Despite a chilly start, the Dinosaur Half Marathon saw a strong number out for the annual event last Sunday morning.
The homegrown road race featuring a 5k Family run, the Encana 10K race and a half marathon, hit the course for the seventh straight year, and organizers are encouraged by the participation.
Race organizer Jens Madsen said this was the best year ever for registrations in the family walk and run.
“Our registration broke 500, we had close to 250 signed up in the 5k, more than 120 in the half and more than 130 in the 10K,” said Madsen. “That is the best 5K we had by a big margin.”
There was a strong contingent of local runners and from throughout Alberta as well as Saskatchewan. The second place finisher in the half marathon Luc Drolet skipped his home event in Canmore to run in Drumheller.
Winning the half marathon was Chan Yew Woo of Three Hills. Stephan Woodman of Airdrie posted the top 10K time and the fastest 5K runner was Seth Hopman, also of Airdrie.
The race was supported by a strong contingent of volunteers for all aspects of the race. Members of the Rotary Club were on course as marshals as well as volunteering in other capacities. The refreshment stations were loud and proud as they cheered on runners. Many racers remarked on the spirit of volunteers.
“The core of the race is volunteers,” said Madsen.
There was also great feedback on the course, which, as always, features the beauty of the badlands and the Red Deer River valet.
“We have a very special course.”
