On Feb. 23, almost 500 runners took on the Hatley Castle 8k for the fourth race of the Vancouver Island Race Series.

Set in the idyllic Royal Roads University, the event was attended by a total of 483 runners. Josh Irving was the first Comox Valley Road Runner (CVRR) to cross the finish line with a time of 31:44. Irving placed fourth in the M20-24 category, and 29th place overall. Next across the line was Derek Brenchley, earning a first place in the M65-69 category with an overall time of 35:58. Ken Manning placed second in the M70-74 category, with a time of 39:48. Other local runners included Coco Elgood (39:47), Briana Pauze (43:49), Laura Wyatt (51:07), Mike Mesford (53:25), Brenda Norn (54:51), Leah Vecchione (66:16).  

Kim Coscia of Run to Beer (RTB) placed third in the W25-29 category with a stellar time of 32:57. Other RTB runners included Adam Commandeur (33:32), Kieran Waterous (33:39), Simon Jean (34:49), Steven Fournier (41:54), Toby Voss (42:56), and Nick Meaden Williams (48:25).

The overall winners were Anton Kuipers of Speedfarm with a time of 26:24 and Meg Lewis-Schneider, also with Speedfarm. Her time was 29:41.

Those interested in finding out more about running in the Comox Valley can visit cvrr.ca. The next local event is the 5k fun run on March 22.

"This is a fun celebratory graduation run for the CVRR 5k Running Clinic, and is also open to the public," a release from the club says.

People can also register, watch or volunteer for the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon on March 23.