In early September, Shaun Stephens-Whale of Roberts Creek is off to Turkey for the world mountain running championships.
Shaun was recently named to the Canadian junior team due to his results this year in various trail running events. That included second overall at the Gutbuster series on Vancouver Island where he finished the Duncan races second, an impressive 11 seconds behind Graham Cockledge, one of Canada's best trail runners, and the Five Peaks Trail Running series leaders after two events.
The challengers in Bursa, a four-and-a-half hour ferry and bus ride from Istanbul, will provide stiff competition.According to national team coach Kelvin Broad, Shaun should realize that he has never have been in a mountain race as competitive as the one he will encounter in Bursa.
In all, 35 teams will compete.
"Given shrewd tactics and a stellar run, he may do well," said Broad. "The Italians, Turks and Mexicans will come to the race probably with four runners each who are all capable of top ten finishes."
Broad added that Shaun's obvious passion for mountain running and his drive will certainly serve him well and he is very excited about Shaun's prospects.
Bursa is the Whistler of Turkey, a ski resort at 6,000 ft. elevation. When there, all the teams will stay at a luxury four-star hotel. Everything is paid for once teams arrive, but individuals must pay their own way to Turkey.
Shaun's dad Ian has been designated team manager for the Canadian team consisting of four women, six men and one junior.
"I'm paying my own way, but Shaun is still working on raising airfare and he still has a long way to go," Ian Whale said.The course itself is all uphill, 8.5 km for juniors and 11 km for open men's. The predicted time for the junior winner is 40 minutes. Shaun runs the 8.5 km B&K Forest Service Road, highway to summit, in 42 minutes by himself - a similar comparison.
Anyone wishing to help Shaun with sponsorship or donations can call 604-740-0162.
