Sicily Race Report

By Ken Pungente

Ken running with world class runners at a race in Augusta.

Hello all from Sicily,

Just thought I would send out a race report to date as I have one more race before I leave back to Canada this month.

 I was in 7 competitive races so far with four 1sts, one 2nd & two 3rds. My running club here ( Pachino Running ) post a lot of info & pics on WhatsApp. The races were in Avola, Augusta, Catania, Ispica, Portopalo - Marzamemi, Acireale & Balestrade.

Most of these towns and cities have a great history and are very picturesque. The Marzamemi to Portopalo called (Due Mari, 2 seas ) is a half marathon & also has a 10km which I ran. The race travels along the sea coast and goes past where the Ionian & Mediterranean seas meet in the town where I live ( Portopalo di C.P. ) and is as far south that you can go in Sicily.

 The Augusta race was very special as I had the privilege of running with about 10 world class runners from Kenya, Burundi & Italy. Below is a pic of me getting ready to pass 2 of them (NOT). A lot of these races are on Festival days or to honour people of note.

I'm still having some good times on the longer races with 1.14.14 on the Catania 10.5 ( half of a half ) & Acireale 10km. with a 109.11, not bad for the 80+ category. A lot of  these race results & pics can be found on Timing Data Services ( Sicilia ) who run the timing for a lot of these races.

Will close for now & look forward to some runs & races in Canada when I return. Stay hungry, Stay foolish, Ciao, Ciao, Ken Pungente

Ken standing happily on the podium with his third place medal at a race in Sicily.

A collection of snazzy medals and ribbons from Sicily—well done Ken!

STARR Cedar 12k Race Report, February 11, 2024

Melanie, Andy, Kari, Maggie, Jill, and Joldine

By Andy Smith

Nine Starr members made the trip to Cedar (near Nanaimo) for the third race in the Vancouver Island Race Series on Sunday February 11th hosted by the local Bastion Running Club.  All our runners agreed it’s a great location for an event with a scenic and challenging course. The route rolls over quiet rural roads starting and ending near Cedar Elementary School. The after-race meal and award ceremony were hosted in the school gym.

The weather looked threatening on the morning of the race with rain and fog on the drive from Sooke over the Malahat Pass. Fortunately, the precipitation stopped before the 11am start and conditions for the race were misty and cool but pleasant with calm winds. Seven club members lined up at the start. Two more club members, Donna and Justin Heeley, were also present cheering on daughter and son-in law from the sidelines. In all there were 421 participants representing age categories from under-16 to 80+. It was an out-and-back course, so it was fun to cheer teammates and other runners as we passed each other on our way out or back to the start/finish. The race was won by Brandon Vail from the Speedfarm club in a time of 38:33 (that’s 3:13 per km!). The top female runner was Jennifer Ericson (also from the Speedfarm club) in a time of 44:03. The Bastion Running Club did a great job with volunteers and food. Hot coffee, homemade sandwiches and cookies and door prizes at the awards ceremony were much appreciated.

STARR participants seemed pleased with their performances on the day. Four earned medals/ribbons for top ten age group results. Jill and Melanie ran identical times, although competing in different age groups! It was great to see lots of younger runners which bodes well for the future of running and running clubs here on Vancouver Island. Congratulations to all our finishers!

Cobble Hill 10K

By Maggie Curtis

Sooke was well represented at the Cobble Hill 10K race on January 28th.  Cobble Hill is the second race of the Island Race series, which has 8 races in total running from January to April.  The course was beautiful and foggy and it looked like everyone had an amazing time.  

Top finisher overall was Andrew Davies of Vancouver, with a time of 29:32.The top finisher of the women’s race was Glynis Sim of Vancouver, with a time of 33:23. A record was broken again by Roz Smith for her age group of 75-79, with a time of 49:11.  For two races in a row, Roz has crushed it.

The route is fairly flat with a few  hills around 4 and 8 kms. Although it is mostly a circle route, there is an out and back early in the race so it was neat to see the fast runners whizzing by while I was puffing away and getting my race legs on.  Congratulations to all the STARRs who participated!  The next race is the Cedar 12K on Sunday, February 11. 

