By Christopher Kelsall

Black Press

Brilliant sunny skies and a windless morning greeted athletes for Sunday's 30th anniversary Royal Victoria Marathon.

A new course record of 1:15:39 was set in the women’s half marathon by 41-year-old master, Marilyn Arsenault.

The Victoria resident is coached by three time Olympian Jon Brown who won the men's half marathon in a time of 64:57.

Victoria’s Cheryl Murphy defended her 2008 title in the much anticipated women’s marathon race. Murphy finished with a time of 2:44:01, a strong performance just shy of the 20-year course record of 2:42:32.

Murphy also captured the master's title, while Danny Gonzalez from Lake Oswego, Ore., won the men’s masters title in 2:33:45.

Consecutive three-time marathon winner Steve Osaduik finished second overall. His 2006 record stands at 2:16:49, though he finished in 2:22:42, behind Kenyan Hillary Cheruiyot's winning time of 2:19:26. Osaduik ran a patient race and strong second half, sitting as far back as fifth at the half-way point of the race.

For being the top Canadian and breaking the half marathon course record Arsenault was awarded a $1,000 bonus in addition to her first place award of $1,000. It was a one-two-three win for Victoria’s athletes in the men’s race, after Brown, second was Jim Finlayson in 1:07:57, and third was Kristopher Swanson in 1:09:11.

Master men’s winner was Norm Tinkham in 1:11:53. Brown owns the current half marathon course record with his 62:32.

In the 8K road race, Matt Clout from Victoria came first in 24:52. University of Victoria varsity athlete Logan Burke finished second in 25:28. The 8K masters winner was Kevin McGinnis from Ravensdale, Wash., who finished in 27:04, and Rachel Ruus from Richmond, who won the women’s race in 28:32, while Nancy Tinari of Coquitlam won the 8K women’s masters in 31:23.

For full visit www.raceheadquarters.com