The winter running season kicked off with the start of the FrontRunners Island Race Series.
The series runs from January until the end of April with a race every two weeks. Races range in distance from 5km up to the local Comox Valley RV Half Marathon. The first race of the series, the Harriers Pioneer 8km, took place Sunday, Jan. 12.
It was a crisp and clear morning, with over 600 racers completing the course. The race was won by Geoff Martinson in a time of 23:41. The Comox Valley Road Runners were led home by Vince Brotherston in a time of 27:18, earning Brotherston a second place finish in his age group. Behind him was a close duel between Clay Ward and Brad Crowe, with Ward outkicking Crowe at the end to finish in 28:43.
Danny Keyes had a great run, finishing in 31:40 and taking fifth in his age group. Les Disher was hot on his heels, placing second in age group with a time of 31:48. He was followed closely by Louis Lamb, who placed sixth in age group with a time of 32:25. Hans Gane also ran very well, placing 8th in a time of 32:49. Excellent performances were also had by Kevin Park, Mike Bridges, Wille Scott, and Tom Munro.
On the female side, the Road Runners were led by Elita Rahn, finishing in a time of 32:27 and claiming fifth place in her age group. She was followed by Marion Bryan, with a new personal best time of 34:36, and Natalie Ward, in 36:41.
One of the most outstanding performances of the day was Roz Smith, who set a course record for her age group in 36:43. The junior runners also did extremely well, with Sequoia Bridges finishing fourth in her age group, and her sister Charley Bridges finishing fifth in her age group.
The next race in the Island Series is the Cobble Hill 10k which takes place on Sunday, Jan. 26. Be sure to check out the local 5km Running Clinic, and don’t forget about the Comox Valley Race weekend, which includes the 5km Fun Run and the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon on March 22-23.
More information is available online at cvrr.ca.
– Comox Valley Road Runners