Shawnigan Lake’s Nancy Baxendale was one of three runners to set new records at the Cobble Hill 10K road race hosted by the Ceevacs Roadrunners last Sunday.
Baxendale was the top women’s master runner in the race, and her time of 40 minutes and five seconds set a record in the women’s 55-59 age group.
The other two record-setters were from Victoria: Valerie Gonzales in the W70-74 (53:07) and Gloria Sherwood in the W75-79 (1:14:16).
“With excellent conditions again this year, we were treated to some strong front-end racing, but among all of the finishers there were some fast times and many personal bests,” race director Ian Milne said. “I would also like to pay thanks to all our sponsors, but particularly to all the 60-plus volunteers from the Ceevacs Roadrunners Running Club, without whose enthusiasm, dedication and skills, a race like this could not take place. Our club’s intention is always to deliver a safe, enjoyable event, and we did that again this year.”
Jim Finlayson of Victoria finished first overall with a time of 33:02, 12 seconds ahead of Sooke’s Jonathan Toombs and 15 ahead of Victoria’s Shawn Wilyman. The top women’s finisher was Jen Millar of Victoria in 37:27, five seconds faster than Lauren Babineau, also from Victoria.
Richard Light of Duncan was the first runner from the Cowichan Valley to cross the finish line, with a time of 37:34. Angus Brown of Shawnigan Lake finished in 37:44, and Mill Bay’s Paul Auton finished in 38:50.
Jill Ramstead of Duncan was the top local female runner, with a time of 39:33, followed by Baxendale and Jessica Knowles of Lake Cowichan at 43:26.