This article was published on September 29th, 2013
In the three days leading up to the 2nd annual Surrey International World Music Marathon news reports and race officials were consistent in their message, runners are tough and hardcore. Despite threats for a major storm rolling in off the Pacific ocean, the race got underway.
The first out of the gate were the full marathon runners. They got underway right at 7:30am. Of the 212 people who had signed up, only 189 participated in the race. First to cross the line was Tatsuya Hatachi of Coquitlam at 2:47:18, followed by Vancouver’s David Papineau at 2:59:21. Third place marathon finisher and first female to cross the line was Rika Hatachi, also of Coquitlam at 2:59:41. The marathon route was two laps of the half marathon route.
Although the half marathon group was much larger, with 818 people participating, almost 20% of the registered racers didn’t show up to run the race, most likely scared off by a few drops of rain.
David Jackson of Abbotsford flew across the finish line at 1:11:14, followed by Surrey’s very own Drew Nicholson at 1:14:55. Lucy Smith of Sidney was the first female to cross the finish at 1:20:32.
This years route was noticeably flatter, despite some very long and steady uphill climbs. The new route still travelled through many of Surrey’s neighbourhoods and parks, but for the safety of volunteers and runners, did not include as many high-traffic roads. The event get’s it’s name because each mile of the half marathon course is dedicated to a country or region of music from around the world, with one or more music stations set-up along the mile.
There were also half and full marathon relay options for participants, along with 8km and kids races. Organizers, who were mindful of the threat of inclement weather, moved the post-race events indoors to Surrey Central.
Overall, the 2nd annual Surrey International World Music Marathon was well executed. The organizers and volunteers did a great job at ensuring the event was well executed and safety was high priority.
It’s a great early-fall race, especially for those who are ramping up for a busy fall race calendar. For what its worth, this race also has some of the biggest bling of any half marathon in the region.
Personal Results:
After taking the entire summer off running, this was my first race, with essentially no training. The results speak for themselves; it is possible to fake a half marathon!
- Overall: 158/ 818
- Gun Time: 1:53:38
- Chip Time: 1:52:29
- Halfway Time: 52:50
- Average Pace: 5:20
- Male 30-34: 24/48
- Male Overall: 128/420
