All posts tagged with: Results

It was a record breaking day at the 6^th annual Run For Water road running event in Abbotsford, BC, as over 4,800 signed up and participated in the 2013 event, exceeding the previous years record of 4,294.

Not only was participation records broken for the 5k, 10k, half and full marathon events combined, but five new course records were set. Vancouver’s David Palermo was first to cross the full marathon finish line at 2:35:05, and Yu Tsuchida from Greensboro, N.C. was the first female to cross the full marathon finish line at 3:02:17.

David Jackson of Abbotsford took home first place in the half marathon, finishing in 1:10:49, and Vancouver’s Jennifer Moroz was the first place female half marathon finisher at 1:22:11. In the 10km event, Yue-Ching Cheng from Port Coquitlam finished in 35:33, and Anita Campbell took home the top female 10k finisher at 37:55.

While it’s called the Run For Water, but it was more like Run In The Water, during Sunday’s 6^th annual road running race. Many non-runners believe sunny skies and warm temperatures are ideal running conditions, but in fact, long distance runners, prefer cool, damp weather. For the most part, the Run For Water half and full marathon participants were quite happy and comfortable in the inclement weather.

Notable improvements for 2013 included a new, beautifully designed finishers medal, redesigned technical shirt for marathon participants, and improved finisher area corals.

In addition to Sunday’s race events, 17 runners geared up on Saturday to participate in the 56km ultra-marathon event. This year’s ultra took a new route from Chiliwack to Abbotsford.

The 2013 Run For Water event raised over $358,000, bringing the six year fundraising total to over $1,000,000. Run For Water helps bring clean, drinkable water to under-privileged communities.

Personal Race Results:

The 2013 Run For Water marathon was an all-time personal worst, however, I’m extremely pleased with my finish time and would do this race again in a heart-beat and recommend it to any other long distance runner. It is a fast, flat course, incredibly scenic, and is extremely well organized. Don’t let my cramping from the cold rain at the 32km mark change your opinion; if I hadn’t stopped I was on target to set a personal best! My last 10km were spent walking and gingerly running with cramps in my calves and quads. It’s also worth pointing out this was my second full marathon run in three weeks. Lessons are learned on every run, and this run was no different. Can’t wait to run the Run For Water again!

• Gun Time: 3:59:06
• Chip Time: 3:59:01
• Overall Place: 103/226
• Gender Place: 73/136
• Male 30-39 Place: 25/38
• Average Pace: 5:40m/km

Photo Credit: Corey Ouellet

While the half marathon got off to a bit of a late start, the full marathon gun went off right at 8:00am. The field of elite runners took off and lead the charge, the police motorcade and bike patrol just in front ensuring their safety. The usually warm sun took a toll on the elite runners and no new course records were set.

Thomas Omwenga, of Hamilton, Ontario, was the first place finisher overall with a time of 2:24:08, followed by Calgary, Alberta’s, Benard Onsare, just fractions of a moment behind at 2:24:10.

It wasn’t just the elite competitors that found the course difficult to race in because of the heat, all the marathon runners felt the impact of the soaring temperatures as they struggled to complete the journey along the 42.2km course.

Water stations proved to be popular walk-break spots as runners grabbed multiple cups of water at each station, both to drink and to douse themselves with. Runners were also treated to cold, water-logged sponges, Mr. Freezies, and sprinklers, all in an attempt to keep them cool. Medical crews did an outstanding job to quickly identify and treat participants who appeared to be suffering from dehydration.

The marathon event brings thousands to the streets to cheer on the runners. The course was lined with hand-made motivational signs for friends, family members, and strangers alike, people cheering and shouting words of encouragement, and most importantly, thousands of volunteers ensuring a safe and secure course for participants.

This was the second year for the new course, and vetrans of the inaugural run in 2012 proved to provide great resource for first-timers. From Camosun Hill at kilometer 9, to the Burrard Bridge peaking at the 30km mark, to the sneaky hill at 41k coming off the seawall up to West Georgia, it is a fun, scenic and energy-driving course. The long, flat sections through Spanish Banks and along Vancouver’s famous seawall are anything but boring. The biggest mental challenge of the course is passing the 32km mark; not only are you fighting metal breakdown and emotions, but the seawall is closed to the public and there are only a handful of people to cheer you on, perhaps a blessing while you feel your worst, striving to do your best at the hardest part of the course. But the last kilometer makes it all worth it as you dash down West Georgia and onto Pender Street, into the heart of Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver, with a street filled with thousands of spectators cheering you on and a giant RUN | VAN finish banner hanging proudly overhead.

