Royal Victoria Marathon Weekend

Photo Credit Joe Crazy Legs

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

Sooke Hills Race

Sooke Hills Race Report

Photo credits: @dylandoubt @sookehillsrunning, Pauline, Ian

Sooke Hills Running hosted their first event in the Sooke Hills on beautiful sunny Saturday, June 8th.  The event had two distances—a 50K and a 25K.  STARR runners Pauline and Scott ran in the 50K and Ian ran in the 25K.

Ian had the following comments about the run:

”Hats off to Elliot and Jason for arranging a new trail race right here on our doorstep in Sooke.  This was a superbly organized event which really did make the most of the wonderful trails up and down the Sooke Hills.   I entered the 25km, and vouch that the trail was really well marked and the aid stations were enthusiastically crewed and well placed along the route.  I heard similar feedback from some of the runners in the 50km event too. 

Post-race offerings were excellent, with a great choice of food and drink and a really novel idea for finisher t-shirt mementos.  All entrants were able to select a running shirt from a clothes line, ordered by size.  All of these were pre-owned shirts that had been over stamped with the race logo!  This means that i) it fits, ii) as long as you finished early enough you like the colour, iii) it is a truly unique memento of the race. 

The logo was a highly appropriate slug, as I can say that the final 7km up and down Monument on a very warm day were indeed slug-like for me.  I was only running the 25km, and I have to say the hot weather did cause quite some cramp towards the latter part of the run, and I am super impressed with the athletes that completed the 50km in such conditions.  Which, by the way, everyone did; 100% of starters finished! 

Good news the race will be on again next year, so please do think about supporting such an excellent local event as you begin to scope out your 2025 race calendar.

Photos above; one of my memento shirt.  The next two pertain to an entry rule that we needed to “run with an offline map”.  As the oldest competitor in the 25km event it was highly appropriate that I appeared to be the only one thinking I needed to carry an analogue map, and here it is for those of you interested in the route!”

Thank you to Ian for the report! The fourth photo is Pauline’s memento shirt. The routes took runners through an area that is well known to many STARRS, and those that have done some of these trails as hikes or trail runs know how challenging the race must have been!  The 50K route had three summits:  Empress, Monument and Quimper and 2000 metres of elevation gained throughout the race.  Pauline confirms that “it was a super tough one.”

There were six aid stations for the 50K . The first place finisher was Charles Perin with a time of 6:02:02. Former STARR regular Jonathan Dvorak finished in 4th place with a time of 6:51:57. Pauline’s time was 8:23:35 and Scott completed the race in 10:56:30.   Congratulations to all—it is quite an accomplishment to race over that type of terrain!

The 25K route had 945 metres of elevation gain and three aid stations.  See Ian’s wonderful maps to check out the route.   First place in this event went to Jonathan Gendron with a time of 2:10:14. Ian completed the run in 3:51:20.

Kudos to the organizers and volunteers who helped make the day a great success. The organizers plan to host the race again next year! Thank you to @dylandoubt and @sookehillsrunning, Pauline, and Ian for the photos and comments..

Run Saysutshun

By Leslie Ann Bent

Like many races, I signed up back in February when the idea of a 10k trail race around Newcastle Island off the coast of Nanaimo in the summer sounded like a good idea. As we packed the car and set off for Nanaimo Saturday morning, I was wondering whether or not the race had been a good idea. I wasn’t feeling particularly prepared, but then I was curious about the island, the trail and the event. Two of STARRs runners were tackling the ultra-courses – Sarah in the 24-hour event, and Dave D doing the night 12-hour race. We looked forward to cheering them on. Those events were no small endeavors.

We were not disappointed. What a fantastic event. One unique element of the race was the little ferry crossing over to the island. On board the little boat we got to meet several other runners who would be tackling one of the races – 10k, half marathon, and the six hour ultra. On the island, volunteers were out in full force – timing, recording laps, cooking burgers, refilling water jugs, handing out race bibs……. A welcoming and fun casual vibe hit us immediately. Sarah and Dave had started their races the previous day and we were able to track their progress/result.

The race is a 10km loop around the island – a groomed trail studded with rocks and a few roots, more up and down than expected but breathtaking views no matter what part of the trail you were on – quiet coves, sandy beaches and songbirds keeping us company as we ran. A lone blue heron sunning itself is another memory I have from the race. Last year the race was new with 28 runners. This year the field expanded to 130. The food was fabulous – nothing missed from granola bars to burgers to cookies, chips and candy, the race organizers had thought of everything. It’s definitely a race you don’t want to miss.

