+ Gutbuster - trail running series +


	TEAM WINNERS 8km Course - The 8 Dirty Runners take home their third team victory of the season! Half Course - PIH Gravity Gratification (Kevin Searle, Eric McCormick, Sandy Stewart, and Gary Duncan) beat out the Ceevacs and the PIH GG II. * Detailed Team Results * Both teams won a Sunset Paddle Tour with Alberni Outpost. Thanks Richard for donating the great prize!

	The GutBuster is proud to support the: www.runnersofcompassion nanaimo.com Runners of Compassion is a registered non-profit charitable organization whose members participate as a group to raise awareness of and provide funding for social and charitable causes. Runners of all levels and ability are invited to join the Nanaimo Chapter of Runners of Compassion. Founded in Victoria in 1998, Runners of Compassion has since proivided funding for many causes in that region and abroad. Our Objectives are: to promote awareness of local and global social issues; to provide support to local and global charities through our financial and human resource capacity; to act as a resource base for fledgling or unsung charitable agencies; to support other charities through running-based activities OUR PHILOSOPHY We have made a commitment to improve our level of fitness and overall well-being through running. Furthermore, we are choosing to build on this commitment by helping to improve the lives of others. It is our intention to use running as a means to provide charitable support

POST RACE REPORT - GutBuster 005
July 9th, 2005
-- Westwood Lake, Nanaimo, BC

HALF MARATHON COURSE TESTS THE TRUE 'GUTS' OF TRAIL RUNNERS

FINAL RESULTS (pdf) PHOTOS by TONY AUSTIN COURSE MAP

The first half marathon of the Frontrunners GutBuster Trail Running Series was a big hit this weekend in Nanaimo, BC. A record turnout of 238 racers were on the start line for either the 8.6km or half marathon course. Racers from across Canada and the USA showed up to bust a gut on one of two spectacular course filled with great trails, scenic views, water crossings, and grassy fields.

Royd Burkart of Courtenay beat Port Moody's Ryan Bremner by nine seconds to take his first GutBuster title on the long course. Burkhart finished the 21.1 km course in 1:43:37. Marguerite Masson, 49, of Courtenay was the top female posting a time of 2:03:09 -- over four minutes faster than the next fastest female, Bobbie Jenson. In the 8.6km course, 40 year old, Ken Bragg of Vancouver crossed the line in 40:26. Erica Milligan of Victoria was the fastest female finishing in 44:00.

Here is a series of the day's best photos. Check out the full photo gallary by clicking here.

And they're off! -- photo by Tony Austin

Jennie Sprigings crosses the Chase River -- photo by Tony Austin

Jennie Sprigings leads a pack throug the untracked hydro right of way. Gerry Etcheverry follows closely but would soon have to stop as he stayed to help his friend, Louise Proulx, who hit the wall in a remote section of the course. -- photo by Tony Austin

Marcos Vega flew in from Edmonton, AB, just for the GutBuster -- photo by Tony Austin

Eric McCormick races his way to a third place finish and his first podium finish -- photo by Tony Austin

Kevin Searle of Shawnigan Lake flies through the Chase River and claws his way back to the front of the pack after going off course early in the race. Searle goes on to win his second Masters title of the season -- photo by Tony Austin

Slocan, BC's Genevieve Lachance on a fast section -- photo by Tony Austin

Shannon Hodge of Victoria -- photo by Tony Austin

GutBuster's new champion! Royd Burkhard from Courtenay goes on to win the race in 1:43:37 -- photo by Tony Austin

Ladies in Red -- photo by Tony Austinf

Steven Cook and Mark Allison from the Royal Roads Running Club finish all muddy -- photo by Tony Austin

The short course champ! Ken Bragg of Vancouver is all smiles after holding off Robbie Leather by a mere nine seconds! -- photo by Marc Cooney

Snowshoe running in the summer??? No, this wasn't part of the race, but it was a fun race during the awards ceremony for the great prizes like Adidas ruuners. The Yeti Snowshoe Race series will kick of at Mt. Washington on February 6th! -- Photo by Tony Austin


Big thanks to the Runners of Compassion for co-hosting this race! RoC- Nanaimo website

THE GUTBUSTER ORGANIZERS WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HELPED MAKE THE RACE A HUGE SUCCESS! * THE ENTIRE VOLUNTEER TEAM: What a great volunteer team we had for the first Half Marathon trail run in the GutBuster Series! Thanks to everyone for being part of a great day! Special thanks to Diana Marchand, Cornell Pirduceney, and Marc Campbell for being part of the core setup team! * CO-HOST CLUB: Runners of Compassion -- Thanks to all of the RoC members for coming out! Dan Brady, Stefan Jakobsen, and Normon Thibault -- Thanks for designing an amazing course! * RACERS: To the record crowd of 246 racers including those from AB, ON, PQ, NL, WA, Mass, & Arizona. * SPONSORS: Frontrunners, Adidas, 100.3 the Q!, Howard Johnson Hotels, Budget Car & Truck Rental, Vancouver Island Newsgroup, Carb-Boom, and Old Victoria Water Company. * PRIZE SPONSORS: Thanks to everyone who donated draw prizes which included entries to the Yvonne Vissor Massage Therepy, Howard Johnson, Safari Adventure Race, XTC Off-road tri, Adidas, Frontrunners, & The Yet, * LANDHOLDERS: Nanaimo Parks and Recreation, Morrell Nature Sanctuary, and Island Timberlands, & BC Hydro. Thanks for letting us run the race on your property! * SAFETY TEAM: Timonda Emergency Services and the Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association. You guys did a great job handling all medical situatitions!