Sooke Hills 25 & 50 KM

Thanks to Maggie Curtis for the article & Jonathan Behnke for the photos.

As far as weather goes, it was a bleak morning for the second annual Sooke Hills 25 and 50 K race this year.  On Saturday, May 31st, after days of sunshine, the skies opened and it was still pretty soggy when the 25km race started at 9.  The 50km race started at 8, so I know they faced some good showers early in the race.  But people were smiling and we were all certain it would lighten up–and we were correct!  By the time I finished (albeit I was closer to the back of 25K-ers), the sun was peeking back out.  

The race has a small community feel to it–like a gathering of friends rather than an intense competitive event–and the terrain is truly breathtaking (in all ways).  It was amazing to do an organized run in the area that I love so much.

The top three female finishers in the 25K race were Niki Chapman (3:15), Shelley Donovan (3:25) and Kristen Livingstone (3:33) The top three male finishers for 25K route were Christopher Sundby (2:26) from Vancouver, and Glenn Jasechko (2:31) and Jacob Haas (2:32) from Victoria.  In the 50K, the top three females were Rianna Burnham (7:08), Sara Hong Li (7:32) from Victoria and Sarah Cousineau (7:37) from Saanichton.  The top males the 50K were Charles Perin from Victoria (5:34), Cameron McInnes from Vancouver (5:34) and Cole Hetherington from Victoria (5:41).  Sooke Trail and Road Runners had 6 participants and many volunteers.

The 25K race starts with a steady climb from the potholes up to Peden lake, which you then run alongside. After a right turn, you follow a sometimes flat and sometimes rocky climb on the Lakes Connector trail to Sheilds lake.  At Sheilds lake (6.7 KM), there is a lovely aid station and our very own Sarah McWhirter was offering up Coca Cola and snacks to the runners along with other friendly volunteers.  You then proceed around the Sheilds lake trail until you hit Sooke Mountain Park Road and you follow a wide, flat downhill trail that you can speed along for around 7KM.  I got to see my friends Jackie and Danny helping out on their bikes during this stretch.   Then you turn onto Charters Trail (which is smaller than an access road, but wider than a single track trail) for a couple of KMs.  And then things start to get interesting…

You go up to the summit of Mt. Monument, a long climb with amazing views every time you turn around.  After the top of Monument, you take a winding trail down (this stretch caused me to start breaking mentally; I had pumped myself up to get up Monument, but I did not realize how long it would take me to get down) to Grass lake aid station.  After this station, (which had two of my colleagues from EMCS and their dog as volunteers) you begin to descend Harrison trail, which is steep and technical and also has some extremely lovely spots–large mossy rocks that rise on either side of a narrow path, a downed tree that makes a skeleton with its branches reaching over you, and a number of gullies covered in ferns.  Once done, you get on the galloping goose and eventually move down to the potholes to run a nice little trail to the finish line.  For the record, I was feeling finished with running by this point but I still managed a smile for my colleague and friend who was taking photographs a couple of kilometres from the finish line.  The 50K route has three summits– Empress, Monument, and Quimper.  If you want to know more, the maps are available on the website: https://www.sookehillsrunning.com/

The organizers had beans, tacos, homemade salsa and beverages for refueling afterwards at the finish line.  Everyone was very supportive and every single finisher was cheered over the line.  I got to see some of the early 50K finishers and they all looked amazing–the second female finisher is in her fifties (like me), so I found that especially inspiring.  There was a shuttle to take runners back to their cars every half hour or so (parking was at the park and ride by the soccer field).

I highly recommend this race to anyone who wants an enjoyable challenge.  Whether you walk, run, or do a combination, the Sooke Hills is a fantastic way to spend a morning.  They have unique shirts that they gather from thrift shops and put their cool logo on for all finishers.  The organizers will even put the logo on a shirt of your own if you wish.  Two STARRs hiked the whole race and finished well within the cutoff time, so don’t write this one off if you are not a big trail runner.  For me, I was proud to finish and I will try it again next year (I am thinking of working up to a 50K at some point).  While I enjoyed the route, the food and the T-shirt, the best part for me was all of the people–I saw so many familiar faces and even the unfamiliar people were warm and encouraging.  

