3rd Annual GutBuster Trail Run on Mt. Tzouhalem

final results

The first race of the GutBuster Trail Running Series began on a chilly Spring day on Saturday, April 5th. Staged from the Shipyard Pub in Maple Bay, just outside of Duncan, on the steep slopes of Mt. Tzouhalem, a record 121 racers took part in what was easily the toughest GutBuster to date.

The challenging course designed by Sheron Chrysler and Joe Shuckles of the local CeeVacs Running Club was 10km+ long and included a 450m elevation gain on twisting single-track. The ascent was steep which, of course, translated into an incredibly fast downhill. Wipeouts were inevitable and many racers came through the finish line with bloody legs and arms.

The first male to cross the finish line was local racer Jason Sandquist, Duncan, with an impressive time of 57:27. Following Sandquist was Steve Bachop and Kelvin Broad, both from Victoria, with times of 59:10 & 59:17, respectively. Broad was also the winner of the masters male category.

The first female finisher was Sylvie Corbet from Calgary with a time of 1:03:52 and 10th overall. Claire Townsend was second with a time of 1:08:18, and Danielle Fisher, 1:12:19, third, both from Victoria.

In the masters male category, Broad was first; Myron Knippshield, Duncan, finished second with a time of 1:01:40. Gary Duncan, Victoria was third, 1:06:34.

In the masters female category, Patti McMullen of Duncan was first with a time of 1:17:11. Kelly Rose, Vancouver, was second 1:20:31, and Marion Allen, Victoria, was third with a time of 1:24:40.

The lone junior racer was 15 year old, Wyatt Bronson, of Duncan with a time of 1:30:27.

Winners went home with great prize packages from our generous sponsors: Adidas, Frontrunners-Nanaimo, Hammer Gel, The Zone @ 91.3, Shipyard Pub, GutBuster & MOMAR entries, chocolate bars from 7-11, and a weekend for two at the Howard Johnson Hotel.

Thanks again to all of our sponsors for their continued support: The Zone @ 91.3, 100.3 the Q, Adidas, Bad Dog Grrr-aphics, Howard Johnson Hotels, Old Victoria Water Co., Newsleader/Pictorial, Hammer Gel & E-Caps, 7-11, and Budget Car and Truck Rental.

Thanks to Mike and Lisa and all the staff at the Shipyard Pub for hosting the post-race lunch. Also, thanks to Shelia Neopole at the Maple Bay Marina for allowing us to use the marina for our staging area.

To all the landholders who allowed us access to their property: District of North Cowichan, Mr. & Mrs. Chapman, Maple Bay Marina, and Grosvenor and First National International.

Finally, a big thanks goes out to the 40+ volunteers who helped in making this race an amazing success. Special thanks to the Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Club, St. John Ambulance Brigade, and especially to the local CeeVacs Running Club for all their support throughout.


Final Results