Sunday, June 2, 2019
~ West Shore Voice News
The 8th Annual Victoria Goddess Westhills 10K & BMO 5K run/walk yesterday was again this year an opportunity for over 1,200 participants to come together to celebrate the power that we can embrace when we work together to reach our goals.
The Saturday, June 1 clear-sky slightly breezy race day that started and finished at Belmont Secondary School on Langford Lake Road took a new route through Westhills in Langford, along quiet streets and trails — an opportunity for every level of runner or walker, as individuals or teams.
“Two years ago we had incredible heat. Last year we had clouds and rain the night before, but this year was ideal,” said Cathy Noel, Race Director.
“Once again Langford showed off their support of the event with lots of cheering and support on the course – and even some sprinklers to keep our Goddesses refreshed,” said Noel who herself is an accomplished runner.
Participants received a finisher’s medal, placed around their necks by members of the Langford Fire Department. They also received a technical running shirt and race bag. New this year was a Goddess collectors bead. Plus the post race activities included the Lugaro Diamond Maze and the St. Margaret’s School Kidzone and Dash.
The race brought out some top elite runners: Westhills 10K – Sofia Donnecke (43:21), Kylyn Athey (45:04) and Melissa Brunner (46:06); BMO 5K – Lucy Smith (20:26), Sophie Mallory (21:55) and Liv Rabien (23:20).
For many racers, this was their first race. For others, it has become a yearly tradition. A large number of participants were there with large groups of friends and family, with lots of generations represented.
Over eight years the Goddess Run has raised over $200,000 for charity and has brought running and walking into the lives of many who had not considered they would ever compete in a race. This year’s charity of choice was the BC Cancer Foundation.
The Goddess Run is also a registered in the ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge, a national movement to people active and move more together. The Challenge will award Canada’s Most Active Community with $150,000, along with five regional community winners who will receive $20,000 each, to support local physical activity initiatives. Finalists and the grand prize winner will be announced at the end of June 2019.
There was also participation for virtual runners, who were to complete the distance by June 15.
===== CONNECTION:
Leading up to race day (posted May 19)
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