STARR results:

Scott Renouf Sooke, BC 4 M38 3:53:55

Karla Sache Sooke, BC 203 F38 4:06:50

Brianna Fitzgerald Sooke, BC 171 F33 4:11:56

Maggie Curtis Sooke, BC 133 F53 5:35:25

Kari Toovey Sooke, BC 211 F51 7:03:12

Vanessa White Sooke, BC 213 F51 7:03:12

Saysutshun Ultra

Ultra-Terrific Event for STARR at Run Saysutshun

By Leslie Ann Bent

This year marked the 3rd annual Run Saysutshun races on Saysutshun Island off the coast of Nanaimo. This race is a very special one and has all of the elements that runners love about racing – high level of competition paired with comradery, a scenic course, a variety of distances, well run event and lots of food. The event is largely an ultra event offering a 24-hour option, 12-hour night or day time options, and a 6-hour event. They also throw in a half marathon and a 10k.  This year all events sold out, so when Andy tried to register, it was too late. (More on that later).

STARR runners included David D and Sarah who were both aiming for 100km accomplishments. Kari, Andy and Leslie Ann were comfortable with the 10km loop around the island. Friend of STARR, Gemma who camped by David and Sarah, was out to win. Sooke was well represented!

Runners in each event tackle the 10km loop course. The course starts out with a wide groomed trail, but eventually the path narrows, gets steeper and then roots and rocks make the course much more technical and more typical of an ultra course. Food, drinks and tents await the runners at the end of each loop. Volunteers ensure that the racers are well taken care of. Each event was opened with a land acknowledgement and welcome by a local elder and knowledge keeper.

David and Sarah started out at 5pm on Friday night. The mental challenge started later. They had until 5pm on Saturday to accomplish their goals. Both had up and down moments on the course – fatigue for sure, but I was awed by their mental strength and perseverance. Both completed 100km and looked no worse for the wear.  A big congrats to Dave and Sarah. Gemma did manage to win the women’s race completing 146km if anyone was wondering.

On the 10k front, Andy and Leslie Ann officially traded positions when the race organizer allowed Andy to take Leslie Ann’s bib to challenge his prior year win. Happily, he did not have to run as a 59 year-old woman as they made the registration change on the fly! Kari arrived ready to roll with her husband to cheer and take photos. We had lots of time to chat and catch up with STARR runners. Not having to repeat the loop, Kari took her time to enjoy the course. Andy, defending his title, took a nasty fall when he tripped on a root (resulting in blood, mud, & scrapes but still able to run).  Only one young runner crossed the finish line ahead of him this year.  I enjoyed running of the course at a leisurely pace without the pressure of competition.

I caught up with a few of the runners to hear what they had to say about the race:

Sarah: “I had a blast though, it was also my birthday and it was great to get in some laps with Dave, we both got 100km. GO STARR!  My stomach wasn't behaving most of this event but this kind of ultra running really needs a clear mind also. As you know Leslie it's more mental than physical.”

Kari: “It was great - it is a tricky course with lots of roots so it was slow for me but I loved it - it was so beautiful I kept stopping to take photos along the course. And yes, lots of great comradery.  Thank you so much for getting that registration as a prize - I am so glad I did it and not sure I would have done it without winning it. Now that I have done it once I might make it a yearly event as I enjoyed it so much. It was good to see you.”

Andy said that he loved the race.  The best thing about it is the vibe, referring to both years. It’s a competitive tough race but still remains to have a chill atmosphere. Volunteers are fantastic. The start and end of each loop is where the ultra runners set up their tents and gear. The food & drink station is right there. It lends itself to a gathering place for runners and support.

