The hammering of six nails into a restored railway trestle on Sunday symbolized the realization of an Okanagan dream and the opening of Canada‘s newest historic site.

Thousands of people were on hand to witness the official reopening of the Myra Canyon trestles on the old Kettle Valley Railway line, southeast of Kelowna.

Restored at a cost of $18 million after they were destroyed by fire in 2003, the trestles were declared a National Historic Site and form part of the Trans-Canada Trail through the Okanagan.

“This is a fabulous day, a historic day,” Valerie Pringle, chairman of Trans-Canada Trail board of directors said. “This is the most beautiful trail in Canada.

“To see the trestles rise from the ashes, and get their rightful place as a National Historic Site is so exciting and so wonderful,” Pringle said.

The original trestles through Myra Canyon were built between 1912 and 1914, in what was described as an engineering marvel for the time. Eighteen bridges and two tunnels were constructed in a span of only nine kilometres through the canyon.

“Engineers used conventional technologies in ingenious ways to construct the railway through the rugged, mountainous terrain where workers faced the dangers posed by blasting and rock slides,” reads part of a National Historic Site monument unveiled by Kelowna-Lake Country MP Ron Cannan.

The federal government provided 90 per cent of the money needed to rebuild the 12 trestles destroyed in 2003, with the provincial government providing 10 per cent.

“This has been a long and exciting journey for us over the past four years,” said Ken Campbell, president of the Myra Canyon Trestle Reconstruction Committee.

“Many said that it couldn‘t be done – and I know none of those people are here today,” Campbell said with a laugh.

From the Myra Canyon portion of the KVR, there are spectacular views down towards Kelowna, with Okanagan Lake visible in the distance. While the area was burned in the massive wildfire of 2003, lush new vegetation and alpine flowers provide a colourful accent to the dark bones of burned trees.

“The variety of scenery is outstanding. This is a beautiful place,” said Vlad Rybicka, an oilfield manager from Calgary who came to the Okanagan with his wife Zoja specifically to take in the reopening of the trestles and cycle along the KVR from Penticton to Kelowna.

Before the fire, an estimated 50,000 people a year hiked or biked through the Myra Canyon.

“With all the pent-up demand and international publicity, some are predicting we‘ll see 100,000 people visiting the trestles this year,” said Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd.

She and others paid special tribute to Campbell for his work in restoring the trestles, first in the 1990s, when the original structures were falling into disrepair, and again after the 2003 fire.

But when it came time to pound six nails into a trestle to symbolize the end of the restoration project, Campbell turned the hammer over to Carl Marcotte, who was the first president of the Myra Canyon Trestle Reconstruction Society.

Campbell praised the energy and commitment shown by Marcotte and other society directors in the first restoration effort.

“If they had not undertaken that project, we probably would not be standing here today, and the trestles and Myra Canyon would have been an unidentifiable footnote to the history of the KVR,” he said.

Switzer leads the way in Princeton to Coalmont 18.5 K

Bos top Kelowna runner at Scorched Sole

Switzer top Kelowna runner at Peach Half

Kaleden’s Scott Tremblay was second in 1:15:39, while Olly Piggin of Penticton was third in 1:17:22.
The first female finisher was Renee McKibbon of Delta in 1:32:07.
Kelowna’s Mike Baldigara was 26th in 1:39:18, while John Yuill came in 29th at 1:40:45.
The first Kelowna woman to cross the line was Ev Kroschinsky in 1:40:22, good for 28th overall.
Westbank’s Ron Gorman was second in the men’s 60-64 age group, 32nd overall in 1:42:18.
Kelowna’s Linda O’Neill won the women’s 45-49 age division in 1:52:46, while Westbank’s Astrid Varga took the women’s 55-59 class in 1:57:28.
Heather Kroschinsky took the women’s under-19 division in 1:59:04.

In the 10 K, Doug McMehcan was the top Kelowna runner taking sixth in 40:47.
Angelique Pires and Heather Hendricks were the first local women to finish in 49:46.
Shawn Baenziger won the men’s 60-69 group in 51:54.

Interior running

The Kelowna Running Club’s Rory Switzer captured the men’s 45-49 age group at the last stop on the Interior Running Association circuit.

Switzer finished third overall in the Blossom 10 Miler on Sunday from Naramata to Penticton in a time of 58 minutes 11 seconds.
Penticton’s Andriy Yastrebov won the race in a time of 57:11.

• Dirk Handke—10th overall, second M 40-44 in a time of 1:04:42
• Ivan McKnight—11th overall, second M45-49 in a time of 1:05:48
• Ramon Gemperle—13th overall in 1:06:29.
• Fred Van der Gaag—19th overall in 1:07:39.
• Shannon Thompson—18th overall, first in F 20-29 and first among Kelowna women in a time of 1:07:26
• Cindy Rhodes—25th overall, first F 50-54 in a time of 1:08:46
• Dan Crockett—26th overall, first in men’s 60-64 in 1:08:52.
• Pat Gable—27th overall in 1:19:13.
• Bernice Lightfoot, first in the women’s 45-49 category, 28th overall in 1:09:21.
• Astrid Varga, first in the women’s 55-59 group in 1:20:52.
• Diane Leonard, first in the women’s 60-64 division in 1:27:43.
• Min Rayson, first in the women’s 65-69 group in 1:30:49.
The next race on the IRA series is the Blackwell Dairy 15k May 25 in Kamloops.

