Half marathon held in Clearwater after two years

Clearwater’s Geoff Giesbrecht, left, Jean Ann Berkenpas of Valemount, Mark Bailey of Kamloops and Ashley Quaal of Birch Island compete in the 21-kilometre event. (Photo by Keith McNeill)Clearwater’s Geoff Giesbrecht, left, Jean Ann Berkenpas of Valemount, Mark Bailey of Kamloops and Ashley Quaal of Birch Island compete in the 21-kilometre event. (Photo by Keith McNeill)
Kevin Sauer of Clearwater appeared to be the first local in the mini-marathon. (Photo by Keith McNeill)Kevin Sauer of Clearwater appeared to be the first local in the mini-marathon. (Photo by Keith McNeill)
Tony Zhou of Kamloops races along the trail during the 21-kilometre event. (Photo by Keith McNeill)Tony Zhou of Kamloops races along the trail during the 21-kilometre event. (Photo by Keith McNeill)
Scott Kershaw represented Barriere at the mini-marathon. (Photo by Keith McNeill)Scott Kershaw represented Barriere at the mini-marathon. (Photo by Keith McNeill)
Kamloops resident Ali Fitzgerald moves swiftly along the course. (Photo by Keith McNeill)Kamloops resident Ali Fitzgerald moves swiftly along the course. (Photo by Keith McNeill)
Melody Switzer, a resident of Barriere, appears to be enjoying the mini-marathon. (Photo by Keith McNeill)Melody Switzer, a resident of Barriere, appears to be enjoying the mini-marathon. (Photo by Keith McNeill)
Bonnie Lidderdale made the trip from 100 Mile House to participate in the mini-marathon. (Photo by Keith McNeill)Bonnie Lidderdale made the trip from 100 Mile House to participate in the mini-marathon. (Photo by Keith McNeill)

Hosted by the Wells Gray Outdoors Club, Aug. 27 was our second annual marathon run after two years of not being able to hold this event.

It was a great success this year with over 120 participants travelling from as far as Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Lower Mainland and throughout the Interior, with many locals and folks from up north, even as far as Colorado. It was the perfect weather for a run, with plenty of smiles, excitement and high fives going around. You could feel the high energy.

There were a few runners, walkers and kids participating in the event for the first time in the 2.5 kilometre, five km, 10 km or 21km walk/run race.

In the 21-km race, Tony Zhou finished first for the men with a time of 1:40:28.7, followed by Dave Zirnhelt (1:51:52.3) and Al Fitzgerald (1:52:09.0), all travelled to Clearwater from Kamloops. The first and second women to cross the finish line were also from Kamloops, Jillian Neufeld came in first with a time of 2:03:10.3, followed by Ali Fitzgerald (2:03:29.0). Clearwater’s Cleo Coates was third for the ladies to cross the finish line with a time of 2:05:43.9.

“Coming together is a beginning, find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.”

A few participants had stayed for the weekend having the opportunity to explore our great community, spectacular trails and fine dining. I would like to thank all of our volunteers for their hard work and a long day!

Thank you to all our sponsors and businesses in Clearwater, Barriere and Kamloops for their great donations and support. We would also like to thank the Clearwater Rotary for providing a great barbecue.

See you next year on the Candle Creek Trails, Aug. 26, 2023!

The overall top three finishers in the remaining categories:

Men’s 10 km

– David Coneybeare, Whitecroft, B.C., 1:01:42.7

– Terry Josic, Kamloops, B.C., 1:05:57.9

– Gareth Kunz, Revelstoke, B.C., 1:06:06.8

Women’s 10 km

– Rebecca Laidler, Kamloops, B.C., 1:07:08.0

– Aurelie Belanger, Kamloops, B.C., 1:09:39.8

– Judy Kunz, Cochrane, Alta., 1:09:59.9

Men’s 5 km

– Roman Chapman, Kamloops, B.C., 30:56.2

– Cory Jensen, Clearwater, Ala., 43:38.8

– Jesse Martin, West Kelowna, B.C., 40:12.0

Women’s 5 km

– Megan Banman, Kamloops, B.C., 33:08.4

– Taylor-Rae Harvey, Clearwater, B.C., 39:12.8

– Kacy Martin, West Kelowna, B.C., 40:10.0

Boy’s 2.5 km

– Alrick Hulk, 9:32.9

– Dominic Mann, Clearwater, B.C., 17:00.0

– Carter Mann, Clearwater, B.C., 19:14.3

Girl’s 2.5 km

– Danielle Man, Clearwater, B.C., 28:12.2

Submitted by organizer Juanita Allen



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