Although I ended up not racing, I still love the event and echo what everyone else from STARR has said.

Dave managed completing 50km before taking a 2.5 hour snooze. He got right back at it after that and finished the 100km really strong. No doubt he’ll race it again in 2026.

Congratulations to our runners. Thanks so much to Tommy and his team for organizing an amazing race once again. Photos were supplied by Kari, Sarah, the Run Saysutshun race and me.

The Oak Bay Half Marathon

By Jill Potter-Hellmann.

A beautiful course along the ocean, through the streets of Oak Bay, the Oak Bay Half marathon saw over 1100 participants on Sunday, May 25th. The weather was ideal, with a welcome breeze off the ocean on the return route.

For those wanting a shorter distance, over 500 runners ran the 10km route.  This event, in its 19th year, also offers a relay event, which saw 28 teams participating.

A great atmosphere at the start and along the route, with encouraging cheering “stations” at the top of the hills and along some difficult stretches.

I had checked out the route a couple of weeks prior, so was aware of an uphill around 16km, but was really challenged by the rolling route from 17-20 km. By this point, I was feeling the previous hills. The start of the race had all categories starting at once, so it was hard to not go out too fast. Maybe the last few k’s would not have been so hard if I had had a slower start.

Definitely recommend this event, just for the scenery alone.

STARRS at the Oak Bay Half

Name     Time.    Age Group

Claude  1:53:40   M60-64  5th

Jill         2:11:30   F60-64   8th

Oak Bay Half Marathon Report

By Jill Potter-Hellmann

A beautiful course along the ocean, through the streets of Oak Bay, the Oak Bay Half marathon saw over 1100 participants on Sunday, May 25th. The weather was ideal, with a welcome breeze off the ocean on the return route.

For those wanting a shorter distance, over 500 runners ran the 10km route.  This event, in its 19th year, also offers a relay event, which saw 28 teams participating.

A great atmosphere at the start and along the route, with encouraging cheering “stations” at the top of the hills and along some difficult stretches.

I had checked out the route a couple of weeks prior, so was aware of an uphill around 16km, but was really challenged by the rolling route from 17-20 km. By this point, I was feeling the previous hills. The start of the race had all categories starting at once, so it was hard to not go out too fast. Maybe the last few k’s would not have been so hard if I had had a slower start.

Definitely recommend this event, just for the scenery alone.

STARRS at the Oak Bay Half

Name     Time.    Age Group

Claude  1:53:40   M60-64  5th

Jill         2:11:30   F60-64   8th

Mclean Mill 10k Race Report, April 6th 2025

By Andy Smith

Maggie, Jill & Kari beating the line up for the free Salmon Chowder and Cilli!

Six STARR runners participated in the McLean Mill 10k road race in Port Alberni on Sunday April 6th bringing home three medals and two top- ten ribbons.

A total of 412 runners travelled to the historic McLean Mill tourist site in Port Alberni on Sunday April 6th to race the McLean Mill 10k, the seventh event of the Island VIRS race series. The course is a rolling 10k loop on scenic quiet country roads. Participants were treated to candied salmon chowder and chili supplied by local Port Alberni restaurants.

The men’s race was won by Nathanael Tabert from Victoria based Speedfarm team (M25-29) in a speedy time of 32:54. The women’s race was won by Jennifer Erickson, also representing Speedfarm, in a time of 38:22. Island running clubs like Harriers, Ceevacs, Bastion, Comox Valley, and STARR were all well represented at this event. Over 20 clubs were represented as well as numerous unaffiliated runners.  STARR was represented by six competitors across several different age categories. Many age categories had between 10 and 20 competitors the largest being 40 competitors in the F30-34 category. Older age categories were also very competitive with 10 competitors in the Men’s 75-79 category. STARR runners had a good day bringing home three medals for top three finishes in W45-49, W50-54, and M60-64 categories as well as two ribbons for top ten finishes in F50-54 and F60-64 categories. Barb Cina placed third in W45-49, Stephanie Croft took third in W 50-54 and Andy Smith placed third in the M60-64 age group.  Jill Potter-Hellmann and Maggie Curtis placed 9th in the F60-64 and. F50-54 categories.

