Athletics: Trevor Hofbauer and Rachel Cliff win Modo Spring Run-Off 8K

Canada Running Series kicks off in style

VANCOUVER. March 20th, 2016. Trevor Hofbauer and Rachel Cliff recorded convincing victories ahead of more than 1,100 runners at Sunday’s Modo Spring Run-Off 8K in Stanley Park. Particiapants were drawn from 5 provinces and six countries. The event was "Opening Day" for Canada Running Series 2016, the country’s #1 running circuit. It was also an important fundraiser for the Music Heals Foundation.

Photo: : Inge Johnson; Canada Running Series

Vancouver-based, Rob Watson came in second place with a time of 24:10. Rob used the run as a hard training day en route to next weekend’s IAAF Half Marathon Championships at Cardiff University in Wales and then on to the London Marathon in April where he needs to post a "do or die" time better than 2:12:50 in order to qualify for this summer’s Olympic Marathon. Vancouver’s Kevin Friesen was third with a time of 24:28

"It was a fun day out there," Said Hofbauer, "The competition was really strong and the weather held up great. Three of us stuck together for most of the race until the 7K mark where I got away from the group. I was able to hold them off for the final 1K"

On the women’s side, Rachel Cliff led from Start to Finish to notch a decisive victory. She continued her strong Spring form; coming off a personal best and Course Record time at the St. Patrick’s Day 5K last weekend (16:05), she broke the tape today in 26:47. Dayna Pidhoresky, also from Vancouver, came in second place at 28:00 and Neasa Coll finished third with a time of 29:44. Rachel was able to take over the lead in the BC Super Series by winning the 5th event on the calendar. Rob Watson consolidated his lead in the series with his second place finish.

"I felt really strong today and wanted to be smooth." said Cliff, "I kept pace with a group of the guys and then 3 of us took off around the 3K mark. I split up and held on for the win during the last 1K."

Participants today ran in support of Music Heals, who raise awareness for Music Therapy programs across Canada. More than $4,200 was raised for the Charity with fundraising open to April 3rd.

"We were thrilled with the turnout today and the quality of the competition," said Canada Running Series President Alan Brookes, "What a way to launch into Spring. We want to thank everyone for making this event such a success. We are very proud to open Canada’s running series in the world’s most beautiful park. Special thanks to the City of Vancouver and Parks Board for allowing us to race here".

Canada Running Series now moves to Toronto for the sister event, the Race Roster Spring Run Off 8K in High Park on April 9th. It will return to Vancouver on June 26 for Scotiabank Vancouver Half-marathon & 5K.

Modo Spring Run Off 8K Male:    
1. Trevor Hafbauer 23:48
2. Rob Watson  24:10
3. Kevin Friesen 24:28
Modo Spring Run Off 8K Female:
1. Rachel Cliff  26:47
2. Dayna Pidhoresky 28:00
3. Neasa Coll 29:44

Complete results can be found at SpringRunoff.ca.

The Modo Spring Run-Off 8k is the opening event of the Canada Running Series. The Series is Canada’s premier running circuit with 8 events of varying distances in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal that attract 60,000 participants and raise $6 million for charity, annually. We’re strongly committed to staging great experiences for runners of all levels, and to making sport a meaningful part of sustainable communities and the city-building process. Our mission is "building community through running". To register and learn more about the Canada Running Series events, please visit CanadaRunningSeries.com.

The Music Heals Charitable Foundation raises awareness and fundraises for music therapy across Canada. Their mission is to increase patient access to music therapy for children, seniors, palliative care, burn units, bereavement, rehabilitation and more. Music Heals donated nearly half a million dollars to music therapy programs in Canada in their first three years. MusicHeals.ca.

Modo Since 1997, Modo has provided a practical, cost-effective alternative to car ownership without the hassle. Founded in Vancouver’s West End with 16 members and two cars, they now serve Victoria and the Lower Mainland with a diverse and growing fleet of cars, trucks, hybrids, EVs and more. With gas, insurance, maintenance, toll-bridges and more included in low hourly rates, why own a car when you can share 400? Learn more about carsharing and Modo at Modo.coop.