A record number of 57 participants signed up for the 10k in the seventh edition of Four Lakes 10k Back to Basics road race, including many out of town vacationers. Twenty-six more enjoyed the Family 3k. Summer racing conditions were ideal on the mostly-shaded lakefront course, with clear sunny skies and hardly a breath of wind on Sunday, Aug. 10.
Heading out of Katherine Lake Park, 24-year-old Brendan Robertson of Vancouver set the pace with recent Chatelech Secondary School grad Jordan Wilson to keep him company.
Robertson broke away after less than 2km and raced alone to victory in a personal best 36:49. Wilson stayed strong for a 38:45 finish with no one else in sight. More than four minutes back, Damian Towns of North Vancouver captured third overall and first masters 40+ spot in 42:59.
On the women’s side, Sally-Anne Stelling of Vancouver took an early lead and never relinquished it, crossing the line in 48:53 in 12th position overall.
Three minutes behind her was a see-saw battle for second and third between two young Vancouver competitors, Angela Saunders and Sydney DesBrisay. DesBrisay, just 13 years of age, shadowed 24-year-old Saunders for several kilometres, moved ahead of her for the next few and then was passed back at 8km.
But DesBrisay was not content with third place and changed gears to power past Saunders (and a couple of male racers) once and for all over the final undulating stretch on Katherine Lake Park Road. DesBrisay managed to put eight seconds between herself and Saunders at the finish line.
Following the run, most finishers enjoyed a refreshing dip in Katherine Lake, as well as homemade goodies and fresh fruit. Many stayed for the afternoon to enjoy a day at the beach; quite a few were camping on-site.
“I want to thank you and your team for putting on a really nice community event —beautiful setting and supportive folks, both runners and non-runners. That was my first time in the event and I really enjoyed it, had a very nice feel to it. Well done,” said Pat Lewis of Sakinaw Lake.
Complete results can be found at www.sunshinecoastathletics.org/4lakes/results14.htm.