Cool and drizzly conditions greeted competitors on arrival in Port Alberni, but a warm welcome from the local sponsors and volunteers made up for wet conditions. STARR competitors enjoyed the rolling and challenging course through the beautiful Port Alberni Forest.  The McLean Mill historical site makes a scenic and family friendly location to host the race with plenty of historical buildings, old forestry machinery, and stories to capture spectator’s interest. Congratulations to the hosts and sponsors for a fun and well-run event and to our STARR runners for making the three-hour drive to participate.

Name Time Category Age Group Place

Andy Smith 43:53 M60-64 3rd

Barb Cina 45:25 F45-49 3rd

Stephanie Croft 51:35 F50-54 3rd

Jill Potter Hellmann 59:28 F60-64 9th

Maggie Curtis 1:00:20 F50-54 9th

Kari Toovey 1:02:07 F50-54 11th

Around The Bay 30 km Virtual Relay

By Leslie Ann Bent

What an incredible morning we had for our 5th annual Around the Bay simulation run (race?).  We had 26 participants with 5 of those runners choosing the virtual option.  From snowy Canmore, to sunny California and overcast skies in Sooke, we all came together to enjoy a day of running as well as some socializing. This year we were joined by 4 runners from Cowichan who seemed to enjoy STARR’s spirit and hospitality. We also had a very supportive cheering squad – Joldine, babies Rose and Geneva with their dads, as well as Barb’s partner on bike! There was lots of swag so no one went home empty handed. A special thanks to Maggie, Kari and Jill who took the last minute call for a substitute race morning.

When we started this STARR event 5 years ago, the idea was to promote some famous Canadian races without the need to travel afar.  Around the Bay has been taking place in Hamilton since 1894 and is considered North America’s oldest race – even older than the Boston marathon. For decades, elite runners have been using this race as their last training run in preparation for the Boston marathon which is usually 3 weeks later. Although the relay is not part of the 2025 line-up, we’ve kept up the tradition here in Sooke.

This year we had several teams complete the races within seconds apart. With the staggered starts and virtual options, we never know who is in the lead until all of the results are in and tallied. A shout out to the IT Band-its who flew to the finish 32 seconds ahead of the Sooke Snails. Also, the Last Minute Team, scraped to the finish ahead of Elbows Up by 23 seconds. A congratulations to all of our runners and walkers who had an incredible day.  Thanks for making the event such a success.

All participants in our event can receive a 10% off registration price for the Run Saysutshun events, June 13/14 (Newcastle Island, Nanaimo) using the code Runguides.  This trail race includes 10k, half marathon, and various ultra options. Check out the website for more information.  https://www.runsaysutshun.com/

Results:

Solo (30km)

Dave D – 2:31

Scott – 2:47

Barb – 2:55

Sarah McW – 3:14

Kevin (Cowichan) – 3:14

2-Person Relay (15km each)

Jocelyn & Sarah (Cowichan) – 3:06:28

3-Person Relay (10km each – more or less!)

IT Band-its – Emily, Paul, Renato – 2:40:15

Sooke Snails – Robin, Claude, Vlad – 2:40:47

Last Minute Team – Tory (15k), Maggie, Kari, Jill (5k each) – 3:12:17

Elbows Up – Ken, Elysia (Cowichan), David W – 3:12:40

Hustling Mamas - Bri, Sonya, Karla  - 3:17:23

Bay City Rollers – Ian, Georgia, Sue – 3:36:36 (a truly virtual team)

220 VoltAGE – Jackie, Steve K, Danny (walker) – 4:20

Fat Dog Back Yard Ultra

March 15th 2025, Abbotsford Exhibition Park

Thanks to Sarah McWhirter for the race report….and quite some admiration too, this is a tough one!

