Comox Valley Road Runners had such a strong turnout and participation in the Frontrunners Gutbuster Trail Running Series that they won the “Free Lunch” sponsored by Fat Teddy’s at Mount Washington recently.
The third and final Gutbuster is called appropriately ‘The Ascent.’ The GutBuster Ascent Race at Mount Washington Alpine Resort is the only uphill trail race on the Island. It is a 6km run up to the top of Mt. Washington (1588m!) with 505m of elevation gain.
The race starts at the Alpine Lodge and steadily climbs up the mountain through the trees and bike park. Once above the treeline racers were treated to some unbelievalbe views of the Comox Valley and Strathcona Park. Snow levels require that the race course is changed annually. While considered the most scenic it is definitely gutbusting as it is steep and short.
Comox Valley Road Runners continued to bring in a number of first-, second- and third-place finishes. Brad Crowe was 6th overall up the mountain and 3rd in his 30-39 age category; young Peter Gledhill continues to burn up the hills arriving second in his 0-19 category followed closely on his heels by Domick Nadeau.
Keith Wakelin received a first place in his category. Shauna Connaughton of CVRR was first female overall, and first in the 20-29 category (first female overall requires a very fast effort). Coach Kathy Rung placed second in her category (30-39) followed by Marion Bryan in third place; Karen Sibley had a solid second place finish in the F 50-59 category.
While other CVRR racers may have missed out on the medals, the slog up Mount Washington is not for the faint of heart; congratulations to all CVRR participants in the Frontrunners Gutbuster Trail Running Series. For full results and information see www.gutbustertrailrun.com. For further information about the Comox Valley Road Runners www.cvrr.ca.
– Comox Valley Road Runners