Mount Washington hosted the fifth Frontrunners Coastline Endurance Vancouver Island Trail Racing Series race, Aug. 12, with an eight-kilometre short course and a 14km long course. To the delight of runners and race organizers, the smoke from the B.C. Interior fires cleared off the morning of the race to provide fantastic views for the 150 runners who took up the challenge of what is likely the toughest of the race series.
The first ascent of the alpine route provides a sweeping climb up and over rocky outcrops and bolder strewn meadows to the top of the world trail. Runners followed the gnarly switchback trail downhill where careful foot placement prevents turned ankles. Sweeping rocky bike trails provided a glorious fast downhill run for the finish. Long course participants then began the hardest part of the course. The trail led directly up the face of the mountain with a final scramble to Mt. Washington’s viewing platform. Runners were rewarded with a fast downhill race to the finish line in their second descent.
First place overall winner for the long course was Shelby Drope from Bastion Runners of Nanaimo in a time of 1:13:20.
Patricia Roney of Victoria’s Prairie Inn Harriers was fastest female in 1:33:13.
The fastest Comox Valley Road Runner member, Stephan Smit, was second among runners 30-39 years and fourth overall.
Other CVRR members competing were Gaven Tadek-Then, first 60–69 years; past-coach Kathy Rung, first 40–49 years; veteran runner John Ingram, first 70–99 years; Cathy Clark, first 60–69 years; and Cathy Collins.
Trevor Coey of Saanichton was the overall short course winner in 47:50. First female in the short course, Brittany Brooks of Lake Cowichan, ran 56:59. CVRR runner Wille Scott was fastest in the 30–39 year bracket and second overall. Young Hudson Webster continued last year’s winning streak to again take first place in the one- to 15-year age group, followed by fellow club members Birgit Nilson, third (50-59), Ron Crowther, third (60–69), Raida Bolton and Chris Robinson.
Results at bit.ly/2x8UkZl
The last race of the series — XWAAQW’UM, Burgoyne Bay on Saltspring Island — is Oct. 21.