March 3rd, 2001 – The first two events of this year’s Series have already sped by, with the completion of the Kajaks Steveston Ice-Breaker 8k and the Pacific Road Runners “First Half” 1/2 Marathon in early February.

Event #1: Ice-Breaker 8k, Richmond
The opening event saw 2000 Series runner-up Norm Tinkham of Vancouver break the tape in 25:24, just ahead of Series newcomer Ben Kapsoiya, while Nancy Tinari of Coquitlam easily outpaced her competitors with a 27:43 performance. Tinari, a masters competitor, is last year’s Series Overall Women’s winner and looks to be on the hunt for a repeat title. Following Tinari for 2nd spot was Cari Rampersad in 28:24, with Vancouver’s Lori Durward clocking 28:41 for third female.

Taking third place overall plus the junior men’s title was 14-year-old steeplechaser Chris Winter of North Vancouver, with an outstanding 25:47 over the 8k distance. First masters male was Ken Bell of Maple Ridge, with his 26:48 good for 10th place overall.

For full race results click here (new window).

Event #2: “First Half” 1/2 Marathon, Vancouver
Bruce Deacon sailed over from Victoria to trounce the competition in this year’s Half, crossing the line first in 1:07:47, leaving Norm Tinkham to take second spot in 1:08:23. Oliver Utting of Vancouver outsprinted North Vancouver’s Colin Dignum (last year’s Series overall winner) by two seconds for the bronze and a 1:08:40 result. First master was Victoria’s Rob Reid in 1:14:32 (8th overall).

The women’s race saw a repeat of last year’s victory by Calgarian Lisa Harvey. Her time of 1:18:08 was several minutes slower than her 2000 result. Behind her, only seven seconds separated 2nd and 3rd place women Nancy Tinari (1:19:14) and Lori Durward, respectively.

Full results and photos can be viewed on the event website.