January 29, 2006, Richmond BC – The first race of the 2006 Timex BC Road Running Series was a big success, with over 435 finishers on the out-and-back flat course along the Steveston waterfront. Luckily for the participants, spectators and organizers, the morning was crisp, dry and quite calm, avoiding the torrential cold rain and wind that blew in by noon. A slight headwind on the “out” portion of the course, half of which was along the packed gravel dike, made the return portion feel very fast with a slight tailwind and smooth pavement underfoot – and made a coveted “negative split” attainable for many participants.
After pacing together most of the way, Valley Royals’ Joel Primus out-kicked Warren Barker of the Hershey Harriers in a dash for the finish (25:12 to 25:14). VFAC’s Graeme Wilson easily nabbed third overall in 25:58.
In the women’s race, Phoenix Athletics’ Suzanne Evans followed Gillian Kornell of the Canadian Nat’l Triathlon Team for much of the way before moving ahead by 13 seconds to take the win in 28:40. Gillian Walker of the Hershey Harriers had to out-sprint Jessica Solymosi to round out the top 3 in 30:06.
Full results at www.kajaks.org/results/icebreaker2006.htm.
