The Comox Valley Road Runners brought home some stellar results from the Cobble Hill 10k on Jan. 26 — the second race of the Island Road Racing Series. This is a beautiful rolling course that inevitably produces some fast early season times.
The top local finisher was Derek Vinge, placing eighth overall and third in his category in a time of 34:21. Hot on his heels came a duel between Jordan Brietzke and Jonathan Noel. Brietzke managed to pull just ahed of Noel to finish in 37:26. They also placed fifth and sixth respectively in their age group. Rob Kelly had an excellent day, winning his age group and coming in just under the highly coveted 40-minute benchmark. Also winning his age group and finishing just over 40 minutes was Derek Brenchley. Immediately behind Brenchley was Danny Keyes, who placed second in the same age group.
The top local woman was Andrea Wilson, who placed ninth overall among ladies and second in her category with a time of 41:58. This was a big personal best and shows that she is in peak fitness as she approaches the Vancouver Marathon.
Keith Wakelin also had a good day, placing seventh in 43:33 as he prepares to run the Tarawera 50k in New Zealand. Seconds behind was Derek Kaufman, who placed ninth in his category. Also placing ninth was Brian Stewart, who finished in 44:52.
Derek Richmond showed he’s still got it, running 46:27 and winning his age group. Also with an outstanding performance despite a recent injury was Wayne Crowe, who placed second in his category with a finish time of 48:16. Just over the 50-minute mark was Kala-Dawn Larsen, taking down fifth in her age group. And close behind was Tanya Ansley, who finished in 52:02 to take ninth in her division. Zina Richmond and Karen Weller had a close race, with Richmond finishing just 20 seconds ahead in 54:04. They took fifth and sixth in their category. Mike Mesford hit the top 10 in his category with a time of 1:00. And Sheila van Gisbergen took fourth in her age group, finishing just under 1:12.
Full results at racedaytiming.ca.
The CVRR 5k Clinic is underway, but in person registration is still available. This is an excellent 10-week program that includes group runs every Saturday morning and culminates in a 5k Fun Run.
The Comox Valley RV Half Marathon is March 22. Be sure to come out and race, volunteer, or just cheer the runners along in this fantastic event.
FMI: cvrr.ca