It was a big success for STARR. Andy placed first overall in the 10km event. Sarah completed 121km on the 24-hour course. Dave clocked 60km on the 12-hour course. I loved the course and will be back next year and trained!

The STARR runners shared some of their experiences.

Dave D. – “I did not know what to expect heading to Saysutshun, but was pleasantly surprised. The island is beautiful, and every lap of the trail you noticed something new, especially as the light changed, starting in the daylight, catching sunset, running in the dark being watched by numerous deer and racoons, unfortunately I missed sunrise. I went into this race hoping to run at least 50kms, as I am preparing for Devils Ladder 50k in July and the Finlayson Arm 50k in September. While I had 12 hours, and that is well within reason, the furthest I had run before was about 35kms. I started off feeling good, but nearing the end of my second lap, my stomach was not happy with me. I struggled through 40kms, took some gravol and crawled into my tent. After two hours I was able to start moving again, and got another two laps in before my stomach shut me down again for good. 

While it was disappointing that I felt sick, the whole trip was a success. I ran the furthest I have ever run by far, and if I did not feel ill I would have been able to run further - conditioning wise. It was my first night run which was a lot of fun. The group that hosted the race was fantastic. They were upbeat throughout the whole event - throughout the 12 hour race, and the 24 hour group was still getting cheered on and supported right til the end. When I was at my lowest out on the trail, some of the more elite runners there slowed down to give me a word of encouragement - there is a lot of camaraderie in this sport. Finally, on my way back from the island I had a deep and meaningful conversation with David Bodaly, the knowledge keeper for the Snuneymuxw First Nation who did the welcome and land acknowledgement for the event. Quite a way to cap off the weekend.

I am definitely planning to go back again next year and have another go.

Congratulations to Sarah for crushing 121kms (inspiring), to Andy for his win, and to Leslie Ann for taking on the 10km route!”

Sarah – “Run Saysutshun, it was beautiful, a race for everyone and much more than I expected. I went into this one with the plan to use it towards training and have fun. That’s exactly what I did. Even though it was extremely hot, and it was the same loop over and over, I never got sick of it. Every lap had the same beauty as the first. I loved that each time you finished a lap you got to fuel up or do anything you might need to continue to be successful. I looked forward to starting and finishing each lap. Great mental training! The race director and team were amazing! I’ll be back next year to race and push harder.”

Andy liked everything about the race. The race was well organized, the route scenic and the fun vibe made for a great race. He enjoyed seeing the other runners in the other events out on the course.

Congratulations to our STARR runners. We hope to see more of you there next year!

TC 10K Race Report

By Andrew Smith

Sunday, April 28 marked the 35 th anniversary of the Times Colonist (TC) 10k race. It was a cool and gusty day and 8666 participants were up for the challenge. The 10k course is a flat and fast loop through downtown Victoria, Fairfield and James Bay neighborhoods– starting and finishing on Victoria’s inner harbour in front of the Legislature buildings. It’s a scenic route passing iconic landmarks on the way out and a beautiful view across the Strait of Georgia to the mainland on the way back. Twelve STARR participants and family members were part of the action. Despite cloudy, showery weather it was a fun, positive vibe at the start line with music, dancers, and a short speech from the Mayor of Victoria. The race organizers used a wave start and corrals based on expected finish time to keep the large crowd organized. This race attracts first timers, families, and teams so there was a lot of excitement in the start corrals. Maggie’s EMCS Wolverines team, and Sooke Elementary were there representing Sooke in the school team category. Elite racers, including several aspiring Olympians, started first and led the way around the course in 30-40 minutes. The final competitors crossed the finish line two and a half hours later.

The overall race was won by Thomas Nobbs (M20-24), an ex-US collegiate runner from Vancouver, who repeated his 2023 victory finishing in 30.06, despite the blustery headwind all runners faced on the exposed back part of the course. Makenna Fitzgerald (F20-24) from Calgary was top female finisher in an equally impressive 34:13. STARR’s top finisher was Andy in 40:58, earning 1st place out of 138 in the M60-64 age group. Barbara was our first female to cross the line in an excellent time of 44:03, finishing 5 th out of 396 in F45-49 age group. Ken Pungente capitalized on a season of winter racing in Sicily to take 2 nd place in the M80-84 age group. A big congratulations to Maggie’s EMCS Wolverines for finishing 3 rd in the School Team category! It was sometimes challenging to cheer on fellow STARR members due to the huge number of racers but we all enjoyed the cheering from the enthusiastic spectators and volunteers!

