Comox Valley Road Runners were well represented at the recent Scotia Half Marathon in Vancouver. The event challenged the local runners and was a showcase for two of Canada’s Olympic marathon competitors in their final preparation for the upcoming Games.
A total of 4,500 runners left the UBC campus in the early morning in near perfect conditions for the scenic and challenging 21 km treck to the Stanley Park finish. Olympian Reid Coolsaet was the overall winner in a time of 1:03:16 with his team member Eric Gillis finishing third in 1:03:56. Krista Duchene won the women’s even with a dominant performance in a time of 1:14:02.
Leading the Comox Valley contingent across the line was Wayne Crowe (Extreme Runners/Asics) who was the winner of the 55-59 age group and 38th overall in a time of 1:22:14. Les Disher battled through injury to finish first in the 60-65 age group in a time of 1:28:20 which placed him an impressive 110th overall in this very competitive race.
Chris Perry continued his hard-fought quest to break the magical 1:30 barrier as he fought off physical illness to cross the line in the oh-so-close time of 1:31:30. Danny Keyes and Jerry Van had their own personal competition going on as Danny raced past Jerry just before the end to finish only two seconds ahead in times of 1:34:48 and 1:34:50. Jerry promises revenge in their next competition.
In the 5 km competition CVRR was represented by rising star 13-year-old Emily Keyes. She ran an impressive time of 21:42 to finish third in the 0-15 age group and an amazing 20th overall out of 2,000 runners.
On a special note, CVRR received special recognition at the awards ceremony for their voracious cheering as team members went up to receive their medals. Way to go team, that’s the spirit!
Next on the local racing scene the Comox Valley Road Runners will once again be hosting the Canada Day 1 Mile Road Race down 5th Street in advance of the Canada Day parade.This is a free event open to all ages and abilities.
Registration is from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at 5th Street and Woods Avenue. The race begins at 10 a.m. and heads down 5th Street to Lewis Park – one mile away!
There will be plenty of draw prizes and many opportunities for family and friends to view the race as it traditionally heralds the beginning of the parade and Canada Day festivities. Refreshments will follow at Simms Park and all registered racers will receive a Canada Day ribbon.
– Comox Valley Road Runners
