Event weekend included 46th edition of the James Cunningham Seawall 10k; Francesco Yates headlined post race concert in Stanley Park
VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver’s motto is "By Sea, Land, and Air We Prosper", and this Sunday, at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Oasis Half Marathon, these words couldn’t have been truer. Over 10,000 runners from all over the globe toed the start line in both the half marathon distance for one of the most scenic courses in the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series. Though the weather forecast predicted rain, conditions held out which made the race even better and faster.
Turner Wiley - Credit Bruce Wodder/PhotoRun.net)
The fastest of all participants in the 13.1-mile event was Turner Wiley who broke the tape in a blazing one hour, seven minutes, and 55 seconds.
"The race was great. It was a new personal best for me and my first win since college," said Wiley who attended Seattle Pacific University where he ran track and cross country. "I just wanted to run a fast time. I woke up and felt good. I’m used to the [Pacific] Northwest weather."
Up to the 7K mark, there was a large pack in contention for the top prize, but Wiley decided to make a move at that point. He relied on lessons learned from running the Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Half Marathon earlier this summer where he was more cautious. Wiley admitted that he had never been the leader in such a big race as Sunday’s where he had his own police escort and photographers snapping his picture.
"[The pack] was looking a little more tired, so I figured I’d give it go and pushed the pace," he said. "It worked out for me. I’m used to the track where I’m just constantly going in circles. It was a great experience. People were cheering me on everywhere. The energy pushed me forward. Vancouver is a beautiful course. I loved going along the Seawall and through Stanley Park."
Second and third place in Vancouver went to Roosevelt Cook (1:09:47) and Yon Yima (1:09:59) respectively.
Jane Murage, the winner of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Oasis Montreal Half Marathon last month was the women’s champion in 1:18:07.
"It was good," she said after coming across the line in Devonian Park. "It was good weather for running. I felt strong."
Murage ran the entire race unopposed, so the usual crowds and music that line the Rock ‘n’ Roll races were a huge help for her.
"There was no one to push me, but the city was wonderful," she said. "It was great to see everyone cheering. The crowd pushed me and told me to move, and so I moved."
Second place in the women’s half marathon was awarded to Kristen Rohde (1:19:46). Sarah West was good for third in 1:19:56.
Canadian pop singer Francesco Yates took to the stage at Finish Line Festival and serenaded the crowd with his hit song, "Sugar" in the city’s beautiful Devonian Park—giving runners and their families something to dance to.
Event weekend kicked off Saturday morning with the 46th annual Cunningham Seawall 10k, which is oldest race in British Columbia. Vancouver locals Geoffery Martinson and Rachel Cliff were victorious breaking the tape in 30:22 and 35:18, respectively.
The 2017 Rock ‘n’ Roll Oasis Vancouver Half Marathon & Cunningham Seawall 10K is scheduled for the weekend of 21-22 October. Runners can secure the lowest price of the year during a special presale registration through next Sunday, 30 October 2016. For complete results, photos or 2017 presale registration, visit RunRocknRoll.com.
Start Line - Credit Bruce Wodder/PhotoRun.net)
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