VANCOUVER, BC (March 16, 2013) — Despite slightly wet weather, a sold out field participated in the 8th annual BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5k in support of the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Two time Olympian Gary Reed was there to start the race — consisting of the strongest field ever, battling it out for the $1,700 in prize money sponsored by the Bank of Montreal and Saucony.
Geoff Martinson from Victoria was the first to cross the finish line in a winning time of 14:38, missing by seconds the course record set by Olympian marathoner Dylan Wykes in 2010. On the women’s side, Sabrina Wilkie of Vancouver was the top female in a time of 17:07.
The race also offers a mile prime sponsored by Realtor Eric Langhjelm. It was a battle to the mile with 2012 winner Mike Sayenko taking home the cash grab. The overall female winner, Sabrina Wilkie, took home the $100 for the women.
BC 5k Road Race Championships
Our overall female and male winners also took home the cash prizing for being the top BC 5k Champions. The overall depth of the field was the strongest ever with 40 people posting a sub-17 minute 5k time, securing the 2013 BMO St Patrick’s Day 5k as one of the fastest and most competitive 5k races in BC.
Come for the Race… Stay for the Party…
It wasn’t all about fast times as the bulk of the race consisted of hundreds of runners and walkers dressed in green with some great costumes. All there to not only take part in the Granville Island Brewing after party but also raising funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Participants were treated to stew from URBAN FARE, be coconut water, cupcakes from the original CUPCAKES on Denman, buns and mint scones from COBS BREADS, chips from OLD DUTCH, STARBUCKS coffee and other treats.
With the now famous “After Party” stretching into the late afternoon, the 2013 St. Patrick’s Day 5k could be considered no less than a complete success!