Andy placed third in his age group.
It was the 25th anniversary of the event and the host Comox Valley Running Club celebrated in style with a well-run race (pun intended) and a fun award ceremony complete with awesome buffet lunch. Five STARRs made the trip and several enjoyed an overnight stay to indulge in the local hospitality.
The race itself is a rolling out and back course climbing methodically to the 10K turnaround then descending back to Courtenay for the finish at the local community center. Several racers commented the “long sneaky” climb from 6K to 10K sapped your energy and got heart rates into the red zone. David repeated to himself “what goes up, must come down!”. All of us were thinking the same the same thing!
Andy started the race quickly to keep Jonathan in sight. Approaching the 10K turnaround, in his bright yellow club T-shirt, two competitors from his age group were discussing “following the guiding STARR”. They turned down the offer of a gel then passed him at the turnaround. I guess they didn’t need the gel! The second half of the race rolls down the same hills just climbed with a great view of Mount Washington in the background to keep your head up! Many negative splits were set on the return home and there were some great finish line photos of runners smiling in the sunny weather.
The men’s race was won by 2019 series regular Matt Noseworthy (m20-24) completing only his second ½ marathon in a speedy 1:09:28. Even more impressive was Marilyn Arsenault’s performance to win the women’s race in 1:21:18. Marilyn is in the f50-54 age group and her impressive time certainly gave the younger women hope for their future! Two age group records were set; both by women. Marilyn broke the f 50-54 record by an incredible 6 ½ minute and Roslyn (Roz) Smith broke the f 70-74 record by 5 ½ minutes. Very inspiring!
It was a successful day for STARR runner (pun intended) Jonathan Dvorak continuing his recent string of super performances with a second place in the m40-44 category in a time of 1:28:06. Andy Smith just broke the 1 ½ hour mark to place 3rd in the m55-59 age group in 1:29:53. Pauline Nielsen took 6th in the f50-54 category (tough competition Pauline!) in a time of 1:44:45. David White overcame lack of training due to illness and holidays to take 10th place in the m50-54 category in 1:54:44. Bruce Hawkes had another great race to take 3rd in the m75-79 age group in 2:35:02. Honourable mention to Greg Balchin from Sooke, a potential new STARR member who finished 10th in the m55-59 category in 1:44:15. Well done Greg and welcome!
Six strong performances in Comox Valley! It was nice to see STARR logos represented on the podium. Congratulations to all and the family members who cheered us on! The next race is the Sooke 10K in two weeks. Hope to see you there!
Johnathan placed second in his age group.