STARR – January Blues – Week 4 Recap

Portsalon Beach

By Leslie Ann Bent

This has been such a motivating event for our 19 STARR participants. With five teams taking on the challenge, four teams have finished the January Blues and one team is 99% complete.  What an amazing feat. With 3 more days to go, together we’ve done almost 3,500km! I’m expecting all teams will be finished by tomorrow.  So, pat yourselves on the back and give a rah, rah to your teammates.  The draws for race entries to the Run Sayshutsun and CFB Esquimalt Runs will take place at the February monthly STARR meeting.

Giant’s Causeway Challenge, Coastal Ireland

This was a great week for both teams. 

As each member of Into the Mystic sent in their weekly mileage, it looked like the team was going to be 1km shy of their destination. However, Bri must have been out gathering the celebratory drinks and treats. She brought the team to finish line with a few minutes to spare – carrying treats! The finish line prizes for the team include treat bags with Irish breakfast tea & Emerald Isle treats for Kari, Justin, and Donna and a bag of Bailey’s Irish Cream chocolates for Bri herself. Meanwhile, Maggie decided to explore the nearby Fanad Lighthouse and her finish line prize was a book. The team is hanging out on the beautiful sandy, crescent beach, named the second most beautiful beach in the world by the Observer newspaper. Not a bad place to end.

The Causeway Coasters meanwhile continued along the northerly rugged coast passing by many scenic and dramatic landscapes. Leslie Ann and Ken stopped at Crohy Head for some photo opportunities. Its sea arch is one of the many hidden gems dotting this spectacular coastline.  Joldine and Sue spotted Nanda’s Home Cooking coffee shop in Lettermacaward. They sampled Irish breakfast tea and Irish cream (chocolates) and will bring some home as souvenirs. Leslie Ann and Ken will be surprised to see what treats await them back in Otter Point and Shirley when the team reaches home soil. For now, they will spend the night in this small village overlooking the coast. Sue’s GPS system was failing  - no signal I guess in this remote spot.  Once she’s reconnected, we’ll get her mileage for the week.


The Gold Rush Challenge (724km) + add-on coastal route to Ballysadare = 717km

Lots of excitement has happened in the Yukon this past week. Klondicitis easily made it to Dawson City. Did you know that Dawson City is Yukon’s second largest municipality and has only 1,375 residents? In 2023, it became part of a UNESCO world heritage site. In its heyday during the gold rush, it was a city of mud streets, casinos, churches, saloons, and theaters. Today, the local CIBC still weighs and handles gold. Gerites (Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall) is still open for business and that’s where each of our teams have rested and celebrated their Gold Rush Trail completion. Sarah and Dave found some gold nuggets to take home (gold wrapped chocolates). Paul will be taking home some True North Coffee. After resting, they are helping clear the course for the Yukon Arctic Ultra along with Boone’s Crew. They’ve made their way past the Braeburn check point and part way to the Mandanna Lake check point.

Boone’s Crew has had a phenomenal week as well. The ultra race has a number of check points where participants in the race can rest, have something to eat, and treat frost bite. Last week the Boone’s Crew was near the Dog Lake check point. This week they passed several of the checkpoints.  Their last check point of the week was McCabe, an area known for fishing when it’s not in the dead of winter. Perhaps this spot is of interest to Danny? Heavily energized by treats from week 3, the team made great progress and are resting about 25 miles from Pelly’s Crossing. Hot drinks for Danny, Jackie and Robin, while Jill is curled up with a book (The Complete Book of Running for Women).

You may be wondering what’s happened with the Gold Diggers.  They were last seen 231km from the finish line.  Plagued early on by sickness and weather, this team earned the determination badge this week.  Making their way through Summit Roadhouse, Gravel Lake, and the gold fields of Flat Creek and Rock Creek, they can now see Dawson City about 7 or 8km in the distance. They stopped for one last night. Marika and Ian did not find gold at Rock Creek but instead found some interesting books. (House Calls by Dogsled: Six Years in an Arctic Medical Outpost for Ian and At the Mountain’s Edge  - an historical fiction novel about the Yukon Gold Rush for Marika). Andy is enjoying a hot drink before tomorrow’s push to the finish line.

