Fall Classic breaks another record in the 2016 RUNVAN® Race Series
Close to 2,400 finishers, RUNVAN® goes three for three in 2016!
Vancouver, BC – November 13, 2016 –
The Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10KM and 5KM broke a record in number of participants this Sunday – with 2,387 finishers – capping a banner year for the non-profit RUNVAN® organization.
In addition to the 140% growth of participants in the Fall Classic, all RUNVAN® events in 2016 – BMO Vancouver Marathon, Granville Island Turkey Trot and Fall Classic each saw the highest amount of participation in their event’s histories.
On Sunday, approximately 2,400 runners sped through the beautiful UBC campus, and despite a little bit of rainfall, smiling faces, incredible enthusiasm and positive vibes completely showered the event’s atmosphere.
“Runners today showed why they’re not made of sugar!” joked Graeme White, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society, organizers of the event. “Everyone including volunteers and spectators today should congratulate themselves on exemplifying amazing spirit!”
More than 300 volunteers helped stage the Fall Classic with Race Force and UVANU International Student Group each supplying 40+ volunteers on race day.
Fall Classic charity partners Movember Foundation and Greater Vancouver Food Bank also participated Sunday to raise nearly $4,000 in funds for men’s health and better nourishment.
Awards and Feats
Exclusive gold, silver and bronze medals were presented to the Overall and Age Category champions at the Award Ceremony in the beautiful AMS Student Union Building.
Olympic Race Walker, Evan Dunfee was the overall Men’s winner of the Half Marathon. Since competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics 20K and 50K Race Walk, Dunfee has been doing a bit of running for fun. “This was my last fun outing before I get back to Race Walk Training tomorrow, it was fun I really enjoyed it out there,” says Dunfee.
Overall Champions
Half Marathon Winners: M – Evan Dunfee (1:10:44), F – Lisa Zimmer (1:21:12)
10KM Winners: M – Christian Gravel (31:54) F – Sabrina Wilke (35:46)
5KM Winners: M – Mickael Mandonnet (17:08) F – Kate Gustafson (18:07)
To recognize special groups in the Fall Classic, RUNVAN® initiated the Chevron Community Challenge to award the Largest Team, Most Impactful Spectator Group and Best Team Costume with $500 each. Race Force took home the prize of the Largest Team with 50+ members.
Notable Mention: Runner Jeremy Hopwood competed in all three Fall Classic events on Sunday – Half Marathon, 10KM and 5KM. Hopwood’s motivation was simply to do fun things and not stress in 2016. Christian Gravel took home the 10KM championship after also claiming gold in the Granville Island Turkey Trot 10KM.
RUNVAN® Race Series
The Fall Classic concluded the 2016 RUNVAN® Hat-trick Race Series. Nearly 300 runners competed in all three RUNVAN® races in 2016 and earned themselves a commemorative long-sleeve technical shirt.
“Congratulations to everyone who participated in any of our RUNVAN® events in 2016,” adds White. “We are extremely proud to help support the growth of healthy, active lifestyles in Vancouver – our mission to promote the sport of running and community spirit will go on!”
RUNVAN® now continues to prepare the 2017 circuit, including organizing their largest event, the BMO Vancouver Marathon which expects nearly 17,000 runners from 50+ countries on May 7, 2017. Learn More
View event photos, go to our Facebook Album
