It was a phenomenal start for the Paws for Nature, Vancouver Island PBR Grand Prix in Gold River on May 21.
Over 20 racers showed up on paddleboards and kayaks to race The Antler, with Courtenay’s beast from Blue Toque Sporting Goods Paul Laperierre taking the horns for the men’s overall solo division and Marcy Cursley from Comox showing true grit and perseverance winning the women’s overall solo division.
Men’s solo paddleboard winner was Travis Lapointe and men’s solo kayak winner was Jason Adair. Laperierre won men’s solo surf ski.
Women’s solo paddleboard honours went to Cursley while the winning coed team was Beauties and the Beast from Gold River with Josh Norman on the mountain bike, Marlee Koob running and Jeannie Maddocks kayaking.
The Antler Spirit Award went to Craig Anderson.
“All in all the racers, volunteers and spectators couldn’t be happier with the event,” said organizer Marc St. Jules of Comox, who notes the series of paddle-bike-run races is designed for triathletes who don’t enjoy the swim leg of the regular triathlon.
“The conditions were perfect, the music echoed (over) the lake and the burgers were well earned. Big thanks to DJ Adil Amlani, barbecuer Phil “Phildozer” Thibadeau, Bob Bush for the shuttle service and to all the sponsors and volunteers and Gold River.”
St. Jules added that the racers, locals and others who couldn’t make the Gold River event are already calling for an Antler 2.0 for August.
Check out www.pawsfornature.com for additional photos, results and upcoming races.