This year’s TC 10k was a big success. There was a large number of participants, and the event was well organized with a great course and wonderful volunteers. The participation from running clinics and teams representing government, trades, service industries plus the family and school teams gives this event a special atmosphere. Congratulations to all our STARR participants and hope to see you all there next year!

STARR TC 10k Results (time, age group result)

Andy (M60-64) 40:58, 1 st

Barbara (F45-49) 44:03, 5 th

Steve E. (M50-54) 45:29

Kayla (F25-29) 56:02

Maggie (F50-54) 58:02,

Jill (F60-64) 58:36

Kari (F45-49) 59:29

Melanie E. (F40-44) 1:01:24

Stephanie (F50-54) 1:11:57

Hannah (F19-) 1:11:51

Ken (M80-84) 1:15:19, 2nd

Jan (F60-64) 1:27:59

Run For Women Report

By Jill Potter-Hellmann

On Saturday, April 20th, Elk/Beaver Lake took on a festival like atmosphere, as 280 runners and walkers gathered to participate in either the 5 or 10 km, Run For Women.

The Run For Women event, established in 2013, was the first national fundraiser to focus exclusively on women’s mental health. Across Canada, communities have held the event, usually in spring and early summer. This year, 18 cities across Canada are hosting the event to bring communities together in support of local women’s mental health programs. Victoria held the event for the first time, last year. This year, monies raised by the Victoria event, will support two CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association, Victoria) programs: women’s mental wellness and postpartum mental health programs for new parents.

I have been fortunate to participate in this fundraiser since 2013 in Ontario, but the past two years have been the most memorable as I’ve been able to participate with my daughter.

Starting off the activities, was the 1 km Little Steps race with a great number of kids participating.

Taking me out of my comfort with road running, and onto a trail (I know, I know, it’s not a really hard trail) the 10 km is a loop around the lake on a trail that is quite flat with not too many rocks and roots, although alertness was quite necessary in parts!! Shady and cool for the first 5 km, we found lots of sunshine and heat coming back to the finish on the “highway” side of the lake.

The 5km was an out and back along the trail. The finish line did take some concentration as it was a little lumpy and bumpy.

A great event with two STARR members participating: Leslie Ann Bent participated in the 5 km

distance (46:37; 7th in her division), and Jill Potter-Hellmann completed the 10 km (1:04:39; 2 in her division).

Another Brick in Nepal

Marika Nagasaka with medal from Another Brick in Nepal run at East Sooke.

Sunday April 21st the Another Brick in Nepal race took place in beautiful East Sooke park starting and finishing near the covered picnic area in the Aylard Farm part of the park.  This is the only race that takes place in East Sooke park.

 

The weather was a bit iffy on the drive to the race but it ended up clearing up and it turned out to be lovely racing weather under mostly sunny skies with just a touch of drizzle around half way through the race.

 

Parking was tight so for anyone planning to attend next year I would suggest car-pooling and heading in early to secure a good parking spot.

 

The race had a 5km and 10km option and although not advertised as such, this years race seemed to be dog friendly as there were a few people running with their dogs.

 

The race starts out on a grassy area and mostly winds around the fields for the first km or so which was a nice way to spread people out before heading off onto the trails.  The trails were a mix of single and double track with some technical parts and some climbs although less elevation gain than many of the other trails races I have participated in.  Near cabin point there were some lovely fawn lilies so that was a nice distraction just before a bit of a climb.  The trail was well marked and there were lots of volunteers pointing you in the right direction and cheering you on so that was nice as I didn't always have someone in my sight to help me find my way.  There was a large group of hikers (20+) that I saw getting ready to head out so I was worried we'd have to pass all of them but then I didn't end up seeing any other people on the trails other than fellow runners and race volunteers so that was kind of nice not to have to scooch around anyone.

 

As in most races all the volunteers were very friendly and motivating, perhaps even a bit more than usual as it was a fundraiser and it had a very homey, supportive and relaxed feeling.

