More than 200 people took off in the Kitsumkalum Salmon Run yesterday, June 26, and dozens of speedy kids made some impressive finishes.
“Some of those little buggers can go,” laughed Tony Vincenzi, chair of the organizing committee for the run.
“They performed really well.”
The three fastest 2K runners were all under 15-years-old: Violet Bertlett was first at 13:04, Ashlee Darby second at 13:08, and Paul Hecker third at 13:15.
First overall in the 5K was Fraser Bjornson at 17:06, second was Peter Furlong at 18:21, and third was Owen Muller at 19:05.
In the 10K, it was Connor Block who finished first in 35:22, Tim Block second at 39:37, and Rob Rushton third at 40:14.
Focused on family and community, the salmon run this year was the most smoothly organized run of any of the prior nine that Vincenzi has been been involved in, he said.
“Everything fell into place. It was one of those years,” he commented, adding a big thank you to those who gave up their time to help make it happen.
A large number of helpers came from Volunteer Terrace this year, which was a real boost to make things run smooth, said Vincenzi, adding thanks also to the faithful volunteers from Search and Rescue who offer first aid every year.
“The weather and the temperature were perfect for running,” Vincenzi added.
“In the morning there was a bit of a drizzle, but it took off… it was sunny for the whole day’s race.”
Vincenzi says more than 200 people pre-registered for the race, more than ever before, and quite a few more signed up the morning of the run.
Posted by Joe Pelletier on Sunday, June 25, 2017
Last year had close to 150 people pre-registered.
Also at the race, the new Skeena Valley Runners group had a tent to share information about the group, which organizes group runs Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.
They rattled cowbells, shouted and cheered on their fellow runners and afterwards were there to talk to with anyone interested in knowing more about the new running group.
More results from the salmon run are posted on their website, with results by category here, and overall results here.