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Hundreds of competitors from across B.C. gathered in Kelowna on Sunday morning for the 15th annual Okanagan College half marathon.
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The 21.1-kilometre course took runners from the Okanagan College campus to City Park and Waterfront Park, along Royal View Drive overlooking Kelonwa, down the first hill on Knox Mountain, returning along Okanagan Lake and through the Abbott Street corridor to OC.
Photo gallery (115 photos) on KelownaNowSports Facebook page
Some runners participated for the fresh air while others competed fiercely for a top finish or personal-best time.
In the end it was Kelowna's Brad Bickley (in the 20-29 age group) finishing first overall for a second consecutive victory with a time of one hour, 13 minutes, 15 seconds (1:13:15). Lake Country's Patrick Schryburt (40-49) took second place overall in 1:17:45 while third place went to previous a OC Half Marathon winner, Jeff Vogt of Kelowna (30-39), in a time of 1:19:21.
Tracy Dayman (40-49), another Kelowna runner, was the first female to finish the half marathon, crossing the line with a time of 1:33:09. Runner-up among the women was Heather Greig (30-39) of Kelowna with a clocking of 1:40:59 while Kelowna's Carolyn Hawes (50-59) claimed third place in 1:43:23.
In the 10 KM event Kelowna women dominated with the winning time posted by Jane Jones (44:56), followed by Rachel Garrett (46:40) and Laura Staniewski (47:15).
The men’s 10 KM was won by Michael Mitchell (36:32), followed by Quinn Middleton (37:53) and Michael Denman (39:42).
The half marathon relay event was won by team “Backadders” of Vernon. The five runners covered the 21.1 KM distance in a time of (1:40). Team members included: John Glennon, Brent Helland, Jeff Trca, Steve Broderick, and Brent McWillis.
“Today’s race was what we’ve come to expect at the OC Half Marathon,” said Christine Ulmer, Race Director. “We had a competitive group of runners vying for the top spots and we also had an impressive group of recreational runners who enjoyed the course and all of the fun associated with running. We had a great group of volunteers and the food from Okanagan College’s Culinary and Pastry Arts at the finish line was a highlight for most of the people I talked to.”
The Okanagan College Half Marathon, 10 K and Relay is an annual not-for-profit event that raises funds to support student bursaries. Event sponsors include: Canadian Springs Water, the Kelowna Capital News, Save On Foods, Okanagan College Culinary and Pastry Arts, Starbucks, and the Orchard City Amateur Radio Club.
Aid stations were generously operated by enthusiastic volunteers from: Orange Theory Fitness, Spinco, Okanagan College Trades and Apprenticeship, and The Woman’s Place.
Complete race results will be available online: www.okanagan.bc.ca/halfmarathon.
Photo gallery (115 photos) on KelownaNowSports Facebook page
Photo gallery (115 photos) on KelownaNowSports Facebook page
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