A record-setting number of people took to Comox Valley roads on March 23 for the Comox Valley Half Marathon.
There were almost 700 people who finished the race, which is a record that goes back to the mid-eighties. The race was also the first in the history of the Island Series to reach the maximum possible entries.
"This is a testament to the first class organization of the event by the Comox Valley Road Runners and the continuing popularity of long distance running in the community," a release about the event says.
Although the runners had to brave stormy conditions, there were plenty of outstanding performances.
The winner of the race was Brandon Vail from Victoria in a time of 1:08:32. Brandon maintained a healthy lead throughout and managed to finish over two minutes ahead of second place Andrew Russell, also from Victoria.
The top woman was Zoe Hamel from Victoria in 1:18:50 also cruising to a two minute win over Kate Ayers, another Victorian.
CVRR, (Comox Valley Road Runners), were well represented with 28 finishers.
The top runner for CVRR was DeVonte Scarlette who blazed to a 1:15:48 first place in M30-34 and 12th overall. The first CVRR woman was Andrea Wilson who flew through the course in 1:27:03, taking first in F50-54 and ninth overall woman.
The following CVRR members all finished in the first five in their respective categories;
Stephan Smit, 1:21:39, fourth M45-49
Dan Wilson, 1:22:42, third M50-54
Rob Kelly, 1:29:02, first M60-64
Derek Brenchley, 1:32:19, first M65-69
Keith Wakelin, 1:37:08, second M65-69
Wayne Crowe, 1:37:35, first M70-74
Coco Elgood, 1:41:26, second F55-59
Ken Manning, 1:45:19, third M70-74
Nikki Wilson, 1:46:40, fifth F50-54
Rob McCosh, 1:49:56, fifth M65-69
Roz Smith, 1:54:20, first F75-79
Malena Burkholder, 1:59:44, third F16-19
All results are found at
The next race in the Vancouver Island Series is the McLean Mill 10k in Port Alberni, April 6.
