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Road Runners half marathon draws almost 500 runners

Craig Odermatt of Victoria wins annual Comox Valley event
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Craig Odermatt (#2) won this year's CVRR half marathon while Derek Vinge (left) was the top local

The Comox Valley Road Runners hosted almost 500 runners for the annual Comox Valley RV Half Marathon on Sunday, March 22. This was the sixth race in the Frontrunners Island Race Series and is part of the Timex BC Road Running Series.

This year's race presented challenging conditions. Mental toughness was a necessity as the racers were met with brisk headwinds on the rolling countryside course. The overall winner  was Craig Odermatt of Victoria in 1:12:04. Local favourite and defending champion Derek Vinge was fifth overall in 1:14:59. The women's winner was Claire Morgan, also of Victoria, in 1:22:53.

CVRR was well represented with 35 club members competing. Following closely on Vinge's heels was Neil Holm in 115:57, 2nd  M4549. Vince Brotherston was next, winning M5055 in 1:19:27. Next came Mike Bridges with another excellent performance and a PR of 1:23:36, 4th M4044. Clay Ward had a great run, finishing in 1:24:23, 5th M3034 and topped it off by running the fastest 100 metre sprint finish of all competitors.

Race director Wayne Crowe (Extreme Runners/Asics) also had a great race as he set a course record, winning M6064 in 1:24:32. Danny Keyes M5559 just squeaked by Les Disher M6064, both finishing second in their age groups. Janet Green F6064 also finished second in her age group in 1:51:16.

Other great results included CVRR club president Roz Smith breaking her own record and 1st F6569 in 1:39:06. PRs were also set by Kevin Park, 1:25:48, Will Scott 1:28:35, Jeff Stickler 1:43:12, Deanna Donovan 1:43:03 and Kindle Parsons 1:50:24. Art Beck celebrated his birthday by running the half marathon in  2:10:53, 4th M7075.

For full results go to http://racedaytiming.ca/vira/2015.

Race director Wayne Crowe thanks the many volunteers and local businesses who helped make the event a huge success again this year. He also expressed thanks to the residents along the race route who graciously shared their neighbourhood with the racers during the event.

 

– Comox Valley Road Runners