Press Release
Olympian Malindi Elmore Triumphs at First Half presented by BlueShore Financial
Vancouver, BC – Feb 11, 2024
The First Half Marathon presented by BlueShore Financial concluded as elite athletes and running enthusiasts converged for a display of athleticism, grit, and determination. Kicking off the racing season, RUNVAN’s Half Marathon again asserted its dominance as Canada’s Fastest Half, a premiere fixture on the nation’s running calendar. The First Half presented by BlueShore Financial leads the Athletics Canada Road Race Label Series.
Key Highlights:
- Outstanding Performances: Canada’s only qualified woman for the Paris Olympics 2024, Malindi Elmore ran this race at a marathon pace and delivered a strong performance, clinching victory with a time of 1:11:57. Samantha Jory followed with 1:13:36 and Kate Bazeley in third with 1:14:42. Elmore now holds the 4th and 5th all-time best performance at the event.
- Thrilling Showdown: Jeremy Briand, from Québec flew out to Vancouver to throw down and win the race at 1:04:28. A duel followed between Andrew Davies finishing at 1:04:34 and Lee Wesselius at 1:04:38, captivating spectators as the three athletes finished within 10 seconds of each other. Trevor Hofbauer and Thomas Knobbs had the top five finishers all within 30 seconds.
- Canada’s Fastest: Yemane Mulugeta ran 1:06:43 to set a new Canadian Junior Half Marathon record, and Elizabeth Waywell set a Canadian Age Category record for F65-69 in 1:33:28.
- Canada’s Fastest Half: The First Half presented by BlueShore Financial reaffirmed its status as Canada’s Fastest Half, with Elmore’s impressive victory adding to the event’s legacy of speed and excellence. Participants and spectators alike marveled at the lightning-fast times and intense competition that characterized the race.
- Sold-out success: Demand for participation in the First Half presented by BlueShore Financial continues to be exceptional. The event has a reputation as Canada’s most prestigious and sought-after running race.
- The Dan Cumming Memorial Trophy winner was 66-year old Elizabeth Waywell in a chip time of 1:33:28. Waywell bested her own previous Canadian W65 record of 1:35:01. Waywell holds mulitple other titles including W60 record in the 8K (32:52), the 5-mile (33:02), the 10K (41:08), 10-mile (1:10:17), Half Marathon (1:29:53) and the Marathon (3:07:56) according to Canadian Running Magazine.
- Community Celebration: Natasha Wodak, current event record holder joined in to pace her crew. There was much support from volunteers, spectators, and participants. The community came together and fundraised $8,500 for Variety, The Children’s Charity.
“It was an incredible finish! The top 5 men all came through the finish line within 30 seconds. In the women’s division there is a tie for 5th and 6th place. We witnessed an extraordinary display of athleticism and determination at the First Half presented by BlueShore Financial,” says Eric Chene, RUNVAN Race Director.
“Having Canadian Olympians such as Malindi Elmore, Natasha Wodak, Lucas Bruchet and Trevor Hofbauer in the elite field added to the excitement and inspiration and speed for all today! There was a great showcase of talent and spirit. We would like to thank BlueShore Financial for their support. With help from our partners, RUNVAN is able to continue promoting healthy and active lifestyles within our community through our events. And thank you to all the volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this event a success.”
The First Half presented by BlueShore Financial is a celebration of wellness and personal achievement, and a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Runners from all levels of experience and abilities came together to be a part of this incredible event, and the organizers are already looking forward to next year’s edition. Annually in February, the next event is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2025.
The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to promoting healthy and active lifestyles through year-round running events. The First Half presented by BlueShore Financial is an annual event that brings together runners to celebrate wellness, personal achievement, and community spirit. With a capped number of just 2,000 runners, the First Half is the perfect way to kick off the running season and build up to Vancouver’s only Marathon event.
For more information about The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® and the First Half Marathon presented by BlueShore Financial, please visit runvan.org.
