Kelowna

Okanagan marathon results

Bill Everitt - Oct 12, 2014 / 3:22 pm | Story: 124667

Photo: Contributed

Men's champion Ryan Prachnau crosses the finish line.

New men's and women's champions were named at the 20th annual running of the BMO Okanagan Marathon Sunday.

Abbotsford runner Ryan Prachnau finished first to become the new marathon champion. Prachnau finished with a time of 2:39:36, his first time winning a marathon.

Edmonton’s Jason Britton placed second at 2:55:44 and Ryan Turner of Calgary placed third in a time of 2:56:39. Prachnau was excited to win his first ever BMO Okanagan Marathon, “I thought maybe there was a good chance for me to win. The first half of the race I felt really good, it was easy to stay on pace. It was the last 10k that was harder.” Prachnau adds, “It was a really great race and only my sixth marathon ever. The course was amazing, very scenic with great weather conditions, it made for a perfect race for me.”

In the women’s division, a new champion was also crowned when Edmonton’s Danielle Bourgeois finished the marathon in a time of 3:02:47. This was the 33-year-old lawyer’s second time winning a marathon, after her inaugural win in Edmonton in August. “It was warm and sunny and a super flat course. The cyclists leading me kept me on pace.”

Bourgeois placed second at the event last year, “I didn’t expect to win, but I’m so happy I did.” Bourgeois plans to mark the occasion by staying local, “This is Kelowna, so a winery tour is a great way to celebrate.”

Following in second place was Allison Blackmore of Calgary coming in at 3:05:38 and Edmonton’s Heather Kuzyk, running a time of 3:08:39.

Runners overall felt conditions were perfect on the day.

The men’s Half Marathon also saw a Penticton runner Jeffrey Symonds (pictured in orange jersey) reclaim the crown for a fourth time, finishing first at 1:13:09.

He was over the moon, “It was a great day to run, perfect weather conditions. I was extra motivated to win and defend my previous titles at my hometown race. I love this course, I felt good, solid the whole way through.” Spectators lined the course to cheer on the runners who experienced ideal conditions for running.

Placing second was Calgary runner Alistair Hill with a time of 1:14:23, followed by Nathan Champness of Kamloops in 1:18:09.

In first place for the women was Edmonton runner Jillian Brady with a time of 1:28:55. Brady was surprised to finish first, “I would never have expected to win. I loved all the support on the course.” Julie Compton of Vancouver finished second with a time of 1:29:19, and Edmonton’s Stephanie Matheson finished third at 1:33:15.

The 10K Men’s Run was won by 16-year-old Sean Bergman, who attends Kelowna Secondary School, in a time of 33:12. The Kelowna runner was optimistic about his chances from the get go. “I was expecting to win, right from the start I knew I could do it.” Jeff Vogt, also from Kelowna placed second in 36:02. First place in the women’s event went to Vernon’s Lori Youdell who ran a time of 42:08.

Wearing bib #100 former Kelowna resident Keith Parks, completed his goal of running his 100th marathon in a time of 3:29:11. Parks was thrilled to return to Kelowna, and run as a pace rabbit. He was emotional crossing the finish line, “I still remember my first marathon like it was yesterday. I never thought I could feel this awesome.” Parks was met enthusiastically by local runners and his family, “Wow, I didn’t think I’d get so emotional. This was 100 times better than my first.”

Representing The Sunshine Foundation was “Team Joshua” comprised of mom, Michelle Gentis, and her 13-year-old son Joshua, who lives with cerebral palsy. Together they finished the Half Marathon with Michelle pushing Joshua in a race wheelchair. Michelle was happy with her time of 2:02:21, “For me to get over 2 hours was really good. The more you run, the better you get.” Over the years, the event has raised more than $299,000 for the charity who has fulfilled dreams for 7,000 kids across Canada in its 27-year history. A number of other local clubs also took part, including Kelowna Hostesses, Kelowna Lioness Club, and the Orchard City Amateur Radio Club. Autism Okanagan raised funds from runner donations and provided over 25 volunteers.

Organizers say 3,000 participants took part in this weekend family festival and Boston qualifying event.

Saturday, October 11th, welcomed the Running Room’s Free Friendship Run, 5K, and the BMO ABC Kids’ Run with 260 youngsters completing their 1K event.

The DDT Drumline group, who has performed at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, as well as being asked to take part in the upcoming Grey Cup Festival in November, warmed up the crowds in honour of the 20th Anniversary of the event. Sunday featured the 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon. Runners came from all over Canada and the U.S., and as far away as Germany.

BMO Okanagan Marathon Final Results

Marathon Male

1st – Ryan Prachnau, Abbotsford, BC - 2:39:36

2nd – Jason Britton – Edmonton, AB - 2:55:44

3rd – Ryan Turner – Calgary, AB - 2:56:39

Marathon Female

1st – Danielle Bourgeois, Edmonton, AB – 3:02:47

2nd – Allison Blackmore, Calgary, AB – 3:05:38

3rd – Heather Kuzyk, Edmonton, AB – 3:08:39

21.1 km Half Marathon Male

1st – Jeff Symonds, Penticton, BC – 1:13:09

2nd – Alistair Hill, Calgary, AB – 1:14:23