There were many cheers and smiles at the Vanier Track workout of the Comox Valley Road Runners last Tuesday night as racers returning from the 33rd Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K shared stories of their Thanksgiving Weekend success.
The fastest CVRR marathoner in the premier race of the day, Vince Brotherstone, captured one goal to run his race “sub 3” even though he had to run the last 10 km in his stocking feet. In addition to his blisters he received a third place age (M45-49) class medal.
First timers Jerry Van, Marion Bryan, Karen Weller, Raida Bolton, Sharon Fisher and Kioko Martin were very pleased with their individual performances and a few said they would definitely do it again. Chris Stanger ran a quick pace for his first Canadian marathon. Karen Weller received a third place age (F55-59) class medal for her first time racing the long distance in the Victoria city streets.
Veteran racer Keith Wakelin received a second place age (M50-54) class medal and Les Disher claimed first place in the M60-64 category. Janet Green ran her 269th marathon and CVRR also took home first place in the Masters marathon team.
It was perfect racing weather according to CVRR president Wayne Crowe as he cruised to break the standing 10-year age record by 20 seconds in the half marathon to take first place in the M50-54 category. Neil Holm was the quickest CVRR racer of the day in the half distance to claim a second place medal (M45-49). Brian Rose performed a personal best time by shaving over five minutes off the last half marathon he ran. Andrea Prager continues to turn in quick performances.
In the 8K race Emily Keyes blazed to a strong finish of 36 minutes flat to take the top medal in F13-15 category. Hannah Bolton joined her mother Raida for the weekend and ran her first race ever and can be very pleased with her results. Jill Blacklock took home a second place medal for her performance in the fast, shorter race of the weekend. Molly Keyes came second overall in the Kids Race.
For most races, a runner will generally set themselves a goal time whether they state that goal out loud or keep it private. Many of the weekend racers met and exceeded their goals. All of the racers represented the CVRR very well. The CVRR Masters Men Marathon team brought home the first place team award while the CVRR Masters Men half marathon team brought home the second place team award.
For full results of the Goodlife Fitness marathon races go to http://runvictoriamarathon.com/aftertherace/results.php
For further information on the Comox Valley Road Runners see http://www.cvrr.ca.
– Comox Valley Road Runners