Near perfect running weather helped racers at the BMO Okanagan Marathon post some solid times this year.
Three different races snaked through Kelowna this morning, a marathon, half marathon and 10-kilometre run, featuring competitors from Kelowna, across the Okanagan, Alberta and beyond.
“It was a fun day out there, it was awesome.” said half-marathon winner Chris Stone, moments after crossing the finish line.
The Edmonton man broke the tape at 1:13:40, taking home first place in his first ever race in Kelowna. He said the course and weather made the run a dream.
“It was awesome. It was flat, nice and cool. All the things you want in a race for sure.”
Fifteen-year-old Brock Hoel of West Kelowna nabbed fourth place in the 10-kilometres race, crossing the line at 35:34.
It was a personal best for the triathlete, who said he was happy with his time, but hopes to improve on it next year.
“I wanted to get a faster time, but I think I went out too hard,” he said after finishing the race, adding that he was “pretty pained” by the end of the run,
“I was running on fumes, there, for sure,” he said.
Hoel said the track and weather were great, and thanked the volunteers for keeping everything running so smoothly.
“Thanks to the volunteers, because they did a fantastic job out there,” he said.
Jackson Konkin took first in the 10k run, making it across the line in 34:11. Melissa Paauwe was the first woman to cross the line in the 10k, coming through in 39:13. Ryan Prachnau brought it home in the marathon, taking first place with a time of 2:39:49. Kari Elliott, the first woman to finish the marathon, finished in second overall position, with a time of 2:52:47.
For a complete list of results, check out official times for the 10k, half marathon and marathon.
John Stanton, the founder of the Running Room and the event’s spokesperson, said close to 3,000 runners took part in the events.
“It’s every age group: we’ve got people from the under 18 group, right through to people in the over 80 seniors citizens group.”
On top of that, about 350 volunteers were tapped to make the event happen. Stanton said
Stanton called this weekend’s event “collective community action at its best.”
“Not only are people being fit and active, but we’re creating a sense of community [when that’s something we really need].”
As well as being a weekend of competition, the BMO marathon is also a fundraiser for the Sunshine Foundation. Stanton said that, already, $375,000 has been raised for the charity, which helps children living with severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses fulfil their dreams.
Stanton said he was encouraged by the support of fans and relatives at the races, and encouraged more people to join the competition next year.
“If people are watching and listening or reading about the event, make sure that next year you get off the sidelines and get into the action: we want to see you part of one of the events. Whether you’re a walker, or straight through to the marathon, there’s something here for you.”
For more photos from the race, take a look at our Facebook gallery. You can also click the video below to watch the start of the 10 km race.
BMO Okanagan Marathon Final Results:
Marathon Male
1st Ryan Prachnau, Abbotsford, BC - 2:39:49
2nd Mike Post, Vancouver, BC - 2:56:17
3rd David Purcell, Banff, AB - 2:57:09
Marathon Female
1st Kari Elliott, Red Deer, AB 2:52:47
2nd Reina Ainsworth, Edmonton, AB 3:01:17
3rd Savanna Boutin, Edmonton, AB 3:09:24
21.1 km Half Marathon Male
1st Chris Stone, Edmonton, AB 1:13:40
2nd Scott Tremblay, Vancouver, BC 1:17:55
3rd Alistair Kealty, Salmon Arm, BC 1:18:23
21.1 km Half Marathon Female
1st Shannon Dale, North Vancouver, BC 1:23:22
2nd Andrea McClintock, Kelowna, BC 1:28:17
3rd Karla Stevens, Kamloops, AB 1:30:01
FOR COMPLETE RESULTS GO TO okanaganmarathon.ca
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