RESULTS WEEK 3

Giant’s Causeway (Goal 500km); add-on to Ballysadare (+217k) = 717km

Causeway Coasters – Ken (42km), Joldine (25.5km), Leslie Ann (32km), Sue (lost cell service!!) = cumulative 608km (complete), Lettermacaward, Ireland

Into the Mystic – Maggie (28km), Justin (16.5km), Donna H (22km), Kari (47.9km), Bri (26km) = 525km (100% Complete) Portsalon Beach!

Gold Rush (Goal 724km) add-on Yukon Arctic Ultra (+483km) = 1,207km

Boone’s Crew – This week’s mileage - Danny (88km), Jackie (54.85km), Robin (87km), Jill (53.71km) – Cumulative 1,094km (Gold Rush complete, Montaine Arctic Ultra about 76%)

Klondicitis – Sarah (106km), David D (67.2km), Paul (39.37km) – cumulative 917km (Gold Rush complete, Montaine Artic Ultra 40% complete, about 25 miles from the Mandanna check point)

The Gold Diggers – Andy (59.5km), Ian (71km), Marika (92.75km) – 716.2km (99% complete, on the outskirts of Dawson City)

STARR – January Blues – Week 3 Recap

St Eunan’s Cathedral

By Leslie Ann Bent

This has been an exciting third week on our virtual route challenges and of course we’ve had all sorts of weather. I’m excited to say it hasn’t impacted many of our STARR participants as the mileage this week looks very impressive. Two teams have finished. There is no prize for finishing first though. All of the STARRS who are still out on their routes are doing well and all have the finish lines in sight with 10 days left to go (We’re 67% of the way in terms of time and all teams have completed at least 68% of the mileage). Currently is it -33C in Dawson City and it’s raining and 7C at the Giant’s Causeway.

Giant’s Causeway Challenge, Coastal Ireland

Both Ireland teams have passed the Giant’s Causeway this week. Yay! All were awed by the dramatic cliffs and the wild Atlantic ocean surrounding the natural causeway. This site is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO world heritage site. Some STARRs lingered to walk along the stones. Other took snapshots. Some Irish luck rained down on Ken when he found that Lucky 7 scratch card hidden among the stones.

Into the Mystic took their time exploring the rugged coast en route to the UNESCO site. Maggie decided to stop in Larne to enquire about ferries to Scotland and pause for a needed drink. Much to her surprise, at the Vintage Tea Room and Sensational Cakes shop, she found the first hidden prize of the week – a package of UK teas!

Donna carried on past Maggie as the fortified manor house (which is now thought to be haunted), the old mill and the Ballygally Castle Hotel piqued her interest. While searching for ghosts around the manor house premises, Donna found an Emerald Isle treat bag! Into the Mystic, happy with the week’s progress, settled for the night just passed the Giant’s Causeway.

Joldine and Sue were also lucky on their choices of rest stops. Joldine checked out the university town of Coleraine. From beaches to ruins, this spot is a great stopping point for anyone spending time on the coast. Joldine was curious about the medieval Dunluce Castle that inspired many from CS Lewis to Led Zeppelin and in searching the ruins, she found a book (Soul Sisters cookbook)!

Sue wandered through the cathedral town of Letterkenny. With its gothic revival architecture, the St Eunan’s Cathedral can be spotted from miles away. Sue also found a hidden book (The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchik) there under a pew. The Causeway Coasters finished their week at Portsalon, completing the challenge. They will continue along the coast to explore more of what Ireland has to offer with Ballysadare as their final destination. (216km from Portsalon).

The Gold Rush Challenge (724km)

Back on the other side of the world, three STARR teams continue to embrace the cold and the wild wilderness of the Yukon. Boone’s Crew has completed the challenge. Klondicitis is almost at Dawson City and the Gold Diggers are enjoying solitude as they evenly pace their selves to the finish line.

