Interesting weather this year for participants of the longest continually held running race in B.C.
Smoke kept the temperatures down somewhat but made breathing difficult for some of the 103 runners who came up and down the island for the 48th annual Nautical Days 4 Mile Road Race.
Organized by the Comox Valley Road Runners, the race is run in conjunction with the Comox Nautical Days Festival. The family event includes many parents running with children. But there is also a competitive element, and this year the race was won, once again, by Derek Vinge in a time of 20 minuntes, 59 seconds. The Valley resident also won last year, and in 2014. Craig Odermatt of Victoria was second in a time of 21:05, and Mark Cryderman of Campbell River finished third in 21:16.
Erin Burrett of Nanaimo was the top female runner with a fast time of 23:39. In 2014, Burrett made the national team and raced with Team Canada. She was followed by last year’s first female, Carolyn Coffin, in 26:19. Third place female went to Becky Sulek in 26:49.
Male age group winners were 12 and under: Soren Hendriks; 13-19: Jake Armstrong; 20-29: Nolan Hunder; 30-39: Vinge; 40-49: Odermatt; 50-59: Brian Stewart; 60-69: Derek Brenchley; and 70-plus: John Ingram.
Female age group winners were 12 and under: Quinn Smitts; 13-19: Sierra Edwards; 20-29: Amanda Rideault; 30-39: Burrett; 40-49: Fiona McQuillan; 50-59: Shelagh Germyn; 60-69: Roslyn Smith and 70-plus: Ann Kask.
Full race results are available at cvrr.ca