Photo Credit: Mary Sheridan

There is little doubt why the BMO Vancouver Marathon has been rated as one of the top 10 marathons by Forbes magazine. The course is spectacular, the energy is amazing, and the organizers and volunteers have done a hell of a great job in putting together such a fine event!

Personal Results:

• Gun Time: 3:46:21
• Chip Time: 3:45:54
• Overall: 773/4,959 (top 14%)
• Gender: 586/2813 (top 21%)
• Male 30-34: 118/426 (top 28%)
• Average Pace: 5:22
• 13.3km: 1:06:41
• 21.1km: 1:45:15
• 30.5km: 2:39:03

As participants of Canada’s largest 10km road running race lined up this morning at the start line for the Vancouver Sun Run, the skies may have been blue and grey, but most participants wore blue and yellow in honour of the Boston Marathon. The 29^th annual run, celebrating community spirit, health, and fitness saw 48,196 registered participants, slightly below the previous year.

Finishing first place was Paul Kimugul of Kenya, winning the Men’s Overall division with a time of 29:04. Second place finisher, Ian Burrell of Tuscon, Arizona, finished in 29:17, and third place finisher, Edwin Kaitany of Kenya crossed the finish line at 29:36. The first Canadian male to cross the finish line was Victoria’s Clifford Childs at 30:09.

For the second year in a row, Natasha Fraser from Port Moody, BC, finished first place in the Women’s Overall division and the Canadian Female, with a time of 32:42. The second place finisher was Lindsey Scherf at 33:01, and Lioudmila Kortchaguina of Toronto finished third overall female at 33:25.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 2013 Vancouver Sun Run!

Personal Results:

• Overall: 1545
• Chip Time: 44:59
• Pace: 4:30
• Male 30-34: 232/2,777 (top 8%)
• Male Overall: 1,307/20,377 (top 6%)

April In the days leading up to the BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run, the constant downpour of rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the would-be half marathon participants.  As runners geared up for the Sunday, April 7, 2013 race, the overcast skies remained dry and kept temperatures cool, creating ideal running conditions for the 36^th annual race.

The 628 participants lined up for the 9:30am start in Gibson’s for their 21.1km (13.3mi), journey from Gibsons to Sechelt. The first place overall and men’s finisher was Nicholas Browne, followed by the 2012 first place finisher, David Palermo, both from Vancouver. For the second year in a row, Lisa Brooking took home the first place women’s finish.

Watch the highlights video by Keith Dunn, of the top finishers:

Personal Results (new half marathon person best):

• Finish Time: 1:36:28
• Overall: 62/ 627
• Men’s Overall Finish: 51 / 235
• Men 30 – 34: 12/29
• Average Pace: 4:35m/km

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

After five days of heavy rainfall warnings for metro Vancouver, participants in the 2^nd annual WestVanRun 5K  and 10K run/walk woke up to clear, blue sunny skies for the Sunday, March 3, 2013 event held in West Vancouver, BC. The sold-out event had 98 participants in the 10k race and 198 in the 5k race.

The community run, targeted to both professional and recreational runners saw members of the UBC run team front and centre in both race categories. The majority of the participants were recreational runners of all ability levels.

The race started in Ambleside Park and worked its way 2.5km up the West Vancouver seawall, to the turn-around point. The 5k participants did one lap of the course, while the 10k runners completed two laps.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Along the fast, flat course, many on-lookers and spectators watched as participants dodging the waves that crashed against the seawall, spilling over onto the course. Runners were spoiled with stunning views of Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge.

If you live in metro Vancouver and are looking for a good, early season 10k to test your time, WestVanRun is your run!

Personal Finish Results: While not a personal best, it was a solid 43m 33s finish time, coming in 13^th place overall (4^th place male 30-39 / 11 male overall), wit a 4:22/km average pace.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

It was near perfect weather conditions with crisp, moist, autumn air and dazzling sunshine for the 2^nd annual Vancouver Historic Half held on Sunday, November 25, 2012 in Stanley Park. There were 297 participants for the half marathon event; the last long distance race in metro Vancouver for 2012.

The majority of race participants were loyal, year-round, recreational runners. They are the ones that train year round for both local and destination long-distance running events.