Interior running

Kelowna resident Bill Spill was one of hundreds who took part in the 10 Mile Blossom Road Race in Penticton Sunday. (Photo: Kyle Sunderman)

Local runners do us proud

Amazing event for participating Kelowna runners

Wessel fifth in Oliver 10K running race

Kelowna runner holds on to early lead in half marathon

Hunt sets the standard in Penticton run

Clerke fastest local runner at Interior road race event

Two school principals from Kelowna and two from Vancouver Island were among 33 recognized today
by a national organization as the country's outstanding principals for 2008.

The B.C. winners are Carol MacWilliams from KLO middle school in Kelowna, Curtis Schreiber from Rutland middle school in Kelowna,
Tarjeet Mann of Braefoot elementary in Victoria and David Betts of Sooke school district.

The honour was bestowed by The Learning Partnership, a national not-for-profit organization that champions public education.
It said the principals were chosen because they have made a measurable difference in the lives of their students and their communities.

"In helping to prepare young people to one day assume their place as leaders, more than ever, it is important that we continue
to recognize the efforts of the educational leaders, the principals who are shaping today's youth for a better Canada tomorrow,"
says Veronica Lacey, The Learning Partnership's president.

"It is truly a privilege to be able to recognize a group of principals whose talents and accomplishments are as diverse
as the students they teach and the communities they serve."

Local runners do well in Sacramento

City officials familiar with long road to recovery
'She tried to inspire us'
Officials talk cleanup
News you can use
A stern warning for those looking to defraud fire victims

Video
CDF helicopter pilot Michael Wagstaff describes the rescue of a group of firefighters who were overcome by the Harris fire near Potrero. SignOnSanDiego video by Yvette De La Garza.
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Mike Wagstaff was circling the Harris fire in his Super Huey helicopter, sucking water from ponds and dumping it on flames, when the call came in.

“Come over here to the western side of the fire. I need you to find these guys,” Cal Fire Chief Ray Chaney radioed Wagstaff from the command plane monitoring the fire.

It was just after noon Oct. 21. The Harris fire had been burning less than three hours, but the tiny town of Potrero was already in flames.

Wagstaff has been a contract firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service for 23 years. He doesn't rattle easily, and he didn't panic when Chaney delivered the news: Flames had overrun a fire engine and its crew. One person was dead and everyone was burned, including one civilian. A firefighter was missing.

Wagstaff clicked a frequency switch and radioed the Cal Fire captain of the charred engine, Raymond “Ray” Rapue. The pilot's voice was calm.

“OK guys. I'm comin' in to getcha,” he said. “Talk to me.”

Wagstaff was familiar with the rural stretch of San Diego County near the U.S.-Mexico border because he had fought fires there before. He figured the firefighters were at the rear of the fire's head, which had just blown through the center of town.

Before Wagstaff swooped down, he dumped all of his water – about 300 gallons – on a hot spot so he could more easily maneuver the copter.

He also located power lines he knew were somewhere beneath him in the clouds of blinding smoke. It wasn't easy. The lines were gray just like the smoke.

NELVIN CEPEDA / Union-Tribune

Mike Wagstaff, shown at Gillespie Field in El Cajon yesterday, was called to rescue a fire engine and crew trapped in the Harris fire soon after it began Oct. 21. Wagstaff is assigned to the Ramona Air Attack Base from May through November.

“The wind was – the wind was just howling,” Wagstaff said at a news conference yesterday, standing straight and tall in his tan pilot jumpsuit and speaking with a New Zealand accent. “It was very bumpy. Very strong.”

On the ground, other firefighters were trying to get to the trapped crew. But the flames were too intense and they had to turn back.

As Wagstaff circled, he and Rapue kept talking.

“I can hear you, but I can't see you,” Rapue said from the ground.

From the command plane, Chaney watched, listened and worried.

“He came in and landed in an area where no one should have,” Chaney said last week, fighting back tears as he described what Wagstaff did that day.

Wagstaff arrived at the Harris fire at 9:43 a.m., about 20 minutes after it began. By 10:35 a.m., Potrero was under mandatory evacuation.

Engine 3387, carrying Rapue, rookie firefighter Andrew Pikop and two other firefighters whose names haven't been released, arrived about 11 a.m. after a 67-mile drive from San Marcos.

The crew's instructions were clear: Evacuate homes ahead of the fast-moving fire. And be quick and careful because the fire is intense and the Santa Ana winds are surging.

Just before noon, the engine stopped in front of a home off Emery Lane and state Route 94. Diane Varshock had left, but Thomas Varshock, 52, and the couple's 15-year-old son, Richard, had stayed behind to hose down their house.

The family had lived there 20 years, and neighbors said Thomas Varshock was a strong-willed and serious man who cared deeply about his family, his neighbors and his ranch.

Richard was a wrestler at Valhalla High School. His dad belonged to the Kiwanis Club.

NELVIN CEPEDA / Union-Tribune

Mike Wagstaff (left) and firefighter Brad Corbin prepared to land at Gillespie Field in El Cajon yesterday.

“He worked hard for what he had. He didn't want to lose it,” said Gordon Hammers, whose house is about two miles from the Varshocks'.

Wagstaff, meanwhile, had dropped off seven firefighters on the dirt road where the fire had begun. He went back up alone and started making water drops.

