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37th annual running of the Fort St. James to Vanderhoof Relay another success

On May 8, three teams ran in the 37th running of the Fort St. James to Vanderhoof Relay.

Keith Gordon

On May 8, three teams ran in the 37th running of the Fort St. James to Vanderhoof Relay.   The distance is just under 64 kms divided into 8 km stages.

The cool windy weather wasn’t great for spectators but was welcomed by runners.

The Speed Skating Team (2 skaters and 5 parents/grandparents) were first with a team time of 5hrs 15 mins.

In second, close behind, was Conifex Forestry (with an outside ringer added!). Their time was 5 hrs 22 minutes and they were 2 minutes ahead of the “Mixed Bunch” organized by Yvonne Gilbert.

The fastest runner in a stage was David Nutbrown of “Mixed Bunch”  who ran stage 5 in 32.05.   Several runners ran 2 stages including Yvonne Gilbert and David Nutbrown of “Mixed Bunch” and Chris GreenawayLisa Spingle and Cheryl Hodder of “Conifex Forestry”.

Sean Houghton and Roma-Jane Boschman (both 12) cycled the entire distance.  The most members of one family in the event was  3 Houghtons, Craig, Deirdre and Sean.

Organizers are happy with the turn out and encourage runners to plan for and come out to the next running May 14, 2017 and bring your team!!

Next year’s run starts in Ferland Park in Vanderhoof. You’re allowed to invite elite runners from other towns or countries to bring our times down – it’s not cheating!

Historical note:  Years ago in the late 80’s, a team of eight runners from PG and area, (all women) ran the relay in almost exactly 4 hours!!!  So, each stage run was faster than any run today!