The sixth race of the 2012 Frontrunners Island Race Series, the Comox Valley RV Half-Marathon, was held March 18.
Down from 509 in 2011, 431 runners came out to run the mildly undulating course through the Comox Valley. The temperature was seasonal, with sunny and calm conditions. The time in brackets next to the overall time is the 100M sprint time.
The overall winner was Jim Finlayson (40-44) from APEX Runners with a course record of 1:07:29 and a sprint time of 17:47. Finlayson was also the top Male Master winner.
The overall female was Melissa Ross (25-29) from the Oceanside Running Club with a time of 1:20:24 and 17th overall (18:71).
The top Female Master was Nancy Baxendale (50-54) in a time of 1:27:40 and 53rd overall (25:70).
The Sooke Trail and Road Runners (STARR) had nine runners in seven various age groups covering the course and finished with five top 10 finishes.
Good job everyone. Leading the STARRs was Sarah-Mae Pyndus (25-29) in a time of 1:35:34 (2011 time 1:54:23) and was fourth in a field of 23 and good for 109th overall (25:44). Super run !
Next over the line was Ryan-James Adam (25-29) with an impressive 1:36:43 (2008 time 1:41:50) and was 12th in a fast field of 17 and 121st overall (23.99).
Next to cross the line was Jonathan Dvorak (35-39). Dvorak came in with a 1:47:40. He placed 17th in a field of 23 and was 221st overall (27:71).
Our next runner to hit the mat was Mark Ziegler (55-59). Mark came in with a 1:50:59 (2011 time 1:45:09) and was ninth in a field 18 and 239th overall (26:97).
Our next lady in was Karen Way. In her first Comox Valley Half, Karen did a sub two hour run (1:59:13) and was 14th in a field of 25 and 301st overall (31:16). Good job Karen.
Next to cross was Vince Trahan (65-69) in a time of 2:05:25 (2010 time 2:04:18) and was sixth in a field of 11 and 341st overall (26:88).
Also in her first Comox Valley Half was Charmaine Munro (45-49). She was in with a 2:21:05 and was 24th in a field of 25 (29:22).
Next to come in was Rintje Raap (70-74). Raap was in with a 2:26:53 (2011 time 2:15:28) and was seventh in a field of nine and 408th overall (31:39).
Closing out our STARR field was Bruce Hawkes (70-74). Hawkes opted to race walk the course and he was in with a 2:53:26 (2011 run time 2:13:04) and was eighth and 422nd overall (44:47).
STARR remains in seventh place with 658 points.
To all the STARRs...outstanding. You are the best! Our STARR sprinter was Ryan-James Adam with a 23:99. Our next race weekend will be the Merville 15K on April 1 at 11 AM. See you there.
By Vince Trahan