Wagstaff, who is 48 and divorced, works for Idaho-based Kachina Aviation, and this was his third fire season in San Diego County. He is assigned to the Ramona Air Attack Base from May through November.

The first sign that something was wrong came across Chaney's radio. He could hear people screaming.

“I got a burnover situation on the Harris fire,” Rapue said from the trapped engine.

“OK, sir. I understand your situation,” Chaney said. “We're comin' to get you.”

In the background, Chaney heard more screams. He radioed Wagstaff, and less than a minute later, the pilot spotted someone wearing a yellow firefighter's jacket, beneath all the smoke.

“I asked the captain on the other end of the radio to wave to me, and sure enough, he waved,” Wagstaff said.

Wagstaff inched his copter closer, but a thick cloud of smoke was blowing toward its nose. He pulled up into clearer air, then dropped down as the smoke cleared.

Rapue radioed Wagstaff again. The captain said someone was missing from his crew.

From his window, Wagstaff saw that one of the people below – it turned out to be Thomas Varshock – was wrapped in a silver rescue blanket. He told Rapue to remove the blanket so it wouldn't blow into the helicopter's blades.

Wagstaff squeezed the copter down about 150 yards from the fire engine. One of the copter's blades hung over a chain-link fence. Another touched some burnt brush. Four burned survivors climbed into the aircraft.

“I looked back, and they were all helping each other,” Wagstaff said.

Varshock was dead. Pikop was missing, and Rapue figured he was dead, too. Wagstaff made sure the door was locked, then lifted off. The rescue, from the time he got the call until he took off, had taken about two minutes.

Chaney, still watching and directing, told Wagstaff to fly the injured passengers to a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection station about a half mile away. Then Wagstaff took off again to find Pikop.

Cal Fire Capt. Carl Schwettmann Jr. also was searching for Pikop. The flames had moved west, and Schwettmann steered his white Cal Fire pickup into what was left of Potrero.

The smoke was lifting, giving everyone a clearer view of the scorched earth and the burned homes. Schwettmann radioed Wagstaff and said he had found Pikop.

Within seconds, Wagstaff picked up his last passenger and headed to the fire station.

By then, Richard Varshock was being flown to UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest. After Pikop was reunited with his crew, the firefighters were flown there, too.

Pikop and Rapue, who are sharing a room in the hospital, were listed in fair condition. The two firefighters who haven't been identified remained in critical condition, as did Richard Varshock.

Since the day of the rescue, Wagstaff hasn't had much time to think about his dramatic rescue. Once everyone was safe, he flew back to the Harris fire and dropped water until 6 p.m.

After yesterday's news conference, he went back to work again.

Strong showing for local runner

By Kevin Parnell - Kelowna Capital News - October 28, 2007

Kelowna runner Paul Macklem, here in the annual Beach to Peak race, was third out of 199 runners in the Detroit Half Marathon last weekend.

by Randy Werger/Contributor

Having grown up in Windsor, Ontario, Kelowna resident Paul Macklem had always wanted to race in the nearby Detroit Marathon.
Now Macklem can scratch that accomplishment off his list of things to do.
But Macklem, 52, didn’t participate in the half-marathon portion of the Detroit Marathon just to say he did it. He was looking for a solid placing in the event, which featured close to 16,000 runners taking part in the marathon, half marathon and five kilometre runs and took place last weekend.
“I’m competitive by nature,” said Macklem this week, after returning from Detroit. “I probably shouldn’t be at my age but it’s fun. I had a time in mind and I thought if I could achieve that time I could place OK.”
And OK he did. In fact Macklem was quicker than he thought, finishing under his time goal. His time placed him third in the male 50 to 54 age category in a field of 199 runners in his category. More impressive, he was also 43rd overall out of 4,700 runners that ran the half-marathon.
The Detroit Marathon is unique in that it crosses the international border between Canada and the United States twice. Runners head over the Ambassador Bridge which links Detroit and Windsor and return to the U.S. in the Detroit Windsor tunnel, underneath the Detroit River.
“It brought back a lot of memories,” said Macklem. “When I was a kid I spent time in Detroit going to sporting event and concerts. Just being there was interesting and exciting. I’ve never been in a race with that many people.”
“Having 16,000 people competing for 250 porta potties was very enlightening,” he joked.
Macklem has been running for some twenty years and this year has placed first in his age category in the annual Beach to Peak Race as well as the Campus to Campus Marathon. Now the director of financial services at the City of Kelowna, he has been with the city for 19 years and runs five times per week with the Kelowna Running Club.
Married with two children, Macklem says the Detroit Marathon was probably a once in a lifetime experience.

kparnell@kelownacapnews.co

Local runners show well in cross-country race series

October 26, 2007

Kelowna’s Melanie Bos was the first woman to cross the finish line in Sunday’s Larry Nicholas Memorial 9K in a time of 38 minutes 13 seconds.

