Watson and Wodak Winners of the Harriers Pioneer 8K

The Prairie Inn Harriers launched the new BC Super Series in style with a stellar field for the Pioneer 8K. Conditions were perfect for fast times, and a collection of Canadian internationals did not disappoint. 

After the initial downhill rush, Rob Watson emerged at the front of the field of over 500 runners. Forcing the pace, he opened a gap on his competitors on the first uphill around the 2K mark, before reaching halfway in 11:51, 40 meters ahead of the trio of Chris Winter, Brandon Lord and Dylan Wykes. Watson extended his advantage to 75 meters, before the battle between Winter and Lord started to reel Watson in with 400m to go. However, Watson’s lead was more than enough, as he broke the tape in 23:47, eight seconds ahead of Winter in 23:55, with Lord a couple of steps behind in 23:56. Wykes had to settle for fourth in 24:12.

Natasha Wodak set a Canadian 8K record of 25:28 on this course in 2013. She was not able to approach that time today, but nevertheless won the event for the fifth time, six seconds faster than last year, in 26:31. She led from the gun, passing halfway in about 13:10. Her training partner, Rachel Cliff, was equally untroubled in second, finishing in 27:10. Rounding out the podium was the ageless Lucy Smith, who first won the race in 1992, and today was top master in 28:27. Masters rival Marilyn Arsenault wasn’t far behind in 29:05

Kevin O’Connor surprised himself with a 25:43 clocking to take top spot in the men’s masters race, ahead of Canadian Masters Cross Country Champion, Craig Odermatt.

The first major competition of 2016 was also the first event in the 2016 Frontrunners Island Race Series, which continues in two weeks time with the Cobble Hill 10K. Race Two in the BC Super Series is the Pacific Road Runners “First Half” Half Marathon in Vancouver on February 14, where another outstanding field is anticipated.

Complete results of the Harriers Pioneer 8K are here.