This year’s 19th annual Marathon Shuffle brought out a record number of 124 participants, some of whom set records of their own.
The shuffle, an increasingly popular rite of spring hosted by Powell River Parks and Wilderness Society (PRPAWS), is a hike or a run on a 29-kilometre section of the Sunshine Coast Trail, from Malaspina Road to Shinglemill Pub and Bistro. A half-shuffle from Wilde/Tomkinson roads is also becoming a favourite with the crowds.
More than 30 participants came from out of town, some from Vancouver Island, many from the Lower Mainland, but some from as far away as Prince George and Canmore, Alberta. They enjoyed the local amenities for the weekend. A good many of them were members of Club Fat Ass, which has supported the event for many years and helped promote it with the running fraternity from outside of Powell River.
Chris Bratseth, a Powell River resident, set a record time, finishing the event in two hours, 54 minutes and 46 seconds. He shaved close to eight minutes off the previous record.
Nadine Butler, from Terrace, set a new women’s record of three hours, four minutes and 50 seconds. The previous record for women was three hours and 31 minutes.
The other four top male and female finishers were: Stephanie Smith, Richmond, 3:06:09; Carlie Smith, Vancouver, 3:10:02; Alston Miller, Powell River, 3:20:10; and Sawyer Gowans, Powell River, 3:26:07, a new record for the 19-and-under category.
Numerous participants also set new personal bests. Reports indicated the route to be in the best-groomed shape ever. Many of the folks who were out for a Sunday hike to take pictures of spring unfolding found orchids and other interesting subjects along the way.
Times for all participants of both the full and the half shuffle will be available on the PRPAWS website, by clicking on the Marathon Shuffle link on the home page, then clicking on details below the group starting picture, and finally on results and scrolling down to the 2012 information.
Many volunteers and donors helped make this year’s shuffle the record-smashing success that it was. Support staff were stationed along the way in six locations and at the finish line, supplying water, juice, fruit and cookies, plus plenty of smiles and encouragement.