by Randy Werger/Contributor

Four Kelowna runners cracked the top 10 in the third cross country race of the season on the Interior Running Association series.
Trevor Haaheim was the top local finisher in the Larry Nicholas Memorial 9K on Sunday at Mission Creek Park taking third overall in 32 minutes 51 seconds.
It ended Haaheim’s two-year hold on the event which he won in 2005 and 2006.
No one could catch Penticton’s Jeff Symonds who set the pace in the 89-athlete field with a time of 30: 24. Vernon’s Stephen Lowry was second in 31:28.
Kelowna’s Rory Switzer won the men’s 40 to 49 age division and placed fifth overall.
Gary Wade was seventh in 34:34, while Chad Ulansky took ninth overall in 35:00 to round out Kelowna’s representation in the top 10.
Melanie Bos was the top Kelowna woman to cross the line in 38:13, good for 19th overall and first in the women’s 30 to 39 age group. Kathleen Wood of Kelowna was right behind in 20th in 38:48.
Results for other local athletes included: John Machuga, 11th in 35:30; Carlos Capela, 14th in 37:00; Dirk Handke, 17th in 37:48; Mark Fromberg, 23rd in 39:21; Shannon Thompson, 25th in 39:59; Justin Nicholas, 27th in 40:26; John Wickenheisen, 28th in 40:28; and Alex Harvie, 29th in 40:32.
Other local age group winners were: Dan Crockett, Kelowna, first in the men’s 60 to 69 division in 41:51; and Astrid Varga, Westbank, first in the women’s 50 to 59 in 46:05.
The next cross country event on the IRA series is the Summerland 8K this coming Sunday.
For more information, visit www.interiorrunning.ca.
In other running news, Kelowna’s Paul Macklem completed the Detroit Half Marathon on Sunday.
He placed 43rd overall out of more than 4,700 runners and was third in the 50 to 54 men’s age grouping

Kelowna runners atop the field

October 19, 2007

Dirk Handke was one of seven Kelowna runners to win his
overall season age title on the 2007 Interior Road Race series.

by Randy Werger/Contributor

Kelowna runners left a heavy footprint on the 2007 Canadian Tire Interior Road Race series.
Local athletes won seven overall age group titles, while another eight placed in the the top three of
their respective divisions.
Dirk Handke, who was the only Kelowna runner to compete in all 13 races of the season series,
won the men’s 40 to 44 age division as well as the Iron Leg award for participation.
Here’s a look at how local runners fared in the season standings:

M 30-34 2nd place—Adam Elliot
M 35-39 2nd place—Steve Fairhurst
M 40-44 1st place—Dirk Handke
M 45-49 1st place—Ivan McKnight
M 50-54 3rd place—John Wichenheisen
M 55-59 3rd place—Keith Burton
M 65-69 3rd place—Bill Stephens
F 20-29 1st—Shannon Thompson
F 30-34 1st—Tracie Green
F 30-34 2nd—Martha Sirdevan
F 40-44 2nd—Caroline Raine
F 50-54 1st—Cindy Rhodes
F50-54 2nd—Lauralee Welder
F 55-59 1st —Astrid Varga
F 60-64 1st—Diane Leonard
Merritt’s Hans Aabye dominated the series, competing in all thirteen races, setting two course records,
posting nine overall wins and twelve age category wins.
Mel Doherty from Kamloops completed all 13 races again this year stretching his series participation to
177 consecutive races in the IRA series.
Awards will be handed out at the annual IRA banquet to be hosted by the Kelowna Running Club on November 17.

Tremblay takes OIM from Haaheim

Nancy Gillis/Contributor

Kaleden’s Scott Tremblay raises his arms in victory after crossing the finish line first on Sunday at the Okanagan International Marathon. Defending champion Trevor Haaheim of Kelowna was the runner-up.

Oct 10 2007

Kaleden’s Scott Tremblay has ended hometown favorite Trevor Haaheim’s one-year grasp on the Okanagan International Marathon.
Tremblay covered the 42.2 km course through the streets of Kelowna on Sunday morning to win the 13th edition of the OIM in two hours, 38 minutes, 27 seconds.
Haaheim settled for second best to Tremblay finishing 73 seconds back at 2:39:40.
The two runners kept each other within striking distance for much of the race, but Tremblay finally pulled away over the last two kilometres.
“I ran as hard as I could for the day,” said Haaheim, 35. “I was running on borrowed time the last 10 km and I just don’t think I quite had the fitness.
“Scott’s a nice runner and he set a pace that I couldn’t quite hang on to.”
It was the first year the race had been run entirely north of Highway 97 due to construction of the new bridge and the absence of the bridge tunnel. The runners had to make two loops of the course which ran from City Park to the Glenmore area and back again.
Haaheim, who won last year’s marathon in 2:38:33, has been a contender the last several years finishing second in 2005 and sixth in 2003.
Tremblay, 33, who was third in Kelowna in 2004, is a national-class triathlete who finished 19th overall earlier this summer at Subaru Ironman Canada in Penticton.
Kelowna’s Martin McMahon turned in his best overall finish at the OIM taking fourth place in 2:57:58. McMahon also took first out of 106 competitors in the men’s 40 to 49 age division.
The top female finisher was Calgary’s Christy Lovig at 3:14:23.

Other results for Central Okanagan runners include:
Steve Fairhurst (30-39), 36th in 3:18:47; Kurt Innes (30-39), 50th in 3:25:08 (chip time 3:21:33); Kyle Lunman (20-29), 65th in 3:29:49 (chip time 3:27:20); Daryl Spencer (40-49), 71st in 3:30:39; Randy Werger (40-49), 85th in 3:33:37 (chip time 3:31:35).
Kelowna’s Joanne Marees (40-49) was the top female finisher among local athletes taking 107th place in 3:39:06, while Ellen Boelcke was 117th overall and seventh out of 80 in the women’s 40-49 group.