Two laps of the Stanley Park seawall meant the flat course was fast paced. The course was relatively easy, with the exception of the small hill climb at the end of the race, which caught even the seasoned long distance runner’s off-guard.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Photo Credit: Try Events

Although some personal bests were set, the course is not a Boston qualifier; however, it is a solid local race and is part of the BC Race Series. Chris Napier took home the overall win with a first place finish at 1:18:45.

There were an additional 197 participants in the 10km race and 72 in the 5km.

Personal Results:

• Gun Time: 1:45:00
• Chip Time: 1:44:54
• Place Overall: 54/297
• M 30-39 Place: 13/31

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

It was unseasonably warm on Sunday, October 7, 2012, as over 11,000 participants took park in the annual Goodlife Victoria Marathon events in Victoria, BC. There were eight course records broke, including two in the full marathon, five in the half-marathon, and one in the 8km races.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Race Results:

Men’s Marathon

• Thomas Omwenga 2:20:41
• Gilbert Kiptoo 2:27:01
• Graeme Wilson 2:29:17

Women’s Marathon

• Hallie Janssen 2:47:03
• Nadyia Fry 2:47:36
• Catrin Jones 2:49:02

Men’s Half Marathon

• Rutto Kibet 1:04:27
• Geoff Martinson 1:05:39
• Willy Kimosop 1:06:01

Women’s Half Marathon

• Natasha Fraswer: 1:14:27
• Lucy Njeri 1:14:27
• Esther Kipserem 1:18: 23

Victoria lawyer, Adam Campbell, finished the marathon in 2:35:53, finishing in sixth place and setting a new Guinness World Record by running the full marathon in a business suit. Adam smashed the previous world record by an outstanding 49 minutes.

Other notable results included a 4:32:38 for Frank McKenna in the Marathon in the M80+ category, shattering the record he set in 2011 of 5:03:50. Betty Jean McHugh set a world record for 84-year-old female runners with a time of 2:23:26 in the Half Marathon.

There were 10,076 finishers in the event; 1,720 marathon, 4,755 half marathon and 2,501 8km. There was also a record of 1,100 kids in the Kids Run.

Full results are available at www.sportstats.ca.

The 34^th Annual GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon will take place on October 13^th, 2013.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Personal Race Results

While my personal best sits at 1h 39m 36s in the April 1, 2012 April Fool’s Run on the Sunshine Coast, the Victoria event is still a solid personal performance, especially after completing the Surrey Half Marathon the weekend prior and having taken the summer off training.

The Victoria Half Marathon is almost three minutes faster than the Surrey Half Marathon event the previous weekend – mostly in part because there were less hills on this course. The Victoria course was hillier than I has anticipated, however, the course was extremely well marked, and volunteers and course marshals were at every intersection. Despite the sunny weather, it was a cool start to the morning and there were not as many spectators as I had anticipated for such a major race. This race by far has the best finishers zone, stretching over one-block in length with distinct zones for medical, medal, space blankets, flowers, photo opps, hydration and nutrition stations – definitely sets the bench-mark for other races to achieve to. Overall, it’s a great course and I look forward to returning again.

• Gun Time: 1h 42m 24s
• Chip Time: 1h 42m 22s
• Pace: 4:52 minutes / km
• Overall Placement: 536/4,755
• Gender Placement: 408/2,069
• M30-34 Placement: 66/250

Photo Credit: Mary Sheridan

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. On Sunday, September 30, with a mix of sun and clouds and cool autumn temperatures, the inaugural Surrey International World Music Marathon was underway.

The course for the full and half marathon events was the same; the half marathoners ran the 21.1km course a single time, and the full marathoners made a second lap. The elevation map made the route seem relatively easy, however, many experienced runners were caught off-guard on race-day once on the course. The route is full of twists, turns, steep downhill’s and long, steady uphill’s.

Overall the course is extremely beautiful, as it winds through residential and parklands. Well over half of the course is on secondary streets or parks, however, there are a number of sections of the course where runners are at close odds with traffic on some busier roads.

Volunteers worked extra hard to ensure the route was well marked and course-marshals were on-hand to ensure people were headed in the right direction.

It was evident on why the event has World Music in the title. Throughout the course, participants pass numerous stations where different music themes from around the world are presented. Brazil, India, Korea and Scotland were just a few of the countries that were represented along the course.

Operationally, the course was well set-up, the organizers ran a tight schedule, and things appeared to be well executed.

