On Sunday, Aug. 24 the Run the Rock Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8K took place on Texada Island. All three events are challenging and showcase the rugged beauty of Texada Island. Proceeds from the events go toward cancer support for island residents.
The first event of the day was the marathon. The marathon begins at Shelter Point campground and loops out to Van Anda, before returning back to Gillies Bay and finally finishing back at Shelter Point. The route includes both significant climbs and descents, and there are very few flat sections in the entire race.
However, local volunteers had a strong presence that made for a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere. The winner of the marathon was Comox Valley Road Runner Brad Crowe, finishing in a course record time of 2 hours and 56 minutes.
He was followed by previous race winner and fellow CVRR member Keith Wakelin, who finished in a time of 3:19 minutes. In fourth place overall, and setting a women’s course record, was Mary Bridges, yet another member of CVRR. Her record setting time was 3:39. Second woman overall was Janet Green, also of CVRR, in 4:30.
Next came the 8K and Half Marathon. The Half Marathon starts at Van Anda and follows the second half of the marathon course back to Shelter Point. Wayne Crowe (Extreme Runners/Asics) was the first CVRR member to finish, placing second overall in a time of 1:26. He was followed immediately by Danny (Donny) Keyes (Comox Valley RV), third overall in 1:27:00.
Hot on his heels was Mike Bridges with a time of 1:27:25 and a fourth-place finish. Rounding out the top five was yet another CVRR member, Roger Plamondon, who was close behind and finished in 1:28. Roslyn Smith also ran well, finishing as the fourth female overall in a time of 1:45. Aaron Amar showed his grit by battling through a tough day and finishing in 1:47.
The 8K course starts at the Texada airport and follows along the bay to finish at Shelter Point. Kindle Parsons was the first CVRR member to finish, finishing as the second female and fourth overall with a time of 39:48. She was followed by mother and daughter Arielle and Lynda Agar, who placed third and fourth female with respective times of 41:48 and 43:32.
The next local event is the 10th annual Perseverance Trail Run, sponsored by Extreme Runners and ELM. The event takes place on Oct. 26 and includes a 10K mountain run and a 3K trail run. More information for this event can be found at Extreme Runners or online. Be sure to sign up early as this event sells out quickly. Proceeds of the Perseverance Trail Run go to the Cumberland Forest Society.
– Comox Valley Road Runners