 

My goal was to not push too hard and have fun and I was able to accomplish that.  I also forgot to bring my watch so I ran without any idea of distance or time which was actually pretty refreshing for me.

 

The best part of the race was the post race meal provided my the owners of the Mint restaurant downtown; rice, butter chicken and also chana masala (chickpeas and potatoes).  Food was available for $5 for non-participants which was a great deal.

 

I ended up coming in 1st in the Womens Masters category with a time of 1:14:14 so that was exactly the boost I needed to keep me motivated as I try to get myself back into racing.  I wasn't expecting a medal so it took me awhile to get to where they were handing them out but I was determined to claim my much needed bit of bling and called out weakly "wait, I'm here" as I made my way over to the race director.  I wasn't even sure if it was a bronze or gold when I received it (I guess they only hand out a gold for the Masters but I assumed at first it was bronze because they generally hand that out first).  The medals are very beautiful and they seem to really put a lot of effort into all the parts of this race.  Each participant also received a beautiful scarf with a Tibetan motif on it at the end of the race.

 

Patricia Roney (30-39) took first place overall in the 10km with a time of 55:03.  I am always quite proud when a women does so well, I find it very inspiring!

 

The race is a fundraising event for building projects in Nepal.  This year the money raised was going towards a safe house for women and in the past they have raised funds to build schools.

 

I would highly recommend this race and it would be great to see more STARR's attend next year.  I would like to put out a challenge to STARR's to participate and try to do some fundraising to help this wonderful cause out at next years race.  You can expect me to hound you next year.  The only other STARR I saw was Bruce Hawkes, he did the sweep for the 5km race.

 

I have included a very goofy picture of me with my beautiful medal.

Bazan Bay Race Report and Island Series wrap-up

Starting line photo by Andy Smith

By Leslie Ann Bent

Sunday, April 14 marked the last race of the Vancouver Island race series. It was a beautiful sunny day for a race and 619 participants were up for the challenge. The 5k race is a flat and fast out and back course – considered to be Canada’s fastest 5k. It’s a scenic route dotted by tulips in full bloom on one side and the strait on the other, hugging the Sidney shoreline for most of the way. Ten STARR participants were part of the action. Whether you are a serious competitor or a back of the pack recreational runner, coming off injury or tackling a personal challenge - the stimulation was there and no one felt alone. The top 18 finishers completed the course in less than 16 minutes. The final two runners crossed the course at 1:03.

STARR’s top finisher was Barbara with an incredible time of 21:02, earning her a 2 nd place finish in her age group. Justin was our first male to cross the finish line with a time of 29:09. I was pleased to see him out on the course and he gave me a shout and an encouraging wave when I needed it most. Thanks! STARR members took home one medal and four ribbons.

This event also announced the series winners. Runners earn points for their age-group performance for each race they complete. To qualify, runners must complete five races with one being longer than 10k. Congratulations to Barbara, Maggie, Kari, Jill, Joldine and Bruce for a successful hardware-earning series. We’re really proud of you all.

STARR Bazan Bay Results

Barbara (F45-49) 21:02, 2 nd

Stephanie (F50-54) 24:22, 5 th

Melanie E (F 40-44) 25:50

Maggie (F50-54) 27:03, 9 th

Jill (F60-64) 27:38

Kari (F50-54) 28:20, 10 th

Justin (M50-54) 29:09

Donna (F45-49) 40:52

Bruce (M80-84) 42:24, 5 th

Leslie Ann (F55-59) 45:11

STARR Series results – age group standing

Barbara 3 rd

Maggie 6 th

Kari 7 th

Jill 5 th

Joldine 9 th

Bruce 4 th

Congratulations to all of our runners. We’ve had a successful season. Thanks also to everyone who took photos to bring the races to life.

Port ALberni McLean Mill 10K Race Report

By Andy Smith

Five Starr members made the scenic drive up-island to Port Alberni for the seventh race in the Vancouver Island Race Series on Sunday April 7 hosted at the Mclean Mill historical site. It’s a great location for an event with a rolling course over quiet rural roads. This race has a relaxed vibe and great scenery with giant trees and Vancouver Island’s central mountains in the background.

