Hundreds take part in Giant’s Head Run

More than 400 athletes took part in the Giant’s Head Run at the 35th annual Summerland Action Festival on the weekend.

Another 50 individuals and relay teams participated in the Man of Steel Triathlon, held in conjunction with the run.

GIANT’S HEAD RUN: Runners of all ages and abilities took part in the run, which had a new start location outside the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre on Kelly Avenue.

The event once again offered 5.4 km and 10 km categories with 368 toeing the line for the shorter distance and 55 for the 10 km race.

5.4 km run: Evan Gupta of Summerland, competing in the male 13-15 category, finished first in 22 minutes and 9 seconds.

Dale Olsen of Regina (23:52) and Elijah Dick of Summerland (24:07) rounded out the top three, while Sophie Cormillot of Summerland was top female finisher, coming 11th overall in 25:29.

A total of 357 participants were able to finish the race.

10 km run: Summerland swept the board, with Benjamin Goertz, competing in the men’s 18-and-under category, placing first in 42:24.

Alex Achtem (42:35) and Sean Clancy (45:29) rounded out the top three, while Laura Caskey was top female, coming 5th overall in 48:44. Fifty of the 55 starters finished the race. MAN OF STEEL TRIATHLON: The triathlon had its three disciplines (swim, bike and run) scheduled intermittently through the day Saturday.

Depending on category, bike distances ranged between 10 km and 30 km (three loops around Giant’s Head Mountain); swim distances 400 or 800 metres at the aquatic centre pool, while the running segment joined in with the Giant’s Head Run in the evening.

Under-19 (15 finishers): It was another Summerland sweep, led by Pascal Benoit (52:58), Holden Girard (55:42) and Jonah Benoit (56:21). Sydney Wilson was top female coming 6th overall in 58:12.

Over-19 Open Rec (3 finishers): Another Summerland sweep led by Nick Braam, 49:15; Linnaea McDermid, 58:30; John Drover, 1:01:49.

Adult (8 finishers): Matthew Temple, Kelowna, 2:05:03; Miyuki Lindboom, Kelowna, 2:16:38; Ashley Rodenbush, Peachland, 2:16:52 (top female);

Tristin Wilson, Summerland, 4th (top local finisher) 2:19:29.

Family Relay (5 teams): Porter Power, Summerland, 55:52.

Under-19 Relay (10 teams): Swim, Bike, Run, Fun, Summerland, 48:21.

Adult Relay (6 teams): Tripower Old School, Summerland, 1:47:58.