The 29th Annual Harrier Gunnar Shaw Cross-Country race was held on November 30.
This second race of the Harriers Island Classics covered approximately 10K. The hilly course covered the trails around Thetis Lake, and there were ample roots and rocks to amble over. There were also two infamous puddles to cross. So the course was definitely a seasonally challenging one.
There were 261 finishers splashing across the beach finish lane. The overall race winner was Harrier’s Shane Ruljancich, who completed the run in 35:30.
Sooke ranked well. The Sooke Trail and Road Runners (STARR) saw four runners in the competitive senior 60-99 division.
First in was Mark Ziegler with an excellent time of 46:41… 40 seconds away from first place in his division. He finished second in a field of 19, and ranked 72nd overall.
Next in was Bruce Hawkes with a time of 57:07 which was good for eighth place and an overall ranking of 160.
Not far behind was Jackie Eddy, our lone STARR woman. She crossed the line with an excellent time of 57:40 and placed second in a field of nine. Eddy’s overall ranking was 165.
Closing the field was Vince Trahan with a 1:11:39. He finished 12th with an overall ranking of 239.
Well done STARR’s.
The last race of the three-race series will be the 10/5Mile Stewart Mountain Challenge, set for December 14 with a 12 p.m. start. This race also covers the many trails around Thetis Lake.
with notes from Vince Trahan