In the 21.1 km (half marathon) event , Surrey’s Mark Sherman took first place in a time of 1:14:30.
Three-time marathon winner Sergio Pio of Penticton was second in 1:16:08, while Jeff Krar of Calgary was third in 1:18:16.
Taylor Lick was the top Kelowna finisher taking fifth—and first in the men’s under 20 class—in 1:22:49.
Kathleen Wood of Kelowna was the first woman to cross the line in the 21.1 km event in 1:26:23.

Other results for local athletes include: William Running, Kelowna, eighth overall and first in the men’s 20-29 division in 1:26:01; Howard Davidson, 13th overall in 1:26:44; Tim Dickinson, 25th overall and first in the men’s 50-59 age group in 1:30:22; Bill Justus, 34th in 1:32:27; Shannon Thompson, 43rd and third out of 190 c competitors in the women’s 20-29 in 1:33:36; Caroline Raine, 45th in 1:34:03; and Cheryl Bjorgan, 48th in 1:34:58.

In the 10 km event., Edmonton’s Kevin Masters posted the best time at 34:59. Jonathan Bird of Calgary was second in 35:29, while Kevin Lindland of Calgary was third in 37:37.
The top Kelowna runner was Andrew Corcoran who was sixth overall in 41:37.
Kim McCrea was the fastest local woman finishing 11th in 44:24.
In the marathon wheelchair category, Jim Hudec of Salmo was first in 2:17:11, with Kelowna’s Paul Clark second in 2:25:19.
Between the marathon, 21.1 km, 10 km, and walking races, more than 2,500 people finished the various events at the OIM.

Defense of OIM title a challenge for Haaheim

Kelowna’s Trevor Haaheim will be back to defend his title on Sunday
at the 2007 Okanagan International Marathon.

By Warren Henderson
Staff Reporter

Oct 05 2007

When it comes to being physically and mentally prepared to run a big race, Trevor Haaheim said he’s seldom felt better.
But the 35-year-old runner from Kelowna isn’t making any assumptions about the odds of defending his title this Sunday at the Okanagan International Marathon. “There could be 10 guys that show up who are capable of running 2:25 or 2:30, you just never know what’ll happen,”
said Haaheim. “I could end up 20th.
“You can’t control what other runners do. But I am feeling better than other years, so we’ll see how it goes.”
One runner Haaheim won’t have to contend with this year is Vernon’s Trevor Jordan. Haaheim out dueled Jordan in a head-to-head battle in 2006 to win by a margin of 21 seconds in two hours, 38 minutes, 33 seconds.
Haaheim was second in the OIM 2005 and sixth in 2003.
For Haaheim and the other 800-plus runners who are expected to compete in the marathon, the course will have a drastically different look than in past years. Due to the bridge construction, the 42.2-km route is set up entirely north of Highway 97.
In the past, most of the race was run south of Harvey Avenue.
This time, the runners will make two loops of the course which begins in City Park, winds from downtown through Glenmore on High, Valley, Curtis, Mail and Longhill Roads, then back to City Park again.
“It’s a more picturesque, more scenic course than the last one,” said race manager Tom Keough. “There’s a gradual climb up into the (Glenmore) area, then about the last nine kilometres coming back in there’s a bit of a downhill grade, so the runners should be just smoking at the end of each loop.” From at least one runner’s perspective, two loops of the same course can create a few challenges.
Kelowna’s Martin McMahon, who was ninth overall in last year’s OIM in 2:50:52, expects this year’s run to be a bigger test, at least from a mental standpoint.
“I think it’ll be a little harder psychologically,” said McMahon, who won the Campus to Campus race this spring in Kelowna. “When you do double loops, you see the same parts of the course twice. You want more change in a long race like that.
“But it’s still a nice race regardless of the course. I’m really looking forward to it again.”
Whether McMahon expects the new route to actually prevent him from bettering last year’s time apparently isn’t up for discussion.
“I’ve got a goal but I’m keeping it private,” McMahon, 43, said with a laugh. “That way, no matter how I do I can play it however I want when it’s over.”
In addition to the marathoners, more than 1,600 people have signed up for the 21.1 km event (half marathon) while another 550 are registered for the 10 km race.
Another 200 or so people will also be walking one of the three courses for a total of more than 3, 000 entrants on Sunday.
The weekend’s festivities begin Saturday with the Friendship Walk/Run at 9 a.m. followed by the BMO Kids Run for Kids at noon.
On Sunday, the 21.1 km race starts at 7 a.m., the Excel 10k goes at 7:30, and the marathon starts at 8 a.m.
Next year, organizers will be adding a five-kilometre event.
“In addition to the competitive aspect, we really want this to be a recreational event with more and more people coming out and getting active,” said Keough. “Whether it’s running or walking, we want to cover all the distances so everyone—kids, parents, grandparents—can all come out and be a part of it.”

