The third leg of an Island-wide running series takes place this Sunday (Feb. 8) in Cedar.
The 2015 Frontrunners Island Race Series is comprised of eight races of varying lengths, from 5K to 15K. The Cedar run is an atypical 12K distance that is predominantly on pavement. It features plenty of rolling hills and gorgeous country views.
“It’s a relatively tough course, but there’s no flat courses around Nanaimo,” said John Durkin, race director.
The race both starts and ends at North Cedar Intermediate School at 2215 Gould Rd. Rain or shine, it gets underway at 11 a.m. For those who anticipate to take longer than an hour to an hour and a half to complete the course, there will be a 10:30 a.m. start time.
The current record for the overall men’s course is Jim Finlayson with a time of 37:11 Lucy Smith holds the women’s record with a time of 42:06. Durkin said the only competitor to come close to Finlayson’s time (within a few seconds) was Simon Whitfield from Victoria.
“Nobody’s challenged them in recent years,” he said.
Vancouver Island Runners’ Association president Cathy Noel said the goal for 2015 is to get more runners to the start line.
“The Island Series is extremely well run, and the running and walking community is very welcoming to participants of all abilities. As event participation ranges from 250 to 800, each race of the series has a small town feel,” she stated in a news release.
According to Durkin, just under 500 participants came out to last year’s event, and they are anticipating similar numbers this year.
In addition, approximately 50 to 70 volunteers come out every year to the Cedar 12K to help make it happen for the participants. Durkin says they are well known for having the most fun at the water stations during the race.
“I hear from runners all the time that our course marshals cheer the loudest,” he added.
The awards include an overall men and women category, a masters division and individual awards by age. To be eligible for the overall awards, one must be registered in at least five of the eight races.
For more information on the series or to register, visit http://vira.bc.ca.
Registration up to race day costs $30 per adult and $25 per student. All registration fees on race day are $35. Proceeds from the series will be donated to this year’s Charity Partner, the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
To volunteer for the Cedar 12K, call John Durkin at 250-741-8838 or e-mail jcdurkin@shaw.ca.