The thing about the Klondike Highway and the Gold Rush route is that one could go for kilometers upon kilometers and not find a town or even a soul. It can be a very beautiful but lonely place at times. Ian decided to stop at the 400km mark regardless. It was the middle of nowhere to be honest. With no one in sight, but with lots of snow, he just decided to break the monotony and build a snowman - making a supply of snowballs to greet STARRs passing by. What fun! This took him back to his childhood. Invigorated, he continued. (Ian has earned the Jelly Bellies snowman and chocolate snowballs – nice treats on a cold day).

Meanwhile, Paul was intrigued by the recently closed Minto copper and gold mine near Pelly Crossing. The community of about 300 residents looks huge on the horizon and Paul decided to see what he could find. Did you know that copper is also found in nuggets? Although the sign said “no trespassing” Paul figured a little look around the mine couldn’t hurt. Perhaps something of value was left behind? Paul found some copper nuggets! (copper-coloured wrapped chocolates).

Dave spent some time en route looking for the Summit Roadhouse. It was clearly marked on the map so why wouldn’t there be a roadhouse? It was there in 1914. Hmm. A book (A Runner's Journey by Bruce Kidd) was left by the sign and Dave took it before continuing north.

As some of the team members were nearing Dawson City, they realized they were passing the gold fields. Gold can still be found and many people who visit the region, test their luck while panning for gold in various hot spots. Marika found some “gold” nuggets at McQuesten. Robin was also successful finding some “gold” nuggets at Flat Creek. Jill wasn’t to be outdone by her teammates. Rock Creek was her sweet spot for bag of “gold.” (gold wrapped chocolates).

Jackie’s rest stop at Gravel Lake was also fruitful and hopefully lucky. A Gold Rush scratch card was hidden under the snow and picnic table.

Danny earned a gold prospector shirt and gold nuggets too as he led their team to Gerties in Dawson City. Boone’s Crew was quite pleased to rest awhile at Gerties and enjoy a few hot and cold drinks. They are not done! They have been recruited by the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra to help clear the route for the upcoming ultra starting on February 4th in Whitehorse. This ultra follows the famous Quest Trail – the trail of the world’s toughest sled dog race. The race offers a marathon, a 100-miler and a 300-miler which more or less follows along the route from Whitehorse towards Dawson City. Participants can choose to use their feet (run/walk/jog), mountain bike or cross-country skis when they take on this adventure. To make this event happen, the race organizers are in need of some extra volunteers to sweep the course before the participants head out. Boone’s Crew will do what they can to sweep the 430km course.

Klondicitis has completed their week just past Rock Creek while the Gold Diggers are almost at the Summit Roadhouse.

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

RESULTS WEEK 3

Giant’s Causeway (Goal 500km)

Causeway Coasters – Ken (40km), Joldine (40.6km), Leslie Ann (28km), Sue (21km) = cumulative 508km (complete), Portsalon (just beyond!)

Into the Mystic – Maggie (33km), Justin (11km), Donna H (11km), Kari (43.5km), Bri (20km) =385 km (77% complete) Just beyond the Giant’s Causeway, 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 810km (Gold Rush complete, Montaine Arctic Ultra about 20%, approaching Dog Grave Lake checkpoint)

Klondicitis – Sarah (128km), David D (77km), Paul (62km) – 704.7km cumulative km (97% complete)

The Gold Diggers – Andy (21km), Ian (51km), Marika (91.3km) – 493km (68% complete)

Pioneer 8k Race Report, January 14, 2024

Maggie, Barbara, Kari, Andy, Jilll and Joldine

By Andy Smith

Kari, Andy and Melanie

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.

Jill, Maggie, and Kari

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!

Below photos courtesy of Joe Crazy Legs

January Blues – Week 2 Recap

Carmacks, Yukon

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)

STARR – January Blues – Week 1 Recap

Castle Roche

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)

2024 January Blues STARR Team Challenge: Virtual Tours of Ireland, the Gold Rush route or London to Paris!

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.

Thetis Lake 20km Relay, Saturday, Nov 11, 2023

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.

Predict Your Time Run, October 28, 2023

Steve - long course winner!

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.” 

Iris - short course winner!

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.