Runners tackle Grey Mountain at annual Solstice Run

Every year at the time of the summer solstice runners and walkers are, like spawning salmon, called to run six kilometres up the steep gravel road to the microwave towers on Grey Mountain and then back down.

Every year at the time of the summer solstice runners and walkers are, like spawning salmon, called to run six kilometres up the steep gravel road to the microwave towers on Grey Mountain and then back down.

The 45 runners and walkers that did so on Tuesday night were greeted by temperatures in the mid-teens and a steady south wind that ensured no one over-heated on the way up the mountain.

The 12-km run was a two man show with former varsity runner Rodney Hulstein and last weekend’s Mayo Marathon half-marathon winner Karl Blattman tied for first place after finishing the grueling route in 48:52.

More than a minute back was Scott Williams (50:13) and three minutes behind Williams was Tom Ullyett (53:36). Running coach Don White (57:52) rounded out the top five in the men’s category.

With each passing week Brittany Pearson gets faster. In the women’s 12-km run Pearson (53:36) dominated the event crossing the line almost seven minutes ahead of her closest female competitor, Jeanette Gallant (1:00:21). Just one second behind Gallant was Pam Taylor (1:00:22).  Accomplished masters runners Brenda Dion (1:06:31) and Margaret Mundell (1:06:31) sprinted to the finish line looking strong and fresh.

Six walkers took on the challenge of the 12-km route up the mountain.

Once again, Ruth Hall (1:24:02), powered her way to first pace overtaking Rick Griffiths (1:24:24) in the last 500 meters. The other four walkers all finished within seconds of each other.

Masters walker Arlene Ogden (1:27:01) was followed by newcomer Sheri Blaker (1:27:02), world class walker Bonnie Love (1:27:02) and Tracey Arrell (1:27:04).
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Grey Mountain Summer Solstice Run results

12-km runners – male

Name Time

1. Rodney Hulstein         48.52

2. Karl Blattman             48.52

3. Scott Williams           50.13

4. Tom Ullyett               53.56

5. Don White               57.52

6. Hal Risby                 59.51

7. Robin Stacey         1:02.32

8. Chester Kelly         1:04.32

9. Ben Yu Schott         1:05.39

10. Terry Boone         1:06.00

11. Keith Lay             1:06.23

12. Brian Mottus         1:11.55

13. Bob Nishikawa       1:12.21

14. Don Fedus           1:19.59

12-km runners – female

1. Brittany Pearson         53.36

2. Jeanette Gallant       1:00.21

3. Pam Taylor           1:00.22

4. Brenda Dion           1:06.31

5. Margaret Mundell     1:06.31

6. Megan Phillips         1:07.37

7. Deb Kiemele     1:09.51

8. Judy Ratcliffe         1:09.52

9. Suzanne Duncan     1:10.46

10. Kirstin Ridout         1:11.42

11. Justine Scheck       1:14.10

12. Sara Mundell         1:19.59

13. Tracy Taylor           1:19.59

14. Lena Nielsen         1:20.19

15. Darlene Mataseje   1:20.39

16. Hana Val             1:21.27

17. Ella Parker           1:21.29

18. Coralie Ullyett         1:29.57

19. Kelsey Kabanak     1:29.57

12-km walkers

1. Ruth Hall               1:24.02

2. Rick Griffiths           1:24.24

3. Arlene Ogden         1:27.01

4. Sheri Blaker           1:27.02

5. Bonnie Love           1:27.02

6. Tracey Arnell     1:27.04

Five-km runners – male

1. Spencer Panter       30.54

2. Randy Lamb       32.31

3. Dakota Thompson 45.12

Five-km runners – female

1. Nicole Hulstein       36.02

2. Tessa Moore     55.48

Six-km runners

1. Thomas Moore       58.55

Submitted by Tom Ullyett.