This race sounds much easier on paper hahaha.

Racers and crew could arrive at 7am to set up their tent in tent city. It was a gravel parking lot with roughly 50 tents set up. You can't survive more than a couple laps ( 6.7 km per lap) without a tent set up and an experienced crew. I was so lucky to have my son who is no rookie at helping me at ultra races, he was a rock star.

Race started 9am sharp and you had to be back and in the starting zone before the next hr and lap started. There was a whistle at the 3-minute mark, 2 minute and 1 minute. If you planned it out it was ideal to be back with no more than 8 minutes until the next lap started (this was my plan, and I followed it strictly) and your crew waiting with what you previously had let them know you would need for that lap. 

The weather was brutal, rain, snow, wind and a few minutes of sun. That aside the atmosphere was competitive but super fun and supportive. Race director Eric and his amazing family put on unreal races. They rock and all the volunteers.

The food choices (if you choose to eat them and not your own) looked delicious.

I got in 10 laps and just felt like trash, also gets boring fast and being mostly pavement with a few very muddy spots, it was hard on the body if you are used to mostly trail.

This race is set up to get whatever distance you want to achieve, very little elevation and not technical at all.

Had a great time and happy I tried a back yard ultra.

I'd recommend this race to anyone who wants to get their first ultra distance or push to get the most laps and win it.

Bastion Cedar 12k Race Report - March 16, 2025

Thanks to Andy Smith for the Race Report

Five STARR members competed in good running conditions at the Bastion Cedar 12k race on Sunday, March 16th. This is the 5th event of the 2025 Vancouver Island Race Series (VIRS). Temperature was 7 degrees and conditions were dry when we arrived at Cedar Elementary School just South of Nanaimo for an 11am start. The event had been rescheduled from February 9th due to snow, but race organizers and local Bastion Running Club did a great job hosting the event despite the change in date. The racecourse is out and back along Cedar Road starting and finishing in front of Cedar Elementary School on pretty and quiet rural roads. There are rolling hills to keep things interesting and plenty of spectators at the finish line to cheer finishers across the finish line!

It’s always a fun vibe at these races and the local Bastion (Nanaimo) running club did a great job hosting 309 runners (148 women and 161 men). There were plenty of fast club level runners participating despite the reschedule. The winner of the men’s race was Dusty Spiller from the Cowichan Valley Running Team in a time of 40:08. Victory in the women’s race went to Julia Tschanz from the Speedfarm team in a time of 44:58.

More than 20 clubs competed at Sunday’s race.  STARR was represented by 5 competitors across several age categories bringing home three ribbons in a very competitive field. Top ten ribbon winners were Andy Smith in the M60-64 age group, Barbara Cina in the W45-49 age group and Jill Potter Hellman in the W60-64 age group. Everyone enjoyed the event. It’s a great location with quiet traffic, good parking and a local high school to host pre-race and post-race activities. A long list of series and local sponsors provided food, drinks and door prizes at the finish line. Congratulations on a fun event and to all our STARR finishers! Full results for STARR runners are listed below.

Name Time Category Age Group Place

Andy Smith 53:36 M60-64 6th

Barb Cina 56:02 W45-49 4th

Jill Potter Hellmann 1:13:37 W60-64 7th

Maggie Curtis 1:16:03 F50-54

Kari Toovey 1:16:03 F50-54

Westcoast 10k Race – STARR Captures 2 Medals & 3 Ribbons

Claude, Emily, Andy & Barb pre-race

Karla, kari, Jill & Maggie pre-race

A very wet mass start

A blurred Claude, clearly running too fast for the camera shutter speed!

