March12, 2011 — Despite slightly cool and windy weather, a sold out field participated in the 2011 BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5k. The race had it’s strongest field ever — battling it out for the $1,700 in prize money sponsored by Bank of Montreal. Dylan Wykes, the current course record holder and winner from 2010 was back to defend his title which he wasn’t giving up as he was the first to cross the mile for the Running Room cash bonus and then continued on to cross the finish line in a winning time of 14:43. On the women’s side our second place winner from 2010, Natasha Wodak, took home the Running Room mile cash bonus and the win for the women. The overall depth of the field was the strongest ever with 28 runners posting a sub-17 minute 5k time and 16 women under 19 minutes, securing the 2011 BMO St Patrick’s Day 5k as one of the fastest and most competitive 5k races in the Lower Mainland.
It wasn’t all about fast times as the bulk of the race consisted of hundreds of runners and walkers dressed in green with some great costumes. All there to not only take part in the Granville Island Brewing after party but also raising funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association. The event raised over $14,000 for the Canadian Diabetes Association, our biggest year yet!
Participants were treated to stew from Urban Fare, cupcakes from the original Cupcakes on Deman, buns and mint scones from Cobs Bread, chips from Old Dutch, Strabucks coffee and other treats.
With the now famous “After Party” stretching into the late afternoon, the 2011 St Patrick’s Day 5k could be consider no less than a complete success!
Complete results: http://www.winningtime.ca/index.php?content=11stpat5k
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