The GutBuster Trail Running Series stormed through Ladysmith early this month.
With the town making up one part of the series, a long course and short course race both took place Saturday, July 5.
It was the third race in the series, following races May 18 in Victoria and June 7 at Mount Tzouhalem.
“It all went extremely well,” organizer Nick Walker said, speaking of the Ladysmith part of the series. “The weather was perfect, and it was all organized extremely well.”
The series teamed up with the Ladysmith Striders, a local running and walking club committed to promoting fitness and recreation locally in a casual environment.
“They put out the route and were an amazing group to work with,” said Walker.
Other GutBuster runs also take place in Duncan and at Mount Washington.
“All the money is donated to local charities,” said Walker. “The Striders will use the money for their Cinnamon Bun Fun Run that they put on. It’s a great event, as it gets people active and out in the community. All the participants seemed to be happy and we had lots of positive feedback from both participants and organizers.”
Thomas Holm of Victoria won the long course race at a time of 1:13:57, a whopping 33 seconds above the average time of the race. Erica Summers was the fastest female at 1:35:43.
In the short course race, Royd Burkart from Port Alberni was victorious at a time of 38:44, with Carmen Goulden the fastest female at 52:45. The average time for this race was 59:51.
More detailed results can be found online at www.racedaytiming.ca/gutbuster/2014.