Andy, Claude, Vlad & Scott enjoying the post-race refreshments

March 9, 2025 by Leslie Ann Bent

Even an atmospheric river couldn’t keep 500 runners away from Sooke’s only road race held on Sunday, March 9. The Westcoast 10k is one of the eight races that comprise the popular Vancouver Island race series.  The race is a gently rolling out and back course starting at Edward Milne Community School and runs along Sooke River Road. The race attracts young and old of all abilities. Of the nearly 500 runners who competed, 20 men and 18 women were over 70.  They’re still a competitive bunch and prove that age is just a number. There is also a children’s race that was greatly enjoyed by the youngsters.

Nine STARR runners were out to support the local race and see what their legs could do on this familiar course.  The first STARR runner to cross the finish line was Andy Smith (M60-64) with a time of 42:52. This result earned him a 3rd place age-group medal. Barbara Cina(F45-49) was STARR’s first female athlete to complete the course with a time of 44:38, also earning her a 3rd place age-group medal.  Honorable mention goes out to Vlad (M50-54) who completed his first race ever with a solid time of 52:26. It was wonderful having so many of our club members supporting this local race. Donna H, Jason and Leslie Ann were there cheering on fellow runners.

The race was not without its magical moments.  The Speedfarm team from Victoria kicked butt taking home gold medals for both male and female top athletes, as well as capturing 6 of the top 10 placings. The first overall finisher was Brandon Vail (M25-29) with an impressive time of 31:01.  Meg Lewis-Schneider (F30-34) crossed the finish line at 35:30. The top masters’ athlete was Andrew Russel (M40-44) with a time of 32:10.

If you thought it must get easier to place as you reach your golden years, think again.  Watching races is always an inspiring experience. The top 2 men in the 75-79 age group ran 51:57 and 52:55. The top female in the same age category ran 50:55.  Equally important and impressive are the back of the pack runners who just kept focused on the goal, spending about an hour and half out ponding the pavement in the rain and not giving up.

The race was extremely well organized. A big shout out to the Sooke Lion’s club for once again making their fantastic pancakes and strawberries for all of the competitors.

Congratulations to all of our STARRs who competed.

Results (chip time)

Andy (M60-64)             42:52, 3rd

Barb (F45-49)                44:38, 3rd

Scott (M35-39)              46:31

Karla (F35-39)               50:26, 10th

Claude (M60-64)          50:57, 8th

Emily (F30-34)              52:11

Vlad (M50-54)               52:26

Maggie (F50-54)           58:52

Jill (F60-64)                    59:14, 9th

Kari (M50-54)                1:02:31

Hatley Castle 8K

By Barbara Cina

Photos by Guido Cina

The Vancouver Island Road Series finally continued after the postponed race two weeks ago. The Hatley 8k race took place today on the grounds of Royal Roads University, surrounding the historic Hatley Castle, in Colwood. The early arrivers even found time for a photo-op with the resident peacocks freely roaming the gardens. Despite of an uncertain weather forecast, it turned out very favorable with a milky sun winning over the clouds perfectly timed for the race - allowing the course to dry up just enough.

Speaking of the course, the 8k loop with 115m of elevation is quite spectacular with breath-taking views (or are there other reasons…?) over the Colwood Lagoon and the distant Olympic Mountains, in addition to the impressive old growth forest. The patchy road and rooty trails don’t necessarily make this run only an easy breeze, as the sprinkled-in ramps gets everyone steaming and temporarily forgetting about the scenery – at least as far as I was concerned.

For the 483 runners, the start horn was tooted at 11:00 sharp - with the last oncoming car luckily just making it out of the way in time. Anton Kuipers took his first win within this year’s series in impressive 26:34, followed by Brennen Smith and Nathanael Tabert.

The first female Meg Lewis-Schneider, finishing in 29:41, was followed by Zoe Hamel and Julia Tschanz.

Post-race, participants enjoyed hot dogs provided by Colwood Fire and refreshments in the Auditorium, where awards were also given out. The opportunity for some indoor shelter is a great addition to this race. Last year’s participants will recall how storm and rain cut all after-race activities short.

