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Racers sprint for third place

5-Dollar 5K Series Race #3
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From left: #409 Kallalei Ryden, #467 Sierra Ryden and #415 Sacha Stipec battle it out for third place in Race #3 of the 5-Dollar 5K Series.

Race #3 of the 5-Dollar 5K Series was all about speed as a number of participants improved their times over the previous couple of weeks. The persistent snow and ice on the trails finally receded enough to allow safe use of the official course, rather than an out and back road-only route. Temperatures were still around the freezing mark with a light wind adding to the chill, but sunshine and blue sky cheered the runners and volunteers.

The top finishers were a repeat of Race #2. Keaton McIlwraith of Roberts Creek significantly improved his 5k personal best with a 19:43 clocking for the win. In second place at 20:50, Jamie Leveque of Sechelt cut 20 seconds off last week’s result – despite a plan to “take it easy” after completing a long marathon training run the day before.

To defend her third place spot, Kallalei Ryden of Gibsons not only had to outkick regular series rival Sacha Stipec of Gibsons, but also her own younger brother, Sierra Ryden. The three teens gave it their all as they sprinted to the finish line, crossing just seconds apart, with Stipec in fourth and the younger Ryden in fifth (third male overall).

Gibsons’ Krisztina Harasztosi overcame jetlag to take third female spot in 25:58, having just returned from a visit to her home country of Hungary.

The organizers would like to thank super volunteers Alison Rhodes, Ann Law, Jamie Leveque, Susan Blair, Randy Eistetter and Valerie Ryden.

The fourth and final event of the series is Sunday, March 10 at PaceSetter, with a 10 a.m. start – but it will feel like 9 a.m. start as Daylight Savings Time starts the night before. Join us for some fun running or walking, coffee, snacks and draw prizes!

See full results and more at pacesetterathletic.ca

– Submitted by Teresa Nightingale