Perfect racing weather greeted runners from around the Island and farther away at this year’s Nautical Days 4 Mile Foot Race.
Some fast times were recorded at the event. Organized by the Comox Valley Road Runners (CVRR), it is the longest continuously held road race in British Columbia and is run in conjunction with the Comox Nautical Days Festival.
As such, most participants follow the run with the parade and other festival activities. Just over 100 runners took part in the 47th annual race in downtown Comox on BC Day (Aug. 1).
“This is a wonderful family event with many parents running the race with their children,” said race spokesperson Karen Weller. The age range this year went from seven-year-old Elyas Smith to 73-year-old Roy Cowieson.”
There is also a competitive element and this year the race was won by Derek Vinge in a time of 20 minutes and 46 seconds. “Derek won two years ago in 2014 and was hoping to take the win back,” Weller noted.
Second place went to last year’s winner Robin Poirier, our local barefoot runner, in a time of 21:6. Third place finisher was Craig Odermatt (21:10) who travelled up from Victoria for the race, and who is also a previous overall winner.
Carolyn Coffin, a newcomer to the Valley from Ontario with her husband John (who also ran in the race), was the top female runner with a fast time of 26:16. She was followed not far behind by Natalie Caldwell-Waluk in 27:38. Third place went to Fiona McQuillan in 28:31.
Male age group winners were:
12 and under Soren Hendriks; 13-19 Daniel Lukenchuk; 20-29 Cameron Wallis; 30-39 Derek Vinge; 40-49 Craig Odermatt; 50-59 Vince Brotherston; 60-69 Wayne Crowe; and in 70+ Don Blacklock.
Female age group winners were:
12 and under Charley Bridges; 13-19 Lindsey MacDonald; 20-29 Lindsay Wyatt; 30-39 Carolyn Coffin; 40-49 Fiona McQuillan; 50-59 Shelagh Germyn; and 60-69 Roslyn Smith.
Full race results are available at www.CVRR.ca.
Weller said the Comox Valley Road Runners thank all participants and the numerous volunteers for making this year’s race a success.
“We had great community sponsorship from local businesses for this event as we do every year and a wonderful crew of dedicated volunteers that made the event a great success. The title sponsor for the event is Jim Smiley of Re/Max Ocean Pacific Realty.
“A special thank you goes to Quality Foods Comox for post-race refreshment, Water Pure & Simple for race water, and Tim Hortons Comox for coffee,” she added.
Draw prize sponsors included The Medicine Shoppe, Blackfin Pub & Restaurant, Coastal Credit Union, Blue Heron Books, Cafe Amantes, Longlands Golf Course, Benino Gelato, Avenue Bistro, Jim Smiley (Re/Max Ocean Pacific Realty), Fitness Excellence, Blacks Cycle, Extreme Runners, The Medicine Shoppe, Benino Gelato, Longlands Golf Course, Blue Heron Books, The Avenue, Tim Hortons Comox, Quality Foods Comox, Café Amantes, Smitty’s Restaurant Comox, Toscano’s Restaurant, Canadian Tire, Coastal Credit Union, The Blackfin Pub, Rolfe Consulting, Booster Juice, Little Caesar’s Pizza Comox, Old House Restaurant, Fluid Bar and Restaurant.