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First ultra-marathon takes place in Roberts Creek

Puddle Jumper Classic

On June 10, the first ultra-marathon on the Lower Sunshine Coast, the Puddle Jumper Classic, took place at Cliff Gilker Park and the B&K trails. It attracted runners from all over B.C. and Washington State; 91 runners were signed up for either the 50km or the 25km.

The race was organized by Gibsons residents Mike Meggiato and Randi Johnsen, with the help of a long list of local sponsors and 40-plus volunteers. Meggiato and Johnsen recently moved to the Sunshine Coast. Meggiato, an avid trail runner, had been dreaming about putting on an ultra-marathon for some time. With his move to the Coast, this dream soon became a reality.

The start/finish line was at Cliff Gilker Park, where Gibsons Butcher was BBQing burgers and Persephone was serving beer to the runners and volunteers. IGA supplied the aid stations on the course to keep the runners fuelled.

There were 71 runners starting on race day, with the 50km beginning at 7 a.m. and the 25km runners setting off at 9 a.m. The first 25km finisher, Alex Etchell of Vancouver, crossed the finish line in 3:04:25 followed by the first 50km finisher, Ron Ellis of Salmon Arm, in an impressive time of 5:16:25. 

Organizers wish to thank the sponsors: Gibsons Butcher, IGA, PaceSetter Athletic, Persephone, inov8, Tailwind Books, Up The Creek Hostel, Beachcomber Coffee, Coast Car Co-op, Click Modular Homes, Starbucks and Gibsons Garden Hotel, as well as all the volunteers and Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue for providing first aiders. 

Like www.facebook.com/PuddleJumperClassic for updates on next year’s race.

– Submitted