The Sooke leg of the Vancouver Island Race Series saw 485 finishers crossing the final timing mat, breaking the previous record of 415 set in 2010.
Brandon Vail of the Speedfarm Running Club won the men’s race, clocking in at a near-personal best time of 32:14.
“I haven’t run too many 10K events, but I am pleased with how this one went,” said the former UVic Vike. “I plan to run the TC10K as well.”
Originally from Edmonton, Vail aims to improve his lifetime best at the April 21 event.
Andrew Russell, a Prairie Inn Harrier Running Club member, finished second overall and was the first masters-aged athlete (40+).
Russell clocked a finish time of 32:29. Brennen Smith, defending champion and also a member of Speedfarm, took third place with a performance of 32:50. Notably, well-known Ironman champion Brent McMahon, now a master runner, finished well in 33:36, securing seventh position.
Jennifer Erickson of Speedfarm achieved a new personal best in the women’s category at 36:21, marking her second consecutive Island Series win.
“I am happy with my time, considering the rolling course. I look forward to achieving an even faster time at the Comox Valley Half Marathon in two weeks,” Erickson said.
Zoe Hamel of Metchosin finished second at 37:09, while Christine Bant took third place with a time of 37:23.
Hamel, representing the Esprit RC under coach Jim Finlayson, had 20 Pearson College students participating in the race, competing in the 16-19 and 20-24 categories. Her Esprit teammate, Carley Gering, finished first in the masters category and fourth overall among females.
The next race in the Vancouver Island Race Series is the 38th running of the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon, scheduled for March 24.
The half-marathon is expected to attract a record number of athletes.
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