Whistler half-marathon brings in B.C. elites
Some of the fastest runners in the region will race the picturesque course on June 1.
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In its third year, the North Face Whistler Half-Marathon is showing a commitment to local talent.
The picturesque 21.1K should also feature some fast times this year, with returning champ David Palermo defending his title against a decent field of runners. Palermo was slated to run last month’s BMO Vancouver Marathon, but dropped out of the race, leaving his legs ready to go for his title defence on June 1 in Whistler.
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Nicholas Browne, a New Zealander living in Vancouver, will try to take the title after running a solid BMO Vancouver Marathon last month, where he placed sixth overall. He’s already got a solid half performance under his belt this spring, running a 1:10:34 in early April, where he beat Palermo (1:12:28).
Ultrarunner Jason Loutitt of Squamish should also be in the mix. He placed second at Whistler last year. 2012’s third place finisher Ed McCarthy.
David Jackson, who was sixth overall in the BMO Vancouver Marathon’s half-marathon event with a 1:08:28, could be seen as the favourite.
On the women’s side, 2011 champ Care Nelson hopes to reclaim the title. She will face some very experienced competition. Former Olympic 10,000m runner Tina Connelly will race, as will former Whistler resident Kristina Rody, who has done well at some significant races in the past, including a second place at the 2010 Canadian half-marathon championships in Montreal.
Hot off a stellar performance at the Vancouver Marathon (3rd place, 2:48:19), Catrin Jones will hope to squeeze a bit of speed out of her legs in Whistler as well.
Race Director Dave Clark is proud of the quality elite group assembled for this year’s event. “Elite runners are always a spectator favourite,” Clark said. “This year’s men’s and ladies sides are well stacked with runners and the race will be great to watch from anywhere along the course.”
Unfortunately, all three events (21.1K, 10K and kids 1K) are completely sold out.
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