Formerly known as the Port Alberni Paper Chase 15K race; the course was shortened in 2023 to start and finish at the beautiful and rustic Mclean Mill historical site. The abandoned mill is now a tourist site with lots of historical interest and a great location for post-race food and celebrations.

This year the McLean Mill 10K, as organised by Ridge View Health & Performance, drew a great crowd of 469 runners representing age categories from under-16 to 80+. The race was won by Logan Roots from the Esprit running club in a time of 32:22. The top female runner was Carley Gering (also from the Esprit club) in a time of 37:47.

STARR participants had a great day with 3 earning medals/ribbons for top ten age group results. Congratulations to Bruce Hawkes for winning the M80+ category and to Jill and Maggie for top ten results in their age groups! The VIRA race series wraps up next weekend with the Bazan Bay 5k in Sidney.

Name Chip Time Age Group Age Group Placing

Melanie Eskildsen 56:34 F40-44

Jill Potter-Hellman 57:20 F60-64 7

Maggie Curtis 57:37 F50-54 9

Donna Heeley 1:26:27 F45-49

Bruce Hawkes 1:47:08 M80+ 1

Around the Bay Simulation Run

Some of the in-person runners, walkers, and volunteers at the STARR Around the Bay simulation run. A great day was had by all!

By Leslie Ann Bent

What a great day we had on Saturday for our 4 th annual Around the Bay (ATB) simulation event. The sun was out – no rain and very comfortable not only for running but waiting in “the chute.” ATB is a very famous 30km race held in Hamilton each year. Many elite runners use the race as their last training run before the Boston Marathon (held in April) and the race generates lots of excitement. The race is considered to be North America’s oldest race as it dates back to the late 1890s!

Here in Sooke we’ve organized our own modification of the race with solo (30k), 2-person relay (15km/person), and 3-personal relay (15km/person). A record 24 members participated, most in-person but a few virtually from exotic places such as Denmark and Canmore, AB. Paul and I were the official volunteers for timing, photos, starting gun and cheering. The out and back route took us on a well-known portion of the Galloping Goose trail, largely free of traffic and allowed runners and walkers tocheer each other on as they passed one another enroute. The on-site members enjoyed water, chocolate and cookies at the end as well as some door prizes.

I was very impressed with all of our runners and walkers. There is something to be said about being on a team, knowing your team mates are counting on you. From old to young, to pregnant (two mothers-to-be), to coming off injury, to new members and seasoned members, we all managed embrace the day and have some social time together as well. There are many photos of the event. Thanks everyone for making this event such a successful one. See you virtually in Hamilton next year!

Solo: David D. - 2:35:32

2-person relay: Sooke Snails (Tory, Claude) - 2:49

3-person relay

The Team with No Name (Kayla, Sarah, Ian) - 2:35:03

Andy, Jim, David W - 2:41:15

Kari, Maggie, Jill - 2:55:05

Mother Runners + Jordan (Bri, Sonya, Jordan, Karla) – 3:13:35

Sherman’s STARRs (Ken, Sue, Jan) - 3:56:11

3-person walk/run: The Coddiwomples (Danny, Jackie, Steve) 4:51

2-person walk (32.3km – over-achievers!): Melanie C, Sharon – 5:00

Comox Half Marathon Race Report

By Kari Toovey

Six STARR members turned out on a beautiful day in Comox BC to run the Comox Half Marathon, the sixth race in the Island Race Series. STARR’s Bruce Hawkes took first place in this division, while Jill Potter Hellmann took 6 th place in her division.

The out and back course was somewhat challenging for a first-time half marathoner (me!) – with a lot of uphill between kilometers 6-11, but a nice downhill on the way back. The scenery along the way provided a nice distraction – beautiful green fields, snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance, a chorus of singing frogs, a field of horses, a field of gorgeous black cows. I think I even saw a bald eagle fly overhead (full disclosure: that was at the point in the run where I was beginning to think I might not finish and wondered if I really saw an eagle or if I was just imagining seeing an eagle, circling over me, waiting for me to collapse).

Lots of amazing runners turned out for the race in addition to our STARR crew, including two-time Olympian Natasha Wodak, who flew by on her way back, as I was plodding along towards the halfway point. Wodak crossed the finish line in 1:11:52 to break the course record by more than five minutes. Absolutely amazing!

677 runners finished the race, which looks like it could be a record for the Comox Valley Half – overall the fastest finisher was Dusty Spiller with a time of 1:09:08.

