Trinity Western runner Sarah Inglis won the senior race at the B.C. cross country championships as she led an impressive Spartans contingent that competed Saturday at Abbotsford’s Clearbrook Park.
“I’m very happy with both our men’s and women’s programs and the direction they’re going,” said Spartans coach Laurier Primeau.
“I think Mark (Bomba, endurance coach) has them ready to run in two weeks at the national championships.
Inglis earned top spot in the six kilometre race in a time of 20:36.09, while not far behind her was Alison Jackson, who was second in 20:44.40. Fiona Benson was fourth in 21:06.09 and Regan Yee was fifth in 21:06.18.
“To put four women in the top five in the senior race at the provincial championships really bodes well for us moving forward,” Primeau said.
“I think they’re on the right path to perform well at the championships.”
In the junior women’s race, Taylor Janzen led TWU by finishing fourth in the five kilometre race in 19:44.74.
On the men’s side, Joel De Schiffart led the way in the 10 kilometre senior race while Declan White finished fourth in his first race since returning from injury.
“To see Declan come off of an injury and finish fourth in the provincial championships in his first race of the season is very impressive,” Primeau said.
“And once again Joel continues to perform well as he has become the consistent stalwart on the men’s side for us.”
In the junior men’s race, Caleb De Jong was the Spartans top finisher as he was second in a time of 21:15.41 over seven kilometres.
The Spartans will now prepare for the CIS national championships in St. John’s, Nfld. on Nov. 8.