For more information or to volunteer, call 762-7677, or visit: www.okanaganmarathon.ca.
whenderson@kelownacapnews.com

Sep 28 2007
Haaheim?s bid for a fourth title comes up short

Oliver?s Steven Murrenbeeld prevented Kelowna?s Trevor Haaheim from winning his fourth title in five seasons in the last race of the year on the Interior Running Association?s road series.
Murrenbeeld completed the 14 km course in Sunday?s Beach to Peak race from Gyro Beach in Kelowna to Quail?s Gate Estate Winery in 50 minutes and 21 seconds.
Haaheim was second in 51:18.
The race, which has been called Peak to Peak, Peak to Beak and Peak to Pyramid in the past, was shortened up by about four kilometres this fall because of the bridge construction.
Haaheim won the event in 2003, 2004, and 2006, while placing second in 2005.
Haaheim also won last year?s Okanagan International Marathon.
Hans Aabye of Merritt was third in 52:35.
Kelowna?s Cindy Rhodes was the top female finisher in taking 12th overall in 1:02:33.
Kelowna?s Rory Switzer was fifth overall and first in the men?s 45 to 49 group in 53:23, while Gary Wade was sixth in 56:27.
Joe Wessell won the men?s 30 to 34 group and was seventh overall in 58:07, Dirk Handke was eighth in 59:23, and Steve Fairhurst rounded out the top 10 in 1:00:28.
Other age group winners from the Central Okanagan were: Paul Macklem, first in the men ?s 50 to 54 and 11th overall in 1:01:34; Tracie Green, in the women?s 30 to 34 in 1:03:23; Shannon Thompson in the women?s 20 to 29 in 1:03:44; Leane Marton in the women?s 35 to 39 in 1:11:34; Astrid Varga in the women?s 55 to 59 division in 1:15:00; Diane Leonard in the women?s 60 to 64 group in 1:16:24; Anna Yuill, first in the women?s 16 to 19 in 1:32:38.

Sep 21 2007
Kelowna triathlete tops 35-39 age group in Washington event

Contributed

Kelowna?s Biggi Weischedel (right) and Pascal Sutherland were among the top finishers in their respective age groups in the half iron at the Grand Columbian Triathlon last weekend.

Kelowna's Biggi Weischedel set the pace for her age group in the half iron at the Grand Columbian Triathlon last weekend in Grand Coulee, Wash.
Weischedel captured top honours in the women's 35 to 39 age group, completing the 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride, and 21 km run in five hours, 28 minutes, 15 seconds.
That was good enough for 10th place among women competitors and 56th overall.
Another Kelowna athlete, Pascal Sutherland, was second in the men's 30 to 34 age group in 5:08:28.
Sutherland placed 28th overall out of 295 racers. Due to heavy smoke from a nearby fire, organizers decided to change the course the day before the race.
"It was a tough race," said Weischedel, who races for Team Stay Put.
?The run turned into a more challenging course with rolling hills and the bike course was also changed.
"The bike includes the Almira Grade, a very steep climb up to a mesa (plateau).
?On the plateau the headwinds and tough rollers kept our legs turning.
?Most roads we rode on were very rough so that our bodies took a beating," said Weischedel.

Boe, Pommier lead locals at the Ironman

Randy Werger/Contributor

Kelowna’s Ken Pommier heads for home at Ironman Canada Sunday in Penticton.
Pommier, who finished the race in 10 hours, 37 minutes, 23 seconds was second
only to Ken Boe (10:34:24) among Central Okanagan finishers.

Aug 29 2007

Ken Pommier won’t forget his first Ironman Canada anytime soon. In fact, the Kelowna man ranks Sunday’s triathlon in Penticton as one of the definitive highlights of his 44 years on the planet. “It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done,” Pommier said on Monday, admitting he was a little sore from the previous day’s activities. “I have a big grin on my face. Everybody in this community gets so involved and they’re so supportive, they make you feel like a rock star for a day.” Pommier finished the 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride and 42 km run in 209th place overall out of more than 2,500 competitors. His time of 10 hours, 37 minutes, 23 seconds placed Pommier 34th out of 393 athletes in the men’s 40 to 44 age group and second among all Central Okanagan competitors. The first Kelowna triathlete to cross the finish line on Sunday was Ken Boe in a time of 10:34:24. Boe, 46, was 189th overall and 16th out of 296 men in the 45 to 49 group. Ackland, New Zealand’s Kieran Doe was the overall winner of the 2007 Ironman in 8:32:45, while Penticton’s Jonathan Caron took second in 8:39:59. Canadian pro Lisa Bentley of Caledon, Ont., won the women’s title for a third time in 9:41:01. The first Kelowna woman to cross the finish line was Kathleen Wood who was 14th out of 150 athletes in the 35 to 39 age group and 497th overall in 11:17:34. Other results for Central Okanagan athletes included: Chris Ovelson, 228th in 10:40:33; Sean Orb, 240th in 10:41:52; Curtis Schreiber, 341st in 10:56:44; Steven Sharpe, 525th in 11:21:58; David Anderson in 11:40:58; Tanya Traverse in 11:48:25; Janine Benson in 11:50:23; Chris Wilson in 11:53:29; Ian McKee in 12:07:26; Stuart Dolbel seventh in the men’s 60 to 64 category in 12:09:09; Ellen Boelcke in 12:11:26; Tonya Haines in 12:12:16; Dean Clutterbuck in 12:12:47; Andrew Dartnell in 12:29:57; Dale Patterson in 12:36:36; Gordon Zimmerman in 12:42:45; Doug Nicholas in 12:44:08; Linda Lovig in 12:47:35; Paul Plocktis in 12:56:38; Hayley Boucher in 13:04:13; Stephen Pope in 13:05:26; Andrea Brygin in 13:09:48; Darren Banting in 13:13:01; Chris Beausoleil in 13:25:38; Tina Kristiansen in 13:26:51; Shelley Would in 13:30:58; Shane Driscoll in 13:33:28; Eric Peemoeller in 13:41:31; Kim McCombie in 13:56:35; Darren Milaney in 13:59:18; Kim Froom in 14:01:07; Amanda Henzie in 14:04:33; Pam Moore in 14:14:26; Darren Umeris in 14:29:29; Crystal Flaman in 14:33:40; Lewis McCombie in 14:46:11; Kristoffer Grain in 14:54:39; Tony Lonergan in 15:05:35; Brad Lohmeier in 15:20:46; Brian Lundy in 15:26:29; James Brodie in 15:33:55; Bronnie Hautala in 15:54:26; Jeffrey Maxwell in 15:55:44; Bobbi Driscoll in 16:37:55; Pelma Haffenden in 16:46:06; and Sharon Lonergan (Iron Spirit Award winner) in 16:52:38.

