Sooke River 10K lives up to its name with partially-flooded course
Clear skies and moderate temperatures didn't mean that runners' shoes were going to stay dry at the Sooke River 10K in British Columbia.
The Sooke River 10K had a memorable 17th year.
First, the race was postponed in February because of heavy snowfall that caused havoc on Vancouver Island and western British Columbia’s mainland. The same weather affected Vancouver’s ‘First Half’ Half-Marathon though that event was outright cancelled for 2017. Then, this past Sunday, the 262 participants who took part in the rescheduled race had to cross a partially-flooded course at the turnaround point.
The event, held in Sooke, B.C., approximately 40K west of Victoria, gets its name from Sooke River Road. For the second consecutive year, Nick Walker won the 10K, running 33:51 on Sunday. Julia Tschanz won the women’s race in 39:37.
“The flooded course certainly made it a memorable event for everyone,” said Cathy Noel, the Sooke River 10K race director. “The puddle pictures will bring smiles to people’s faces for sure.” As the pool of water came near the turnaround point, runners twice had to cross the hazard in typical west coast moisture-filled fashion.
The Comox Valley RV Half-Marathon follows the Sooke River 10K on March 19. Also to come as part of the eight-event VIRA Island Race Series is the Port Alberni Paper Chase 10K on April 2, and the Cedar 12K on April 9.
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
