51st Wiikwemkoong 10k Road Race took things back on track

WIIKWEMKOONG—It was a wet and blustery day as runners and walkers of all ages lined up at the starting line in Kaboni for the 51st edition of the popular Wiikwemkoong 10k Road Race, ready for the starting signal that would send them running, jogging or walking toward the finish line at Thunderbird Park.

This year things are full on hi-tech, as the tabulations and recording of times was accomplished digitally and times posted online at zone4.ca almost immediately. Special sensors laid across the finish line interacted with wrist straps worn by each runner.

This year top honours in the adult female division (19-54) go to Sara Mcilraith whose time of 43:10.4 came in well ahead of second place Helen Francis at 48:23.0 and third place winner Julie Hayes’ 53:55.1.

Top runner in the adult male division (19-54) was Neil Phipps, crossing the finish line with a blistering 38:13.1; Ian Dokum came in second with a time of 43:58.3; and Miles Sutherland took third place with 47:16.6.

In the adult Golden Division (55+) David M. Crockett took first place with a time of 49:32.9; Chris Mara came in second place with a time of 1:01:57.1; and Bruce Recollet came third with a time of 1:03:41.

Lorrilee McGregor was the sole female runner in the Golden (55+) Division with a time of 58:35.3.

Other results: Child Division 10 and under male, Simon Fessenden took first place with a time of 1:16:03;

Lachlan Eshkawkogan took second place with a time of 1:25:32.3; and Jayden Trudeau Lewis took third with a time of 1:26:01.

In the Child division 11-13 years female, Violet Sutherland took first with a time of 51:52.3; Mila Odjig took second place with a time of 54:02.6; and Brooke Simon took third, with a time of 1:05:52.5. While in the Child division 11-13 years male, Jesse Dokum took first place with a time of 1:00:26.4; Brayden Wabuno (running shirtless) took second place with a time of 1:01:58.6; and Noodin Peltier took third place with a time of 1:06:02.4.

In the high school division female (with a strong contingent from Manitoulin Secondary School coming out) Maren Kasunich took first place with a time of 41:06.7; Ava Corbiere took second place with a time of 49.01.7; and Emiry Watson took third place with a time of 55:24.2.

In the high school division male, Brodie Pennie took first place with a time of 34:47.9; Alan Wilkin took second place with a time of 39:05.3; and TJ Green took third place with a time of 40:53.9.

There were plenty of walkers this year as well. The oldest competitor was once again Frank Odjig (Fisher), who at 82 was accompanied by his daughter, champion hoop dancer Lisa Odjig. “She was going to run, but since I decided that I was going to walk again this year she decided to walk with me,” said Mr. Odjig. “It’s a nice tradition,” said Ms. Odjig. “I try to come up every year.”

“This is my last year,” admitted Mr. Odjig. Reminded that was what he said last year, Mr. Odjig laughed and said, “we’ll see.”

Following the run, a light luncheon of beef soup, assorted sandwiches and sliced fruit was held in the Pontiac School gym as medals and prizes were handed out. Each participant also received a hooded sweatshirt commemorating the 51st running of the event.