And They're off.
Runners in Vanderhoof laced up for the 37 annual Wild Goose Chase Fun Run Sunday May 3. The race started from WL McLeod Elementary School with 273 participants who took to the streets of Vanderhoof either taking part in a 3.5km, 5km, or 8km event. Fire fighters, doctors, educators, Vanderhoof mayor and residents along with numerous people from out-of-town took part in the event.
Race organizers – Wanda and Brian Nemethy – took the race over in 1998 when Jenny and Terry Hooper retired. The event began in 1978 with 22 participants. Thirty seven years later, the race is bigger than ever, Mr. Nemethy said.
In 1998 there were 53 participants. In 2009 the starting line had 383. This year competitors had chances to win medals that were three deep in each of the 16 race categories. Prize money was also given to the first male and female overall in each event. Prizes included two mountain bikes, six gift cards at $100 each, two gift cards at $50, a GoPro and Ipod shuffle to name a few. Money was also put aside for a NVSS Scholarship and this year’s winner of the scholarship is Alexander Nemethy. Alexander will be running with the Vikings Cross Country/Track team this fall as he continues his Post-Secondary Education with the University of Victoria. See the web site. www.strideandglide.ca for full results.
First to the finish line this year in the following distances are:
3.5 km Run: Female: Hayley Stephen 15:24
Male: Simon Nemethy 12:15
8km Run: Female: Sharleen Balogh 29:52
Male : Kevin Grigg 28:20
5km walk: Female: Suzanne Sharp 33:42
Male: Tony Prazma 33:25