The sixth race in the Frontrunners Island Race Series – Comox Valley RV Half Marathon – takes place on Sunday, March 22, at 11 am. There will be a 10 am start for walkers and slower runners. The race starts and finishes at Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay, and is hosted by the Comox Valley Road Runners. The Half Marathon is part of the Timex BC Road Running Series.
Runners can register online until noon, Thursday March 19 at www.vira.bc.ca, or on Saturday March 22, 12-4 pm, at Extreme Runners, 436 5th Ave, Courtenay, or on race day. Race registration until March 19 is $25 for adults and $20 for students. Registration on Saturday is $30 ($25 for students) and race day fees are $35.
Over 550 are registered to date for the race. “CVRR looks forward to hosting everyone on what has been called one of the fastest half marathon courses in the country. Racers can also expect great hospitality and exceptional post-race refreshments and awards.” says Race Director, Wayne Crowe. “Defending champions and CVRR members, Derek Vinge and Vince Brotherston, will be back to defend their overall and Master titles.”
The course winds its’ way through rural Courtenay along Condensory, Piercy, Dove Creek and Burns Roads.The race may result in minor traffic delays during the event. Residents in the area are encouraged to choose alternate routes or plan their day around the event to ease congestion and to ensure the safety of the participants.
“The Comox Valley Race Weekend also includes a 5 km run on Saturday morning and a banquet 5:30 pm Saturday evening at the Best Western Hotel,” adds Crowe. “Keynote speaker will be an inspirational talk by ultra runner, mountaineer and author, Lindsay Elms, and entertainment will be by award winning singer Tammy Fassaert.” The public is invited to attend. Tickets are still available at http://www.cvrr.ca/cv-half-marathon/banquet
In the club standings the Prairie Inn Harriers lead with 2726 points followed by Comox Valley Road Runners with 1468, and CeeVacs Running Club with 1045.
Eight races make up the Frontrunners Island Race Series. The Comox Valley RV Half Marathon will be followed by Merville 15K on April 12, and Sooke River 10K on April 19. All races are sanctioned by BC Athletics.
To register online for the race go to: www.vira.bc.ca. Historical results from races dating back to 1980 from previous race series can be seen on http://pih.bc.ca/results/island-series/Summary.php
