7,934 registered for marathon, half-marathon, 8K and kids run; first full marathon since 2019. Runners acknowledge the inspiration provided by the cheering crowds.
Teferi Kebede Balcha, an immigrant from Ethiopia, is getting used to the streets of his adopted hometown. The 41-year-old again shunted aside age to win the 2022 Royal Victoria Marathon on Sunday in two hours, 25 minutes, 26 seconds to follow up his victory in the Times Colonist 10K last spring.
“Every day in life is a marathon,” quipped the 28-year-old native of Edmonton, of her busy work and training schedule. “There were beautiful conditions out there,” said Russell, whose career victories include the 2012 Kelowna Apple Triathlon, 2012 ITU World Cup race in Magog, Que., 2014 Victoria Ironman 70.3 and the 2019 Island Race Series.Sally Crowther of Kirkland, Washington, won the women’s half-marathon in 1:16:48.
Thomas Broatch of Vancouver won the men’s 8K in 23:42. Courtney Brohart of Vancouver was women’s 8K champion in 27:41.