Submitted photo

Runners, joggers and walkers from the South Cariboo had a chance to stretch their legs and endurance last weekend at the Dave Jacobs Classic in Williams Lake.

The 9th annual event offered a 20 km run,

relay and 10 km walk through the streets of

the laketown, from Boitanio Park to South Lakeside.

There was good participation from local athletes and some succeeded in claiming some of the top times. Among them were the relay team of Aliel Leslie, Wally Mah, Kim Babala and Matt Yanko. They were the gold medal winners in the age 19-39 years division, with each running 5 km of the 20 km race.

It was the first competitive running event for both Mah and Yanko but Leslie, an experienced runner, said the rookies ran like pros.

“I had to push them and they did an awesome job. I’m so proud of them.”

Patti Poirier, from 108 Mile won the women’s 10 km 40 years and over division and Lesa Hamilton placed first in the women’s 20 km 40 years and older competition.

Other local gold

medallists were the corporate relay team of

Aven Briggs, Ian

Collison, Ian Briggs and Ali Briggs.

According to event coordinator Deb Radolla, the race attracted about 315 participants and after-expense money raised goes into a fund set aside for construction of a running track.

“We’ve been doing this for a few years now and have a few dollars put away. This is a really big deal,” said Radolla.