Vernon’s Aaron Heidt ran to victory Sunday the 2015 edition of the Fresh Air Midsummer 8K in Kelowna.
On the seventh stop of the Interior Running Association’s road race series, Heidt placed first in 26 minutes 47 seconds, 43 seconds ahead of West Kelowna teenager Jacob Bourchier.
This year’s race featured a new route, beginning and ending at Gyro Park with a turnaround in City Park.
Kelowna’s Chet Goertzen was third in 28:01, while John Machuga claimed fourth in 28:26 and Alex Hansen was fifth in 28:50.
Vancouver’s Rachel Gardner was the top woman finisher, placing 22nd overall in 32:23.
Chelsea Kaasa of Salmon Arm was second among female competitors in 33:37.
Age group winners from Kelowna were: Bourchier (M16-19), Hansen (M20-29), Benjamin Athchem (M40-44), Kris Malczynski (M55-59), Roly Muller (M40-44), Cindy Rhodes (F55-59), Sally Heinrick (F50-54), Diane Leonard (F70-74), Astrid Varga (F65-69) and Lynn Sparling (F60-64).
The next stop in the IRA series is the Kamloops Half Marathon on Sunday, July 26.
To register or for more information, visit interiorrunningassociation.com
