Spring is just around the corner and several Squamish runners proved it by taking on the Pacific Road Runners "First Half" half marathon on Sunday (Feb. 12).
The First Half is an unofficial start to the racing season for many B.C. runners and the 21.1-kilometre (13.1-mile) route is well regarded for its scenery. It travels from English Bay through Stanley Park and ending up at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Downtown Vancouver.
Squamish resident Margreet Dietz had a strong showing, finishing second in her 40 to 44 age group and posting the 20th-fastest time of any female in the race. Dietz finished with a time of 1:27:30 and said she was thrilled with how the race went.
"My official net finish time for today turned out to be 87:27, a personal best by 46 seconds," she said on her blog. "I couldn't be happier with that result and the way I felt during today's race."
Squamish's Volker Schneider also had a strong race, completing the course in 1:27:34, good for 20th in his 40 to 44 age group and 110th amongst all men in the race. Squamish resident Zoe Dawson, who recently moved to town from Australia, blazed through the course in 1:32:13, good for 16th in her 25 to 29 age group and 52nd among all women. Tim Moore, another local runner, posted a time of 1:33:41, finishing 22nd in his 45 to 49 age group and 170th out of more than 800 men in the race.
Other local finishers included: John Redpath (1:38:02), Ciara McLoughlin (1:47:01), Sheena Williams (1:47:00), Marika Maki (1:49:34), Di Adams (1:57:04), Jennifer Schorz (1:57:53), Chris Kaley (2:09:27), Megan Kent (2:20:29), Kelly Kaley (2:24:36), Sarah McCaw (2:30:50) and Jasmine Sehra (2:53:59).
For complete results from the race, visit www.winningtime.ca/12/12fhhm/overall.txt.
