The 2018 version of the Comox Valley Road Runners Nautical Days 4-Mile Road Race, B.C. Day in Comox, featured a new route to enhance runner safety. There were 104 participants, ranging from eight runners in the 15-and-under age category, to four over 70. This was the 49th running of the 4-Mile, the longest continually running road race in B.C.
First across the finish line was James Lam of Langley in the 20-29 age group. His time was 20 minutes, 57 seconds. Just four seconds behind was Craig Odermatt, topping the men’s 40-49 division in his 10th appearance in the race. Robin Poirier, leader in the men’s 30-39 group, was third overall.
The top woman was Nicole Hutchinson of North Vancouver, an athletic star at Philadelphia’s Villanova University. She completed the course in fifth-place overall in 22:39, more than two minutes ahead of the second fastest woman, Gillian Clayton, who won the women’s 30-39 category. Natalie Pulsford was third among women.
Besides receiving elegant CVRR winner medals and getting their names on the permanent Nautical Days 4-Mile trophy, Lam and Hutchinson also received first-place ribbons and $50 gift certificates from a Courtenay running store.
Other age group winners, men and women respectively, were Kai Bisaro-Depara and Cailyn Collins (15 and under), Grayson Scott (men, 16-19), Gillian Clayton (women, 30-39), Carolyn Coffin (women, 40-49), Rob Kelly and Lynn Coolen (50-59), Derek Brenchley and Roz Smith (60-69), and in the 70-79 age group, Sam Knowles and Ann Kask.
More than 50 volunteers contributed to the race production.
Organizers and volunteers alike are looking forward to the 2019 Nautical Days 4-Mile, anticipating a great birthday party atmosphere on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of this unique road race.
The 4-Mile is one of a group of runs produced by the CVRR, which also includes the Comox Valley Half Marathon in March, the Cumby Trail Run, and the Canada Day 5th Street Mile.
For more information, visit cvrr.ca