I love the Island Race Series – over the course of the races we have run with all kinds of runners, from very competitive, Olympic caliber runners to runners like me, who are just happy to be outside and off the couch. That might be the best part about running; how accessible it is to everyone. Five years ago, if someone had told me I would run a half marathon I would have laughed but now here I am thinking how I might shave a few minutes off the next one.

As I was coming up on kilometer 18 of the run, the podcast I was listening too provided this quote, “Running is a form of practiced stoicism. It means teaching your brain and body to be biochemically comfortable in a state of disrepair” from Matthew Inman. At kilometer 18 everything in my body was telling me to stop, but my body kept pushing. I’m proud of myself for finishing and I am proud off all 677 of the rest of the runners who joined that day.

Congratulations to all the STARRS who came out!

STARR and friends’ results (chip time)

Robin Wark 1:56:23

Melanie Eskildsen 2:05:26

Maggie Curtis 2:07:04

Jill Potter-Hellmann 2:12:06

Kari Toovey 2:16:05

Bruce Hawkes 4:06:09

Westcoast Sooke 10K Race Report

Medal and Ribbon Day for STARR

By Leslie Ann Bent

STARRs ran on Sooke River Road this Sunday, racing on home turf in the 5th race of the Vancouver Island race series. This race is a special one for our club as we usually have a great STARR turnout. 2024 was no exception. With members and friends 19-strong for competition and two others cheering us on along the route, we had excellent representation at this local race. I worried about heavy rain but the weather gods gave us a break. The race starts with a kids race – very fun to watch. This year, the Lion’s Club wasat the finish line with pancakes and sausages for the runners (plus special meal packages for those with dietary restrictions).

The course is an out and back, hilly and winding course with a nice downhill start and uphill climb back to the finish. It’s not the elevation that makes this course a challenging one, but rather some short steep kickers that keep runners on their toes. One thing I love about the out and back course is that it allows participants to see other runners and cheer each other on as we pass.

This race attracts an incredible field of athletes. The first runner across the finish line was Brandon Vail (M25-29) with a time of 32:14. What was more impressive on Sunday, was the well-known overall second-place finisher, Andrew Russel (M40-44) with an amazing time of 32:29 – a course record in his division. The first female athlete to cross the finish line was Speedfarm’s Jennifer Erikson (F30-34) with a time of 36:20. The top 16 runners all had times under 35 minutes on this challenging race.

The first STARR to cross the finish line was Andy Smith with a time of 41:05, earning him a silver age-group medal. The second club runner to finish was Ian with a time of 44:55, also in the M60-64 age category – his first race on Vancouver Island, earning him a 6th place age group ribbon.

Our Thursday speed night runner, Barbara Cina crossed neck and neck with Scott R, just one second behind him. She was our first female runner to complete the course. All of our athletes had an incredible day.

Here is what some STARR members had to say about the race:

Bri: “I felt good at 24 weeks pregnant :)! Definitely took it easy and listened to my body. I love the local Sooke race and the post race food offerings are some of the best I have had at any island race. The first half felt smooth and steady. I enjoyed the rolling hills and your legs got a nice break on the downhill as you approach km 5. I also took my time to hydrate with electrolytes at the 5km aid station which helped fuel me up those hills! The second half is a great challenge with some steady hills until the 8km mark. Once you see 8km it’s nice and relatively flat so you can push to the finish! Always a treat to run this route in Sooke with the local running community!”

Ian: “t was great, a very nice event and indeed my first on the Island. My takeaways were.. Great to see such a strong local presence and such good representation form the young with the kids race and the senior citizens in the 10km.  As a Canmore resident it is totally novel to be running a race in March. Our season doesn’t start till June and so that is why it all felt a little rusty for me. Lovely course, we have driven the road many times, but it is only when you run it that you notice the ups and the downs and how many bends there are thankfully obscuring the course ahead. Organizers and volunteers deserve a big shout out as it the race was superbly arranged without being micro managed.  I’d also like to acknowledge the Lions for the pancake breakfast, that was a real bonus and well deserved for us all at the end. Great to have an out and back route as you know where you are and you can give and get shout outs to/from your club mates! Lastly thanks to the rain gods for showing some discretion and holding off till after everyone had finished.”