Photo Credit: Mary Sheridan

Two things in particular stuck out an executed exceptionally well. The finishers medal certainly is one of the biggest and most impressive pieces of bling for a half and full marathon event. Secondly, the half and full marathoners received a beautiful Adidas technical shirt that screamed quality and warranted many participants to wear it for the race and afterward.

The Health and Sports Expo was also well organized. Outdoors there was music and entertainment, and indoors a host of vendors from massage and nutritional supplements, to fitness programs and gadgets for runners.

Overall, for a first event, organizers deserve a huge congratulations. Pulling off both half and full marathon events is no small task. Well done!

Personal Standings

Overall, I’m extremely happy with my results for this race. I went into this race looking forward to getting back into long-distance races after taking the summer off training, to enjoy the scenery and have fun, and to be part of an exciting event in Surrey.

• Gun Time: 1h 45m 09s
• Chip Time: 1h 45m 08s
• Pace: 4:59m/km
• Overall Placement: 113/1029
• Gender Placement: 91/439
• M30-34: 13/40

On Saturday, July 7, False Creek seawall was stormed by 1,035 people who stripped down to their underwear, raising an incredible $633,000 and bringing more awareness to cancers below the waist.

Proceeds from the annual Underwear Affair 10km run and 5km walk benefit the BC Cancer Foundation, supporting research and care at the BC Cancer Agency. British Columbia has the best survival rates of any other province in Canada and the BC Cancer Agency has become the model for cancer care and control around the world.

Finishing first place was Twilight movie series star, Charlie Bewley, who finished the 10km race in just over 37 minutes.

Here are my results:

• Time: 45:32
• Finish Male: 24 / 249
• Finish Overall: 27 / 622

Photo Credits: Jay Minter and Billy Hurr

Brian Webb finishes the 2012 Abbotsford Run For Water in 3h 54m 04s

New course records and many personal bests were set this past weekend in Abbotsford as over 4,000 participants took to the streets for the 2^nd annual Run for Water road running races. The highlight races of the weekend were the 55km ultra marathon with 18 participants, on Saturday, May 26, and the 42.2km marathon, with approximately 175 participants, on Sunday, May 27.

Known as the fastest and flattest marathon course in the lower mainland, the course started off with a nice 6km downhill departing the streets of Abbotsford and heading to the Sumas boarder. The next 30km took the runners through the scenic countryside of the Sumas Prairies. The course re-joins the first 6km, all the way up-hill back to the finish line.

The Abbotsford Run For Water feels like a true cross-country race. The long country roads give the sense that you can just open up and run for miles. Best of all, because there were only 175 participants, the course was truly at your own pace and became a personal race; not a race against others.

Water stations were positioned approximately every three kilometers along the course and were well stocked with water, Gatorade and Power Gel nutrition. It was noted by a few participants that there were some aid stations towards the end of the marathon course that were serving what seemed to be lemonade, which confused a lot of people. Most stations had restroom facilities.

The volunteers, course marshals, first aid attendances and officials did a wonderful job at putting on the race and keeping the course free of obstacles so the participants could focus on their goal; to cross the finish line.

The finish line was well organized with volunteers greeting each finisher and awarding them with a finishers medal and plaque. The Run for Water was almost appropriately named because at the end of the course, the water was at the end of the cool-down zone, not following the medals – which confused a number of the finishers.

Marathon finishers received a special plaque

There were also 5km, 10km and half marathon races held on Sunday, May 27. Participants each received a t-shirt and finishers received the coveted finishers medal.

So far this year I have completed six timed road running races with personal bests in 5km, 10km and half marathon. Although I did not set a personal best in the Abbotsford Run for Water, I am exteremly happy with my finish time of 3:54:04; not too many runners complete two marathon races in three weeks. Here are my official race stats:

• Gun Time: 3:54:09
• Chip Time: 3:54:04
• Average Pace: 5:33 / km
• Male 30-39: 11 of 18
• Male Overall: 55 of 113
• Overall: 71 of 175

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

After 17 weeks of training, and personal bests in 5km, 10km and half-marathons this spring running season, it all led up to my big moment – the BMO Vancouver Marathon – a brand new 42.2km course which garnered attention from the international running community and Forbes Magazine.

The day started off at a cool 4’c with clear, blue sunny skies as the race started off at 8:00am. Over 5,000 elite and dedicated marathon runners lined up for their big moment, myself included. With the singing of O’Canada by Mark Donnelly, the gun went off and the race for the finish line was on.

