Spring trail racing on the Island begins as the 2012 Frontrunners Island Race Series draws to a close.
“Gnarly with a negative altitude gain,” was how the Fletcher’s Challenge Memorial Run was described by one of the Comox Valley Road Runners who got up early on Good Friday to join 109 other racers at Westwood Lake in Nanaimo.
The race originated in 2007 and is organized by the Runners of Compassion (ROC) to remember fellow runner and sports columnist, Gavin Fletcher, who died in 2006.
The event consists of a 13 km muddy, hilly and gnarly trail race, a 6km family fun run, and an Easter egg hunt. It has gained momentum over the intervening years and attracts runners wanting a fun, trail race to help prepare for the popular Gutbuster Trail Running Series on Vancouver Island, as well as other trail races across the province.
This year eight CVRR racers completed the event. Brad Crowe (1:03:19) was the first CVRR to cross the finish line, while Marion Bryon (1:15:25) was the first CVRR woman. Mary Bridges (1:19:29) took home a unique trophy for third place masters woman and John Ingram (1:19:51) and Bonny Ervine (1:29:36) were first place in their age categories.
The first Gutbuster race of the season is May 27 in Nanaimo (http://www.gutbustertrailrun.com/gb2.html).
The last race of the Frontrunners Island Race Series, the Sooke River 1K is on April 15. The CVRR are in second place in club standings and also anticipate a number of individual awards for those members completing at least five of the total of eight series races.
For further information about the Comox Valley Road Runners or running in the Valley check out www.cvrr.ca.
– Comox Valley Road Runners
