Derek Vinge was crowned King of the Forest at the 14th annual Perseverance Trail Run Oct. 28. The Courtenay chiropractor set a record in the 11.5 kilometre, running the course in 50:01.
Graham Forsyth was second in 50:44, and fellow chiropractor Clay Ward finished third in 51:15.
Gillian Clayton claimed Queen of the Forest honours as the fastest woman over the distance, running 1:02:33. She was followed by Natalie Ward (1:04:48) and Frederica Blouin-Comeau (1:05:59).
More than 100 racers, young and old, tackled the 3k cross-country run. Carlene Van Tongeren was crowned Princess of the Forest, setting a course record of 13 minutes. Abby Weiss was second in 17:01, and Michelle Robb placed third in 17:54.
In the men’s 3k, Robert Bolinger earned Prince of the Forest honours in 14:12. Connor Purin was second in 14:16, and Nolan Weiss third in 15:02.
The event drew a record 500 racers, more than 100 volunteers and hundreds of supporters. Collectively, they raised funds for the Cumberland Community Forest Society. Over the past 13 years, the event has raised more than $550,000.
Runners came from all parts of Vancouver Island, along with some from Calgary. Some of them donned costumes.
The Perseverance Trail Run is a grassroots, community event, presented by Equilibrium Lifestyle Management/ELM and driven by volunteers.
For a list of results and race day photos from Lorenz Jimenez, visit perseverancetrailrun.com
Race organizers are looking forward to seeing you next Oct. 27 for the 15th annual run. Registration opens in April, 2019.