The course was fantastic and the energy was amazing. Passing through each neighbourhood there streets were lined with spectators the entire route enthusiastically cheering on the runners and holding signs of encouragement.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Of course the marathon would not have been such a success without the army of volunteers who helped put on the event. From handing out water, Gatorade, gels and bars, to ensuring the course was safely laid out and monitored throughout the morning – it was a job well done. Along the course the cheer stations and music challenges kept the participants motivated and spectators entertained and a great buzz in the atmosphere.

Also new on the course was the increase in water stations – every mile located along the 42km course. For this year the water stations proved to be invaluable as temperatures skyrocketed into the 15’c+ range. Many participants after the race comments how they quickly became dehydrated along the course, impacting their overall time.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

The last 2.2km of the course was a gentle uphill slope, but the streets were lined with enthusiastic crowds. It was an emotional feeling of running through the streets of downtown Vancouver and feeling the overwhelming support along the final home stretch. It made the pain disappear and the finish line so much more rewarding.

Overall the new course has been welcomed by the running community and will be looked up as a new challenge and benchmark for the years to come.

Thank you for the encouragement from my online community who supported me on my marathon training journey, friends who endeared another season of my training, and the amazing pace-leaders and clinic members from Denman Running Room. A special thank you to everyone who came out to volunteer, cheer and help put on a fantastic race day.

Most importantaly, an extra big thank you for my race day hero’s, Jay Minter and Billy Hurr, for their outstanding race support. They were amazing – from grabbing my water belt that I forgot at home (which they delivered to me 7km into the race!),  and cheering me on at 5 separate locations along the course, to tossing me fresh water bottles, taking photos and keeping everyone informed on social media of my progress along the race.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Although I did not set a new personal best on this run, I really enjoyed the new course and I am looking forward to running it again. Here are my final results:

• Gun Time: 3:50:40
• Chip Time: 3:50: 36
• Place Overall: 1099 / 5000 (top 22%)
• Pace: 5:28 / km
• Male 30-34: 133/325 (top 41%)
• Male Overall: 835/2396 (top 35%)
• First Half: 1:45:48 / Second Half: 2:04:49

Photo Credit: TC10K

The 23^rd annual TC10K got underway in Victoria, BC on Sunday, April 29 under cloudy skies – ideal conditions for the 10,258 finishers of the 10km race (11,883 registered).

Photo Credit: TC10K

The winner of the men’s overall was Kip Kangogo (2010 winner), coming in at 29:51, followed by Willy Kimosop (2009 and 2011 winner), at 30:05. Finishing in third place was nine-time USA National team ember, Joseph Gray of Newcastle, WA at 30:24.

“The crowds were great and cheering me on,” said Kangogo. “Because of my win, my company, Flaman Fitness will donate $1,000 to one of the charities supported by the TC10K.”

Kangogo is originally from Kenya and now lives in Lethbridge, Alberta. Already this spring he has placed first in Vancouver’s Harry’s Spring-Off 8km and second place at the Vancouver Sun Run.

Photo Credit: TC10K

First place women’s finisher was Natasha Wodak-Fraser of Port Moody, BC at 34:32.  She also took home the first place at the Vancouver Sun Run, and is the course record holder for the Goodlife Fitness Victoria Half Marathon. Finishing second in the women’s division was six-time TC10K winner, Lucy Smith of Victoria, BC, at 35:14 and Lisa Harvey finished this at 35:23.

Three-time Paralympic gold medalist, Michelle Stilwell came in second at 30:54 in the wheelchair race, which was won by Vancouver’s Masashi Shinoda at 29:19.

Individual participant results are available on the TC10K website.

Photo Credit: The Vancouver Sun

On Sunday, April 15, an incredible 48,904 people registered to participate in the 2012 Vancouver Sun Run, Canada’s largest 10km road race!  Runners, walkers and wheelchair participants celebrated healthy living, fitness and community spirit along the course through Vancouver.

With a time of 29:12, Kelly Wiebe of Regina, Saskatchewan won the Men’s Overall Division and Top Male Canadian. Second place finisher was Kip Kangogo of Kenya, in at 29:14. Finishing third overall and second Canadian male was Matt Loisell of Toronto, Ontario, at 29:18.

Natasha Fraser from Port Moody, BC, won first place in the Women’s Overall division and Top Canadian Female with a finish time of 34:13. Melissa Todd of Timnath, United States finished second at 34:39 and Kate Bazeley from St. John’s Newfoundland finished third female overall and second Canadian Female with her time of 34:52.