Melanie C: “What I really liked was the support and encouragement given by all our STARRS! Seeing Jackie at the top of the hill made me pick up the pace because I didn’t want to get caught walking! And, to see that this race has survived the test of time with so many younger runners coming out now. The organization did a great job and I am was so happy to see our local Sooke Lions Club cooking up pancakes along side the ladies of Sooke Harbourside Lions catering to our celiac runners.”

Sonya: “It was a great day! I’m so glad I did it, I had some doubts prior. Seeing all the STARRs on course and having a pregnant run buddy made it more enjoyable! I’m also glad we did a test run a few weeks ago, that helped prepare me for the hills on the course.”

Claude: “ideal weather for the race and great to see so me Starrs either participating or supporting.  A shout out for Robin for dragging me up the hills.”

And, short and sweet from Robin: “I enjoyed the event and it was awesome to see so many STARR runners out there.”

STARR and friends’ results (chip time)

Andy (M60-64) 41:05, 2nd

Ian (M60-64) 44:55, 6th

Scott (M35-39) 45:16

Barbara Cina (F45-49) 45:17, 3rd

Steve E. (M50-54) 47:17

Jordan (M35-39) 51:04

Claude (M60-64) 54:21

Robin (M45-49) 54:22

Melanie E (F40-44) 55:41

Maggie (F50-54) 57:03, 9th

Jill (F60-64) 57:11, 6th

Kari (F50-54) 58:34, 10th

Bri (F30-34) 1:04:32

Sonya (F35-39) 1:07:02

Georgia (F60-64) 1:12:51

Melanie C (F70-74) 1:17:55, 7th

Bruce (M80+) 1:37:16, 4th

Unofficial times (as both registered, but started a few minutes early)

Donna H 1:32

Leslie Ann 1:37

A big congratulations to all of our runners. Thanks to Joldine and Jackie for coming out to cheer.

Goddess Run Report

By Leslie Ann Bent

Lining up at the start-line this past cool Sunday morning brought back some fond memories of my first Goddess run in 2019, the year Andy and I moved to Sooke. With fellow STARRS, Carol and Jenny, and our husbands as our personal cheering squad, we ran (took over more like) the streets of Westhills with hundreds of other runners.

Five years later the Goddess Run is still going strong and has moved to the much nicer location at Elk Lake/Beaver Lake. Scenic and traffic-free, the course offers groomed trail and gentle hills circling the lake. Options for 5k and 10k on-site as well as virtual, makes this sold-out race so popular. This race started back in 2012 with a focus of women supporting women. Although men are encouraged to run, it’s a race that is dominated by females. (Sorry guys if you needed to the use the facilities, it was taken over by the ladies). It’s also much earlier in the year now and is a great event to kick off the race season.

For me it was about shaking off the ol’ cob webs and testing my racing readiness. In addition to the cardio and muscle readiness, as a type 1 diabetic, the season also starts with re-jigging insulin levels and carbohydrate balancing with the more exerting level exercise during a race –no year is ever quite the same for minor adjustments. So, a first race is a good opportunity to test insulin levels and nutrition choices without it being at a goal race.

The well-organized event (in its 13th year) gets a lot of support from the community in terms of sponsors and volunteers, and also gives back. This year’s charities included the Victoria Hospice, Victoria Women’s Transition House and the Esquimalt Military Resource Centre. Superheroes of Victoria were there in full form and costumes to support the cause. Many people young and old got their photos taken with the likes of Batman and Captain America, while the Lady Octopus did the dance moves on stage with the warm-up team.

The race started at the Filter Beds at the end of Beaver Lake. The first 120 meters were up a hill but then flattened out to a gentle trail with some roots and rocks to watch out for. The first 800 meters or so were crowded but by the first kilometer marker, the athletes had spread out and it was a comfortable race after that. The 5k course was out and back so it was a great opportunity to cheer on other runners. Volunteers in dinosaur costumes made sure that the 5km turned instead of following the 10k participants. The 10km circled the lake.

Since the start was up hill, that made for a great downhill sprint to the finish and I took full advantage. It wasn’t a stellar performance for me (exactly middle of the pack in my age group) but it was a lot of fun and very motivating seeing so many runners out there. The stats showed 289 women finishing in each of the races and a couple of token men – 2 in one and 3 in the other. It was a great way for me to start 2024 racing. I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t run it to try it for 2025.