Sunday's 33rd annual April Fool's Run drew a record 537 runners to the Sunshine Coast from the Lower Mainland and around the world to run what is considered one of the most beautiful yet challenging half marathon courses in the province.
Top finish went to Squamish's Jason Loutitt with a time of 1:11:21. Loutitt took second place in the 2008 Fool's run. After finishing the race, his breath barely heavier than an average person at rest, Loutitt said he was pleased with the win, even if his performance wasn't where he wanted it to be.
"My time was really slow. I was a little bit sick coming into this," he said.
The character of the Sunshine Coast make the Fool's Run a hit with marathoners, Loutitt said.
"They do a great job. I've ran races around the world, but when you see people come out of their houses to cheer you on - even when you're the first guy ahead of a big pack -you know it's a great neighbourhood."
The racecourse also impressed the experienced runner.
"I ran it two years ago, but you know what? You can't really remember those hills until you're back on them. Today I was on my own going "Wow, this is a good course."
Teresa Nightengale, who organizes the race along with her husband Larry, said this year's event went off like Murphey's Law in reverse -anything that can go right, did.
"Everyone has great things to say," Nightengale said after reading some feedback e-mails from the runners. "They all had great races. They loved it. We had a record turnout, no major problems, enough food, enough water. Everything went super well. Everyone's happy."
Part of the reason for the event's success over the last 33 years, Nightengale said, is the quality and commitment of the volunteers who help stage the race.
"Our volunteers get better every year," she said. "A lot of the runners comment how great the volunteers are. They're just so helpful and so positive and everyone's enjoying themselves and that really makes it a great experience for the runners."
And with a name like Fool's Run, one can expect some racers to be bringing an energy drink potency of fun to the race. Tim Adkins of Vancouver ran the entire 25.1 kilometres wearing a Darth Vader mask and cape. After finishing the race with an impressive time of 1:35:38, Adkins stayed in character to comment on how running the race in a mask affected his performance.
"I nearly overheated my Jedi mind, but it's not too bad," he said.
The top runner in the women's category was Vancouver's Katrina Driver finishing at 1:21:52.
"I love it. I think it's a really great course and I find it's really nice to have the down hills. It's a good race that's run really well," she said.
The top local finish came from Fool's Run veteran Owen Coombes who crossed the line at 1:25:34.
"I felt very good. I was hoping to [personal best] (PB) today but I was really happy. I did better than last year and it felt good," Coombes said.
But unlike other runners who take part in the Fool's run, Coombes keeps his half-marathon talent on the Coast.
"This is the one for the year and that's it. Cold turkey after this," he said.
The top local female finish came from Gibsons' Kimberly Doerksen, who also able to post a PB at 1:36:21.
"The race was good. My performance was good. My hamstrings are a bit sore but I can't really complain. It's a hard course so I thought I did well seeing as how I got a PB," she said,