The 2013 Vancouver Sun Run will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2013.

7:45am on the nose, the shot rang out and the 2011 BMO Okanagan half marathon was underway. The weather was perfect. Overcast skies, 8’c, a light rain and no wind. These are the best race conditions.

The route for 2011 was the same as 2010, which was a new, ‘old’ course. It’s incredibly flat; a total rise of about four metres, which in race terms is nothing. This makes the course fast and furious and most runners can easily score a personal best.

In fact, the Okanagan Marathon has one of the highest percentage of qualifiers of any other North American marathon. In 2010, over 10% of runners qualified.

My three goal times for this year were to complete, finish at two hours, and my whisper time was 1:45. Having not trained all summer and only competed in a few races and keeping up with my weekly 10k runs, I thought these were fair goals.

Lining up at the start line, I was with the 1:45 pace bunny. They were going to run 10-and-1’s. I thought this would be a good strategy. At their first walk break I was just getting my legs moving and I wasn’t ready to walk, and I fell into step with the crowd around me, something seasoned runners should never do.

At the half-way mark I saw a few people who I knew were there to cheer me on and it really did give a boost of adrenaline. As I continued on I felt pretty good. As expected around km 15 – 17, I was getting tired, but the small groups of people standing with signs and cheering were just the inspiration that I needed.

As I crossed the 17km mark I knew I was going to have an epic finish. I had ran most of the route with a small group of people who were all clock-watching and pacing pretty good. By 19km I knew I decided this was it and I had to push it to the finish.

One of the girls I had paced with got ahead of me, but I passed her again just before km 20. At the exact 20km point my left calve started to cramp and about 10 strides later worked itself out, but I knew the small pedestrian bridge was coming up quickly.

Sure enough as I took three giant leaps up the bridge and overtook the crowd, I felt both of my calves cramp causing me to almost fall to the ground. I was panicked for a short moment but knew there was only .3 km left to go. ‘Get ‘er done’ I said to myself.

As I entered the park there were masses of people who were clapping and cheering. I could hear the accouncer and got super excited. As I turned onto the final home stretch I put it into high gear, sprinting to the finish line and collapsed into the arms of the BMO staff member who put my finishers medal around my neck.

I turned around to look at the clock and it was ticking at 1:41:45! I knew at that exact moment that I had just smashed all my previous half marathon finish times and achieved a new personal best!

The BMO Okanagan Marathon is by far one of the best courses in the BC half-marathon circuit and I would encourage any runner to come and run. It was an amazing experience and I cannot wait to come back and do it again.

For spectators, friends and family, they were treated to being able to see three amazing races all happening at the same time – the full 42.2km marathon, the 21.1km half marathon and the 10km.

Congratulations to all the participants in the 2011 Okanagan Marathon and thank you to the volunteers, support staff, sponsors and spectators! A fantastic, well-done job! You all are winners in my mind too!

Official Results:

• Gun Time: 1:41:56
• Chip Time: 1:41:41
• Pace: 4:50
• Overall: 117 / 1331 (top 9%)
• In Sex (M): 87/472 (top 18%)
• Division (M30-39): 26/139 (top 19%)
• 10km Time: 0:47:54 (booo!)

[slideshow]

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

It was a perfect summer afternoon in Vancouver as 600 runners dressed down to their underwear and laced up running shoes to participate in the 2011 Underwear Affair 10km run on Saturday, July 9. 

Thank you to everyone who donated to my Underwear Affair run. Your contributions will go a long way to help the BC Cancer Foundation fight cancers including prostate, colorectal, ovarian, testicular, bladder, cervical, and uterine. Although I did not reach my fundraising goal of $1,000, I was still able to raise $959! Between the 10km run and the 5km walk, 1,076 people raised an amazing $630,000!

In the 2011 Underwear Affair, I finished 18th overall and 15th in the Male division with a time of 44m 59s, just one second short of tying my personal best timed 10km race, which was at the 2011 Vancouver Sun Run.  

Individual and team race results can be found here.

The 27th Annual Vancouver Sun Run took place under sunny skies in downtown Vancouver on Sunday, April 17, 2011. An incredible 49,365 people registered for the 10km community race, embracing the tradition of health and fitness.

