Under hot and sunny conditions women runners won all three Run the Rock events on Sunday, August 23.
Race marshal Ken Barton said “while we had some issues with the course and had to deal with very hot conditions, runners seemed very pleased. We had 84 volunteers out on the course—almost as many volunteers as runners—and they really went out of their way to help participants make it to the finish.” Despite the heat, Barton said, everyone finished.
In the marathon, Stephanie Renwick of Campbell River was the overall winner in 3:55:52, followed by Sandra Milligan also from Campbell River in 4:08:29. The first male was Christopher Boundy from New York in 4:11:31, followed closely by the third woman, Francesca Ruddick from West Vancouver in 4:11:47. The second male was Keith Martin of Langley in 4:26:41. Rob McWilliam, course organizer, from Gillies Bay was third male in 4:49:20 to complete his 150th marathon.
The half marathon experienced some early course problems. An unknown number of runners missed a turn and ran a slightly shorter course. Victoria Fiddick from Bermuda was first overall in 1:24:13. She was followed by Heather Quayle from White Rock and Byron Fader of Powell River who both clocked in at 1:25:22. Roslyn Simth from Comox was the third woman in 1:29:06. Second male was Dr. Martin Andreae from Powell River in 1:35:45, followed by Michael Foster from North Vancouver in 1:37:51. Marion De Vita from Van Anda was top walker in 2:17:18.
In the eight-kilometre race the top female and first finisher was Edel Reilly from Ireland in 31:47. She was followed by Larry Nightingale from Half Moon Bay in 32:20. Second woman and third overall in 33:11 was Teresa Nightingale also from Half Moon Bay. Second male was R. Ciaron from Ireland in 34:34, followed by R. Carter in 39:14. Third woman was Kindle Parsons from Courtenay in 42:31.
One hundred and one runners and walkers registered for the 2015 Run the Rock.
For 2015, Run the Rock implemented a new Spirit Award for whoever best personified the values organizers are trying to promote. The first winners of the Spirit Award were the Mylymok family. In the three years the eight-kilometre race has been held, their entire family has participated every year.
