KELOWNA – The BMO Okanagan Marathon has been running strong for 21 years. It’s become a signature fall event in Kelowna with close to 3,000 people from all over the country, the U.S., Europe and Cambodia in the valley to take part in the Boston-qualifying event.
“Temperatures were ideal, runners did face some headwinds out there but despite that all seem to be having some personal best times,” says marathon spokesperson John Stanton.
Kye Krall, 11, and seven of his family members spent their Thanksgiving Sunday kicking up their heals for the event.
“I’ve never been a running guy but my sister and my dad and my parents, they’re all trying to get me to do this so, I guess I did it,” says Krall who completed the 10 kilometre run.
There is also a half marathon and a full marathon option for runners taking part in the event at Kelowna’s city park.
“We are seeing youngsters here and they are discovering that coming to these events isn’t something to be daunted about and to be afraid of. It’s about t-shirts, it’s about food, it’s about fun,” says Stanton.
Hundreds of volunteers and spectators came out to support the participants, who are also running for a good cause.
Over the years, the marathon has raised more than $355,000 for the Sunshine Foundation of Canada.
BMO Okanagan Marathon Final Results:
Marathon Male
1st – Lewis Kelly, Edmonton, AB – 2:33:15
2nd – Chris Young, Kelowna, BC – 2:50:17
3rd – Ian McKinley, Kamloops, BC – 2:54:46
Marathon Female
1st – Abigail Huyser-Wierenga, Edmonton, AB – 3:04:21
2nd – Jennessa Kemp, Calgary, AB – 3:13:37
3rd – Lucy Kenward, Vancouver, BC – 3:15:51
21.1 km Half Marathon Male
1st – Simon Stewart, Edmonton, AB – 1:13:28
2nd – Larry Green, Summerland, BC – 1:15:36
3rd – Matt Mead, Salmon Arm, BC – 1:18:01
21.1 km Half Marathon Female
1st – Melissa Currie, Calgary, AB –1:26:31
2nd – America Aznar, Edmonton, AB – 1:29:20
3rd – Raina Cockburn, Calgary, AB – 1:29:42
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