Eric Gillis from Guelph, Ontario claimed the victory in both the Men’s Overall Division and Top Male Canadian with a time of 29:06. Finishing second overall and second Canadian Male was Dylan Wykes of Vancouver, BC with his time of 29:15.

In the Women’s Overall Division, Lucy Njeri of Kenya took first place with a time of 33:41 beating Paula Findlay of Edmonton, AB who finished second with a time of 33:47. Findlay also claimed the Top Canadian Female title. Natasha Wodak from Port Moody, BC placed third female overall and second Canadian Female with her time of 34:01.

Although registration was down by about 2,000 people in 2011, The Vancouver Sun Run is the largest 10K in Canada and the 2nd largest timed 10K in the world.

Cloudy, damp conditions greeted 14,078 participants in the 31st Annual Victoria Marathon – a record for the event. The sold-out Half Marathon had 6,800 registrants followed by 3,221 marathon participants.

The Victoria Marathon saw a world record shattered with Gwen McFarlan winning the F75-79 category in 4:02:27, 47 minutes faster than the previous record for a 76-year old.

Herb Phillips also set a BC record in the M70-74 category in a time of 3:06:08, beating the previous record of 3:29:01.

The full results from the 31st Victoria Marathon can we found online.

Under cloudy wet conditions, the 16th annual running of the BMO Okanagan Marathon was held in Kelowna, BC on Sunday, October 10, 2010. One of Canada’s best long distance runners, Jack Cook of Edmonton, finished in first place with a time of 2:39:16, followed by Jason Page of Durham, North Carolina at 2:44:12 and Matt Brassard of Edmonton at 2:46:01.

“It was emotional for me, I cried crossing the finish line, I was ecstatic with my time.  When you set a goal and do a lot of training to achieve it – it’s pretty emotional,” said Cook.

In the women’s event local runner Keddi-Anne Siterbino of Kelowna was surprised after her first place finish at 3:00:05, “It was my first ever Marathon, I had run three Half’s in the last couple of years and honestly, I just wanted to see what it would be like to run a Marathon.  I was not at all expecting to win.” She was followed by Janet Lun of North Vancouver at a time of 3:14:58 and Sandra Jensen of Campbell River at 3:15:03.  After an overcast start at 7:15am, the wind picked up and the rains came.  Runners overall felt the conditions were perfect on the day.

The 21.1 Men’s Run saw Jeff Symonds of Penticton finish first at 1:12:51, his second straight win at the BMO Okanagan Marathon in the Half.  The local athlete said, “It was a good day for running, the weather conditions made it that much more epic,” he was followed by David Matheson also of Penticton at 1:16:27 and Tom Wallace of Kamloops at 1:19:25. In first place for the women was 14-year old Emmy Sim of Salmon Arm with a time of 1:27:45, followed by Stacey Cleveland of Penticton at 1:29:49 and Lori Youdell of Vernon at 1:30:47.

The 10K Men’s Run was won by Glenn Lear from Kelowna in 35:10, followed by Peter Cruttenden from Calgary in 36:21 and Andrew Ellis from Snohomish, WA in 37:18.  First place in the women’s event went to Abbigail May at 39:26, followed by Glynis Sim at 42:14 – both from Salmon Arm and Alexis Thomson of Kelowna at 43:54.

Over 3,700 participants took part in the weekend family festival and Boston qualifying event. Saturday, October 9th, welcomed the Running Room Free Friendship Run, 5K, and BMO Kids for Kids events.

BMO Okanagan Marathon Final Results

Marathon Male

• 1st – Jack Cook, Edmonton – 2:39:16
• 2nd – Jason Page – Durham, NC – 2:44:12
• 3rd – Matt Brassard – Edmonton – 2:46:01

Marathon Female

• 1st – Keddi-Anne Sherbino, Kelowna – 3:00:05
• 2nd – Janet Lun, North Vancouver – 3:14:58
• 3rd – Sandra Jensen, Campbell River – 3:15:03

21.1 km Half Marathon Male

• 1st – Jeff Symonds, Penticton – 1:12:51
• 2nd – David Matheson, Penticton – 1:16:27
• 3rd – Tom Wallace, Kamloops – 1:19:25

21.1 km Half Marathon Female

• 1st – Emmy Sim, Salmon Arm – 1:27:45
• 2nd – Stacey Cleveland, Penticton – 1:29:49
• 3rd – Lori Youdell, Vernon – 1:30:47

Please note all times are unofficial. Official times can be found on the BMO Okanagan Marathon website.