The spring 2019 edition of the PaceSetter 5-Dollar 5K Series concluded on Sunday March 10 under sunny skies and the mildest temperature so far. It was actually pleasant standing around at the finish line, even for participants who raced in shorts. Could spring be finally here?
Roberts Creek’s Keaton McIlwraith took first place for the third week in a row. The temptation of a mega-sized chocolate bar, offered by volunteer and club-mate Alison Rhodes as a reward for beating last week’s personal best time, didn’t quite do the trick – but McIlwraith’s time of 20:07 was not far off and Rhodes relinquished the chocolate prize nonetheless.
Second place was again claimed by Sechelt’s Jamie Leveque, who managed to carve off another 11 seconds from his 5K personal best, even without the lure of candy.
Third overall and first female, Kallalei Ryden of Gibsons, slashed 23 seconds from her previous best time. She recorded 21:00 thanks to some pacing help from 1500m specialist and former Chatelech Eagle Jordan Wilson, who was visiting home for the weekend.
Sacha Stipec of Gibsons also put down her best time of the series (21:40) to again claim second female honours, three seconds better than last week’s result.
Third woman across the line was first-time racer Sara Skeath of Sechelt, who was thrilled to complete the 5K well under the 30-minute mark, with the clock reading 29:21.
More results and photos can be found on the PaceSetter Athletic Facebook page.
The organizers would like to thank dedicated volunteers Alison Rhodes, Nadine Slingerland, Ann Law, and Cole Buryniuk.
Next local race is the BMO Sunshine Coast April Fool’s Run presented by Eastlink, on Sunday April 7.
And the second annual Sunshine Coast Brewery Run Series will be returning in June and July. Keep training, and we’ll see you at the races!
– Submitted by Teresa Nightingale