Sep 12 2007
Kelowna quintet dominate top 10 finishers at IRA event

Rory Switzer led a contingent of five Kelowna runners who finished in the top 10 at the latest stop on the Interior Running Association series.
Switzer was fourth overall and first in the men's 45 to 49 age group at the Bike Barn 10 K on Sunday in Penticton in 35 minutes, 56 seconds.
Merritt's Hans Aabye was the overall winner in 34:24, his third straight victory on the IRA series.
Adam Elliot was sixth in 36:52, Chad Ulansky finished eighth in 38:12, Ivan McKnight was ninth in 39:19, while Dirk Handke was 10th in 39:38. Steve Fairhurst was 12th in 39:41.
The top local woman was Kelowna's Martha Sirdevan who was 16th overall and first in the women's 30 to 34 division in 41:36.
Tracie Green was 17th in 41:43, while Cindy Rhodes was 18th and first in the women's 50 to 54 age group in 41:50. Rhodes has won eight age group titles this season.
John Wickenheisen rounded out the top 20 in 42:23.
Caroline Raine captured the women's 40 to 44 age group and was 21st overall in 42:32.
Other age group winners from the Central Okanagan were: Shannon Thompson (20 to 29) 22nd overall in 42:52; Astrid Varga (55 to 59) in 46:18; Sally Heinrick (45 to 49) in 46:40; and Diane Leonard (60 to 64) in 49:44.
The next and final race of the series is the Beach to Beak September 23 in Kelowna. Information on the event can be found on the IRA page or at the Kelowna Running Club web site at http://business.silk.net/krc.
Two Kelowna runners competed in the Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon on Sunday. Norm Drake finished the 21 km race in 1:34:33, while Katherine Hickman crossed the line in 2:29:26.

Aug 24 2007
Kelowna runners make strong showing in Salmon Arm

Three Kelowna runners cracked the top 10 at the latest event of the Interior Running Association's 2007 series.
Adam Elliot led the Central Okanagan contingent taking fifth place overall at the Raven Run 10 k on Sunday morning in Salmon Arm with a time of 40 minutes 33 seconds.
Dirk Handke was eighth in 41;24, while Randy Werger won the 45 to 49 age group in 41:40 and placed 10th overall.
Hans Aabye from Merritt continued his domination of the series completing the 10 k route in 36:50.
This Raven Run is arguably the toughest race in the series with its steep downhill start followed by several steep inclines and an undulating, but down hill finish.
Cindy Rhodes from Kelowna was the top female finisher with a time of 44:15, first in the women's 50 to 54 division and 20th overall.
The next race in the IRA series is the Bike Barn 10 km in Penticton on Sept.9.
With only two races left in the 2007 IRA series, these Kelowna Running Club members lead the series in their age groups: Dirk Handke M 40-44; Ivan McKnight M 45-49; Tracie Green F 30-34; Cindy Rhodes F 50-54; and Astrid Varga F 55-59.

Aug 19 2007
Buddies help each other compete in 100 mile races

Kevin Parnell/Capital News

Ultra marathoners Shirlee Ross (left) and Janice Page completed the Stormy 100 in Squamish last weekend in 28.5 hours.

By Kevin Parnell Sports Reporter

Duo watch out for each other through most

difficult of races.

Spending nearly 30 hours with your closest friend at your side might create some tension even within the tightest of pals.
Try running trails for 100 miles with that friend.
Shirlee Ross and Janice Page did just that this past weekend and the twosome never quarreled. In fact the pair helped each other finish the grueling Stormy 100, the third ultra marathon they have run together.
The two Kelowna moms were in Squamish running the ultra marathon: A 100 mile cross country race that took them 28.5 hours to complete.
They were two of just three women competing in the race and they completed it together.
"It's wonderful to have someone to do it with because you have to run through the night," said Ross, 39. "It was a first year race and you don't know exactly where the course goes."
Ultra marathons are a test of endurance and fitness. The Stormy 100 in Squamish started at 10 a.m. last Friday and ended Saturday afternoon for the pair. Having someone to run with provides motivation, said Page.
"Shirlee and I are lucky because we run well together," said Page, 51. "If we are hurting or having a hard time we know we can depend on each other. I look forward to doing a 100 miler with her. I know we will get though it."
Completing the race was never in question for Ross and Page. Both have completed a half dozen of the 100 milers and both say they will continue to run them.
"It's definitely a challenge," said Page. "I've never got to the point where I've thought I'm not going to finish. Physically and mentally you have to stay strong. I always think this will be my last ultra but within a day or two I'm thinking which one am I going to do next."
Ross, who late this week still couldn't get her shoes on because of painful blisters she suffered in the race, said the challenge of testing yourself and your body is the reason she likes the ultra marathons.
"I believe when we make ourselves uncomfortable and challenge ourselves, that's when we grow as a person," she said. "It's a huge accomplishment to say that you didn't give up."
The Stormy 100 in Squamish was a relatively small ultra marathon. But Ross says she is gearing up for a big year next year when she hopes to tackle some of the larger and more popular ultras, held in the United States.
And it's more than likely that when they do enter another long endurance race, they will do it together.
"I'm comfortable with how Shirlee runs and how positive she stays," said Page. "I think we're getting smarter at it but I don't know if we're getting faster."
Ross also wants to see the partnership continue.
"Janice has a real steel will, there is something about it that helps me get through the race," she said.
kparnell@kelownacapnews.com

