The second Gutbuster trail race of the season was held under beautiful sunny skies at Westwood Lake in Nanaimo. There is however, no perfect temperature to run a gruelling half marathon or 12.5K race through creeks, a mud pit, a tunnel and up and down an insanely steep rocky terrain.  The Comox Valley Road Runners posted incredible times in the long course. First CVRR male was up-and-comer Dominick Nadeau, winning the under 19 age group in a time of 2:16:03. He was followed closely by veteran trail runner John Ingram who was first in the 60 plus age group with a time of 2:17:46. First female CVRR was Lisa Perry who was second in the (F40 -49) division with a time of 2:40:46. Vee Dion followed along with Leo Rolfe & Louis Nadeau.  In the short course, Chris Perry was the first CVRR with a time of 1:27:57. Marion Bryan,  the first female CVRR with a time of 1:29:44 also placed first in the (F40-49) category. Mark Arsenault was next, followed by Mary Ann Rolfe who placed first in the (F50-59) category. CVRR newcomer, Peggy Chambers made an amazing debut placing first in the F60 plus age group with a time of 2:06:03.  Some muddy, sweatty Road Runners completed their run with a well deserved, but chilly, dip in Westwood Lake. A wonderful way to end an exhausting day.  The next Gutbuster race, the third of the season, will be at Holland Creek Trail in Ladysmith on June 26. This is a new venue in the series and will offfer a 9K. short course as well as a 16K. long one. Everyone is welcome to participate. Get out your muddy shoes and give it a go.

Comox Valley Record