Mist, light rain, and cheering supporters made for quick finishes at the 2017 Totem to Totem this Saturday.
Dedicated to the memory of Jaylund Russ, who would have turned 19 on Sunday, the Run for Jay brought dozens of marathoners, half-marathoners, 10k runners, and walkers to the Kay Centre start line.
“Oh man, it was beautiful — eagles overhead, views of the water, perfect running weather,” said Dave Medicus, winner of the men’s marathon.
While planning a summer trip to Haida Gwaii from his high-altitude home in Littleton, Colorado, Medicus decided to make the Totem to Totem his second marathon of the year after running the Boston in April.
Now 46, it was his fourteenth marathon since 2001.
“I love it,” he said, smiling. “I used to smoke a pack of cigarettes a day and was 80 pounds heavier.”
“I stopped smoking and started running, and it turned into an obsession of sorts.”
Ooka Pineault was also smiling when she spoke to the Observer mid-race — Pineault set a personal best by setting out early and walking the entire 10 k route with her friend Tanisha Salomons.
“Some people are looking out their window and waving at me — I like that,” she said. “It’s going to motivate me to continue.”
“If can do a 10k today, why can’t I walk for 20 minutes every other day? That’s my goal,” she added, laughing.
“Well, I probably won’t stick to it, but it’s a thought!”