The long-running Peachland Beach Run joined the IRRS for the first time this year, and attracted 192 finishers, well up from last year. It was a very hot day, despite the 8:30 start, and the time of most racers was affected, but the lake felt great afterwards! The IRA apologizes for the problems with the results which meant that there were no awards given at the race. Part of the deal we made to attract this race was that we would time both events, and despite a test run of the program, it could not be made to sort properly on race morning. The organizer has assured me that race awards will be mailed to winners. As the New Balance shoes were awarded to a 5K finisher, a new draw has been made and the winner of the shoes is Geoff McIntyre of Kelowna.
Turning to the race itself, Hans Aabye (M35-39) of Merritt stamped his authority over the field at the start, and extended his lead to win by over 3 minutes from Kelowna’s Jeff Vogt (M35-39), 35:01 to 38:06, with first master, James Young (M40-44) also of Kelowna, a close third in 38:11.
For the women, young Emily Allin of Penticton (F16-19) won her second race in two starts in a time of 40:43, with the ageless Cindy Rhodes (F55-59) second in 43:34, and Marie-Josee Bedard of Merritt third in 44:07.
On age-grading, Rhodes (35:16) scored the victory over Liz Borrett (F70-75), 38:32, with Lynda Proce (F55-59) of Vernon third in 38:50. For the men, Bruce Wark (M60-64) easily won his division and took the overall title from Aabye, recording 33:33 age-graded from a clock time of 42:05, while Aabye scored 34:16, with Penticton’s Sergio Pio (M45-49) third in 34:56.
Thanks to Race Director Pelma Haffenden-Land of Peachland Recreation, and the crew of volunteers for a fun festive Canada Day party atmosphere and lots of draw prizes. A special thank-you to Peter Pollhammer for taking on the timing duties and sorting the results so quickly that afternoon.
The series has a short break until the Midsummer 8K in Kelowna on July 7.