Notable performances of our STARR runners include (-apologies, should I have missed anyone):

 Barb Cina: 38:19 (3rd in F45-49)

 Emily Mann: 41:48

 Jill Potter-Hellmann: 49:09

 Maggie Curtis: 51:57

 Kari Toovey: 53:01

Undecided whether you’re more of a road or trail runner, and up for a short race not far from home – you should definitely consider this one for next year…

Cobble Hill 10K Race Report (BC Provincial 10K Championship)

We came; we saw; we did our best. Even though we were nursing a few injuries we still won medals and ribbons!

Five STARR members competed in sunny cool conditions at Cobble Hill on Sunday, January 26th to race the second event of the Island VIRS race series which was also the BC Provincial 10K Championships. Temperature was 3 degrees and the sun was shining on 603 athletes warming up for the 11am start. The course is a lollipop shape on pretty and quiet rural roads. There are rolling hills to keep things interesting and a nice downhill finish, so everyone looks good for finish line photos!

Cobble Hill is the BC Provincial 10k Championships which attracts some elite runners. There were fast visitors as well as strong club level runners from Vancouver Island. It’s always a fun vibe at the Island Race series and the local Ceevacs running club did a great job hosting 603 runners (305 women and 298 men). The winner of the men’s race was Alexandre Picard from Squamish BC in a time of 30:41. Alexandre is a trail runner named 2023 Canadian Men’s Mountain and Trail Runner of the Year after finishing 17th in Men’s Vertical at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. Apparently, he runs fast on roads as well! (Check out his Instagram if you want to see how hill running is done!) Victory in the women’s race went to Samantha Jory, a rising star from Vancouver who only started racing in 2022 and yet has become one of Canada’s top half marathon runners. She also boasts a best marathon time of 2 hours 36 minutes.

Many competitors at the Cobble Hill Race represent Island running clubs like Harriers, Ceevacs or Comox Valley. More than 25 clubs competed at Sunday’s race. STARR was represented by 5 competitors across multiple age categories bringing home two medals/ribbons in a very competitive field with many age categories having 20 or more entries. Andy Smith placed third in the M60-64 age group and Barbara Cina placed seventh in the W45-49 age group. Other club members turned in strong results despite nursing some nagging injuries. Everyone enjoyed the event. It’s a great location with quiet traffic, decent parking and a local high school to host pre- race and post-race activities. The CEEVACS club did a great job sponsoring the race providing volunteers, food, and home baking at the finish line. Congratulations on a fun event and to all our STARR finishers! Full results for STARR runners are listed below.

Name Time Category Age Group Place

Andy Smith 42:26 M60-64 3rd

Barb Cina 43:45 W45-49 7th

Jill Potter Hellmann 58:13 W60-64

Maggie Curtis 58:43 F50-54

Kari Toovey 1:00:31 F50-54





January Blues - Final Week Recap

Everyone has had an incredible month of running, jogging and walking to hit their distance goals. Danny was the STARR of the event, clocking 506kms solo a couple of days before the cut off. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) made it to the finish line with a few days to spare. The Hobblers still have a couple participants to report their final 5 days but I believe they are done with only a few clicks officially to go! We’ve reported 4,700km of cumulated distance. Rumours are that everyone had fun. We sure had favourable weather for this year’s challenge.

The Nile teams completed their challenge in the city of Aswan – a picturesque, slow paced tourist city but with lots of things to see and do. One of the most famous sites is the Philae Temple. Whether or not the teams took advantage of the archeological features or simply completed their journey sailing sown the Nile, they can rest assured it was a successful team effort.

The last teams to finish in England enjoyed the small community of Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border. They were surprised to see only a small sign indicating the end of the famous route – no plaques nor monuments. The night at the Border Hotel was most welcome after 31 days en route.

The draw for entrances into the Run Saysutshun trail race and the Oak Bay Road race will take place on Tuesday, February 11 at the STARR meeting (7pm, Sooke library). I will bring prizes that have not yet been picked up.

Congratulations to everyone.