GB001:: Mt Tzouhalem (May 17th, 2009)

The Frontrunners GutBuster Trail Running Series is Vancouver Island's Premiere Trail Running Series and takes runners off the roads onto some of the most amazing trail networks on the Island.

The race offers a short course (5km) and long course (12km) distance to allow trail runners of all abilities the chance to get on the trails.

The 12km Long Course event features over 600m of elevation gain with spectacular views of the Cowichan Valley followed by miles of winding single track before finishing at Providence Farm.

Last years winner, Kelly Guest, was back but faced a challenge this year in Jason Louttit who has been a multiple Canadian Mountain running champion. On the womens side, distance runner Sarah Peters was the top seed but would be challenged by masters runner Jo Rosen and Care Wakely who was running her first GutBuster. On the mens side, Kelly Guest, had a strong climb to open up a 45 second gap on Jason by the top of the mountain. Jason used his downhill running skills to his advantage though to close the gap on Kelly and eventually pull away and run the fastest time we have seen on this course ever (55:50). Kelly was close behind besting his winning time from last year (56:44). Shane Ruljancich ran solo most of the race to finish 3rd overall in a time of 1:01:21. In the womens race, Care Wakely and Sarah Peters headed up the field through most of the climb with Jo Rosen joining the duo as they neared the highest point on the course. Sarah opened up a lead on the downhill and Jo Rosen used her trail running experience to move herself into 2nd place and keep close contact to Sarah with the two finishing within 1 minute of each other (1:10:42 to 1:11:45). Care ran strong on the technical downhill to stay in 3rd place in a time of 1:13:04.

The race had 154 finishers in both the short course and long course events and everyone was treated to sunny skies and great food and prizes. Post race therapy was provided by Cook St Village Health Center.

Long Course Results

Short Course Results

For more information on the GutBuster Trail Running Series check out www.gutbustertrailrun.com