The Comox Valley Road Runners kicked off 2017 in impressive fashion with several podium finishes at the Pioneer 8k road race in Saanichton January 8.
While the local running club was well represented in all age categories, it was the older athletes who stole the show this time around. Brian Stewart and Danny Keyes were the top local finishers, placing first and second, respectively, in the M55-59 age category. Carolyn Coffin was the top local female finisher, placing 3rd in her F40-44 category, while club president Roslyn Smith took top spot in her F65-69 category.
Also earning a spot on a podium was local club member Derek Brenchley, who finished 2nd in the M60-64 category.
“Considering the weather had been threatening and in fact turned into a snowstorm for the drive home, we’re really impressed both with the turnout of club members and with their results,” says Roslyn Smith. “It’s especially encouraging to see so many young athletes training with the club and finishing strong in these races.”
Representing the Comox Valley Road Runners’ under-16 “youth movement” in Saanichton were Hudson Webster, Brailyn Webster, Charley Bridges and Sequoia Bridges.
The Pioneer 8k race is the first of eight events between January and April that comprise the Vancouver Island Race Series. Athletes earn points based on their finishing times, and the various running clubs compete to earn the most points throughout the series. The Comox Valley Road Runners are off to a great start with 10,352 points heading into the next race, the Cobble Hill 10k on January 22.
There’s still a few spaces open in the Comox Valley Road Runners’ 5k run/walk clinic, which starts Saturday, January 14. Click here for details and to register!
For more information on training or racing with the Comox Valley Road Runners, visit www.cvrr.ca.