Jul 22 2007
Crockett does Knee Knacker under 7 hours

Sean Connor/Capital News

Dan Crockett set a new record in the men's 60-plus division at the Knee Knackering North Shore 50-kilomtere Trail Run last weekend.

By Bobbi-Sue Menard capital news contribut

For his 60th birthday, Dan Crockett decided to take on the gnarliest 30-mile trail run in Canada.
Last Sunday, Crockett shaved 20 minutes off his age group record for a finishing time of six hours, 41 minutes in the 2007 edition of the Knee Knackering North Shore Trail Run.
Crockett feels he just completed his best race yet.
The annual ultra marathon is considered one of the top 25 runs in North America for difficulty. "You have to maintain focus the entire way," said Crockett. "It's rooty, rocky and bumpy. There was snow on the trail this year. It was real difficult from start to finish."
The Knee Knacker rises straight up Black Mountain at the start, and it is grueling. Every year there are competitors who do not finish under the 10 hour cutoff. This year's event was held in sweltering, humid 28 C coastal heat. "I was drenched with sweat," said Crockett. "It was a different heat than we get here in the Okanagan."
Crockett started running long distance races 10 years ago at the age of 50. He runs primarily long trail distances having now run 15 ultra marathons and 15 road marathons. His races have ranged anywhere from 5k to 100 miles.
"I find that I am better at the longer distances: 50K or longer seems better to me," explained Crockett.
Ultra-marathons require an entirely different strategy than traditional distance road marathons.
"This is different," said Crockett. "You can't just show up and run. This takes planning, the clothes, the right equipment. If you do it right it all comes together."
His strategy includes walking early in the race, drinking bottle after bottle of water, and eating power bars and gels, even peanut butter and banana sandwiches, "You've gotta be eating and drinking the whole time or you won't finish," said Crockett.
Crockett loves the ultra-marathon. "I don't like running roads. Regular marathons are my nemesis. They hurt worse, there is no pleasure in them for me, just the pleasure of finishing."
Twice a week Crockett heads out to train for what he really enjoys. "My pleasure for the week is my trail run. It is my get away, my stress release."
In Crockett's 10-year racing career, he has run the Knee Knacker four times. "I had not run the race since 2000. When I hit 60, I thought I should do it again. I saw the record for the age group and thought I could do better than that."
This year was the race of Crockett's career. "I usually don't run so smart. I was focused and disciplined and that counts a whole lot." Crockett feels he ran a conservative race, and finished feeling great and knowing he had the record in the bag.
Crockett doesn't rule out running the Knee Knacker again, "I still think I can run faster. I think I have my best running still ahead of me. I am still learning."
Two other Kelowna athletes completed the Knee Knacker run last weekend.
In other results: Margaret Scott finished seventh in the women's 50 to 59 age group in 9:04:24, while Shannon Wilford was 18th in the women's 40 to 49 division in 9:08:39.

Switzer leads the way in Princeton to Coalmont 18.5 K

Bos top Kelowna runner at Scorched Sole

Switzer top Kelowna runner at Peach Half

Interior running

Local runners do us proud

Amazing event for participating Kelowna runners

Wessel fifth in Oliver 10K running race

Kelowna runner holds on to early lead in half marathon

Hunt sets the standard in Penticton run

Clerke fastest local runner at Interior road race event

Switzer 2nd in half Vancouver
February 15, 2008

Four B.C. principals recognized for outstanding work

Vancouver Sun
Published: Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Local runners do well in Sacramento

In minutes, pilot rescued 5 from Harris fire

Strong showing for local runner

Local runners show well in cross-country race series

Kelowna runners atop the field

Switzer leads the way in Princeton to Coalmont 18.5 K

Bos top Kelowna runner at Scorched Sole

Switzer top Kelowna runner at Peach Half

Interior running

Local runners do us proud

Amazing event for participating Kelowna runners

Wessel fifth in Oliver 10K running race

Kelowna runner holds on to early lead in half marathon

Hunt sets the standard in Penticton run

Clerke fastest local runner at Interior road race event

Switzer 2nd in half Vancouver February 15, 2008

Four B.C. principals recognized for outstanding work

Vancouver Sun Published: Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Local runners do well in Sacramento

In minutes, pilot rescued 5 from Harris fire

Strong showing for local runner

Local runners show well in cross-country race series

Kelowna runners atop the field

Switzer 2nd in half Vancouver
February 15, 2008

Vancouver Sun
Published: Tuesday, January 08, 2008