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Repeat winners at Nautical Days road race

Craig Odermatt wins male division, Melissa Ross first in female division
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JIM SMILEY OF ReMax Realty with overall winners Melissa Ross and Craig Odermatt.

The 44th annual Comox Nautical Days 4 Mile Road Race took place on BC Day, with over 100 finishers enjoying clear blue skies and a temperature ideal for running.

The run has been held every year since 1969 as part of Comox Nautical Days celebrations and is organized by the Comox Valley Road Runners (CVRR). Runners start at the town hall and race through the residential areas of Comox adjacent to the marina, with the finish along Comox Avenue at the site of the former Lorne Hotel.

The overall male and female winners turned out to be a repeat of last year, with Craig Odermatt finishing in a time of 20:50 and Melissa Ross in 23:17. Every age group from under 12 to over 70 was represented with Molly Keyes, aged 10, being this year’s youngest runner. Another double occurred with both the current and past presidents of CVRR winning their age groups: Roz Smith (F60-69) in 30:50 and Wayne Crowe (M50-59) in 24:15, respectively.

CVRR race director Graham Garner said, "This is a great family event and everyone seemed to be having a really good time. To enable the race to go ahead safely, it requires 40 people and I am extremely grateful to our club members, their families and friends for giving up their time and making it possible. I would also like to thank the generosity of our sponsors."

Supporting the event were: Extreme Runners, Medicine Shoppe, Canadian Tire, Coastal Credit Union, Avenues Restaurant, Little Caesars Pizza, Benino Gelato, Toscanos Restaurant, Blackfin Pub, Longlands Golf Course, Blue Heron Books and Visual Sound & Audio. "Additionally, Quality Foods, Water Pure & Simple and Tim Hortons supplied the food and refreshments. A special thanks goes to the race’s main sponsor, Jim Smiley of ReMax Realty," Garner added.

– Comox Valley Road Runners