Richmond Run Returns as 550 Racers Brave the Snow
The Richmond Run returned in a big way Sun., Jan 29.
Cold weather and an unexpected heavy snowfall did not stop the 550 runners from throughout the area who kicked off the 5k and 10k year by braving the cold temperatures.
It was the first Richmond Run since January 2020, as the last two were cancelled due to COVID-19.
“There was a lot of excitement in the running community about the return of this year’s Richmond Run,” commented Lisa Georges of Run Ottawa. “We had room for 550 runners, and the race sold out quickly.”
The gymnasium at South Carleton High School was used as a hub for the event. Runners could warm up and fuel up in the gym. After the event, they could warm up and get some much-needed nutrition. Many of the events sponsors also had booths set up in the gym.
Georges said most of the runners were local.
“We had a lot of local runners, as well as many throughout Ottawa,” she said. “There were some that came from out of town – like Kingston or Cornwall or Gatineau – but for the most part it is a local event.”
Georges said the weather has never been a factor in deterring runners. Three years ago, the temperatures were in the minus-20s for the race.
“The runners are excited to get the year started,” she said. “A lot of them use this run to see where they are at heading into the spring. A lot of runners use this run as part of their preparation for the Ottawa Race Weekend.
The Richmond Lions Club was manning the route as some roads were closed during the event.
Henry Wins 10k
Scott Henry sprinted out to the lead and was easily recognizable in running shorts and an old, tattered New Jersey Devils 1980s Viachaslav Fetisov jersey. Henry won the M40-49 category and was first overall in the 10k race in 36:58, nearly three minutes ahead of second place Michael Blois, who was first in the M50-59 category in 39:40.
Jean Francois Desjardins was third, winning the M30-39 division in 39:40.
Daniel Eddy was fourth in 40:07 and Mark Kassing was fifth in 40:11.
Alexandra Hynes was the top woman, finishing sixth overall and first in the F30-39 category in 40:19.
Jordan Grady was 10th overall and placed first in the M20-29 category in 42:19.
Erin Savoie was 17th overall and first in the F20-29 division in 44:23; Stephanie Gordon was 20th overall, first in F40-49 in 44:56; and Hamid Behnia was 22nd overall, and first M60-69 in 45:07. Dany Gagnon was first in the M0-19 division in 47:42, and Yvonne Mery was first in the F50-59 division in 49:13.
In the 5k race, Matias Del Rio Raetegui was first in 18:50. Charlie Mortimer was second in 18:53; Sam Shi was third in 19:03; Robin Bruneel was fourth in 20:39; Callum Fraser fifth in 20:44; Randy Cocek sixth in 21:43; Kayla Jones seventh in 22:07; Jason Kincaid eighth in 22:44; Bryan Dickie ninth in 22:53; and Will Richardson 10th in 22:53.
