Nineteen members of the Comox Valley Road Runners (CVRR) running club braved another stormy(ish) day at the annual Bazan Bay 5k race in Sidney, B.C. last weekend (March 5, 2017). Despite the icy-cold conditions, several local runners once again turned in impressive finishes.
Vince Brotherston led the local club, winning the M50-54 division with a time of 17:10, followed closely by John Coffin, Danny Keyes and Brian Stewart. Keyes edged Stewart by just two seconds in a dramatic finish to capture the M55-59 title. Carolyn Coffin was the fastest CVRR woman, placing 2nd in the W40-44 category with a time of 19:47.
Local legend-in-the-making Peter Ashmore set a new personal record and won his M65-69 division with an impressive time of 21:41. There was also a speedy group of youth runners from the Comox Valley, including Hudson Webster (4th in M1-15), Brailyn Webster (4th in F1-15), Charley Bridges (7th in F1-15) and Sequoia Bridges (8th in F1-15).
A significant contingent of CVRR runners and their family/friends/supporters make the journey down to Sidney each year for the Bazan Bay 5k, a testament to their love of running and the dedication of the race organizers. This year’s race attracted a total of 524 participants.
Next up for the Comox Valley Road Runners is the Sooke 10k road race, which was rescheduled for March 12 after being canceled in February due to adverse weather.
On March 19, the Comox Valley will play host to runners from across the Island and beyond as the CVRR hosts its annual Comox Valley RV Half Marathon, which starts at the Filberg Centre in Courtenay. To register, visit www.cvrr.ca/cv-half-marathon.
A day earlier, on March 18, the CVRR marks the culmination of its 5k Running Clinic with a 5k “fun run” that’s open to the public.
“Despite some difficulties due to winter weather, our clinic participants enjoyed a very successful, clinic and have achieved some tremendous gains in their running,” says clinic director Leslie Dargie. “Come cheer them on as you run alongside them on March 18 – it’s a fun-forward, family-friendly event that’s always a great time regardless of your running ability!”
For more information, visit www.cvrr.ca or find Comox Valley Road Runners on Facebook.
