The Cedar 12K, the third race of the Frontrunners Island Race Series, took place Sunday, Feb. 10 in Nanaimo.
The Cedar 12K is an extremely difficult race as it is an unusual racing distance and an extremely hilly course. This race drew a large crowd of racers from the Comox Valley Road Runners, with the club's biggest turnout of the season at 26 racers. The effort of the entire team was enough to move the club up to third place overall in the Island Race Series club standings.
The race was won by Andrew McCartney in a very fast time of 39:04. Geoff Martinson, winner of the previous two Island Series races, set a fast pace off the start but had to pull out of the race. Vince Brotherston was the first CVRR racer to finish, also crossing the line as the first masters racer overall with a time of 43:12. He was followed closely by Brad Crowe who finished with a personal best time. Wayne Crowe (Extreme Runners/Asics) finished as the third CVRR racer and also had a good race as he works his way back to racing fitness.
The women's race was won by Jen Millar in a time of 44:17. The CVRR women were led by club coach Kathy Rung, as she finished strong in her first road race of the 2013 season. She was followed by Marion Bryan and Laura Wyatt, both of whom raced well and finished in the top 10 in their age categories.
Leslie Currie also continues to race well this season, placing very well in a difficult age group. Arielle Agar and Linda Agar once again had a great race and crossed the finish line together. Kiyoko Marton also had an excellent race, as she quickly bounces back into racing form after completing the Goofy Challenge in Disney World in January. Angelica Lauzon, Don Blacklock, and Chris Robinson also raced well as they tackled their first road race of the 2013 season.
The Vancouver First Half 1/2 Marathon also took place on Feb. 10. Jim Finlayson finished in a time of 1:07:04, setting the Masters half marathon record for B.C. He hopes to break the Canadian Masters half marathon record when he races the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon in March.
Be sure not to miss him as he is the keynote speaker at the Comox Valley Race Weekend Pasta Dinner on Saturday, March 23. For tickets or more information, visit www.cvrr.ca.
– Comox Valley Road Runners