The annual Canada Day Family Fun Run on July 1 showed a growing tradition among Canmore runners who support programming at the Nordic Ski Club.
Celebrating the Great White North’s 149th birthday under blue skies and towering mountains, runners from all over the country participated in the 27th annual 10-kilometre, five-km, and three-km runs, and then maybe ate one or two fluffy pancakes at Centennial Park.
Canmorites took it to the long portion of the course and finished one, two, three on the men’s side of the 10-kilometre run.
Graham Nishikawa crossed the line first (35:10.4). Erik Carleton closely followed Nishikawa for second (35:37.9) and Russell Kennedy finished third (36:16.8).
All proceeds from the event go towards the Canmore Nordic Ski Club and, while sharing Canada’s birthday, locals are circling the day on the calendar every year for the race.
“(The run has) become sort of a tradition for us. We do the run and have pancakes after,” said Carleton.
Stretches of the race are mixed over pavement and gravel, and there isn’t much time to enjoy the scenery on the fast course.
“You’ve got to be quick … it’s a real challenge in terms of handling the switchbacks and it’s just a beautiful view along the Bow River there – I didn’t get much chance to enjoy it.”
Canmore resident Kat Stone finished first among the women in the 10-km run (42:31:2).
In second was Calgary’s Amy Woodward (43:03.6) and third was Calgary’s Megan Bankes (44:49.7).
It’s Stone’s sixth year participating in the event alongside caped Superwoman Karen Messenger.
“I think it’s a great cause to support the Nordic Ski Club with this and their programing. It’s always so much fun,” said Stone.
“Anytime you have a good day and make it to the finish line I’m happy … every race when I’m just focusing on the finish line and not tired, I’m happy.”
In the five-km, Calgary’s Emma Neigel finished at the top of the class as the top woman (18:46.7). Claudia Belanger from Calgary finished second (19:41.6), and Jillian Stewart from Red Deer (20:35.1) was third.
David Gedge from Surrey, B.C. was top man (19:30.4), in second was Canmore’s Johan Steinberg (19:39.7) and in third was Luis Gonzalez (23:36.4).
In the three-km, Canmore’s Sabine Comeau was the top female (13:55.9) and Calgary’s Lark Bohach was second (14:03.6), narrowing edging out Canmore’s Tasmin Munro (14:04.6).
In the men’s three-km, Owen Pimm was first (11:12.1), Canmore’s Dane Menzies was second (12:08.4) and Canmore’s Ben Bronsch was third (12:43.4).
For full results, visit zone4.ca.
