Race Recap
Sold-out Fall Classic rounds off another record-breaking year for RUNVAN®
Vancouver, BC – November 12, 2017 –
The atmosphere at UBC was vibrant following the completion of the Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10KM and 5KM events. A record number of Fall Classic runners raced through the beautiful university campus, surrounded by fall colours, cheering spectators and volunteers.
“You never would’ve guessed it was lightly raining with the beautiful atmosphere we had this weekend,” says Eric Chéné, Race Director of RUNVAN®, the non-profit organizers of the event.
Hundreds of volunteers and spectators came out to support this local fall event that encourages all to participate. The Fall Classic raised over $3,000 towards its local charity partners, YMCA of Greater Vancouver and BC Lupus Society.
First across the Finish Line was Anthony Tomsich, completing the Half Marathon with an impressive time of 1:09:58. Tomsich’s winning time puts him second on the all-time records list.
Olympic race walker and last year’s champion Evan Dunfee finished with a time of 1:10:31, putting him in second place. Dunfee’s new time puts him fourth on the all-time list, 13 seconds faster than his winning time last year.
This past May, Dunfee walked the BMO Vancouver Marathon and beat all but 132 runners.
“Having Tony was a great motivation,” says Dunfee, noting he was happy to beat his time from last year.
Canadian Sabrina Wilkie emerged victorious on the women’s side, crossing the line at 1:22:46. Wilkie also ran in the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon this past May placing third in her category.
Other notable finishers include Robyn Mildren, who took home the gold in the 10KM women’s category. BMO Vancouver Marathon course record holder Kimberley Doerksen also competed in the 10KM, finishing with a time of 37:52.
Kevin O’Connor, the 44-49 Age Group B.C. record holder, won the 5KM with a time of 16:27.
Top finishers were honoured at the Awards Ceremony held in the AMS Student Union Building following the event. Exclusive medals were presented to the Overall and Age Category champions of each race.
Templeton Titans, the largest team was awarded with a cash prize of $250 as part of the Community Challenge presented by Chevron. Still up for grabs are “Best Cheer Team” and “Best Volunteer Team.” Nominate your favourites via social media @runvancanada #runvan.
Overall champions
Half Marathon: M — Anthony Tomsich (1:09:58), F — Sabrina Wilkie (1:22:46)
10KM: M — Braeden Charlton (32:23), F — Robyn Mildren (35:24)
5KM: M — Kevin O’Connor (16:27), F — Kate Gustafson (18:20)
Full race results can be found at fallclassicrun.ca/results-2017
Post-race festivities continued with the Beer Challenge presented by Stanley Park Brewing and Mahony & Sons, featuring a round of beer pong and a ring toss challenge.
The Fall Classic concludes the 2017 RUNVAN® race series, which includes the BMO Vancouver Marathon in May and the Granville Island Turkey Trot over Thanksgiving weekend. Both of RUNVAN®’s local fall events reached record participants this year.
“Congratulations to everyone who participated in our events in 2017!” adds Chéné. “We look forward hosting another year of events and to continue inspiring active lifestyles in the community.”
The local non-profit RUNVAN® now turns to 2018 in preparation for the world-class BMO Vancouver Marathon in May. Vancouver’s only Marathon event expects over 16,000 participants from 65+ countries.
