The 2019 VIRA Island Race Series Tristars Sooke River 10k is coming up on Sunday, April 7. This is the 7th event of the VIRA Island Race Series, which means that the 2019 VIRA Island Race Series is quickly drawing to a close.
After the Tristars Sooke River 10k, there will only be one more race left in this year’s series.
It seems like it was yesterday that I wrote the preview for the first race of the year, which was the Harriers Pioneer 8k back in January.
We are already one quarter of the way through the year (and it’s definitely not too late to start your fitness journey).
This race welcomes runners of all levels and walkers, just like all the other VIRA Island Race Series. However, if you plan to take longer than 1 hr 30 min to complete the race, early start is available.
What is the Sooke River 10k course like?
The Tristars Sooke River 10k is an undulating out-and-back course along the Sooke River Road (you can see the map below). We will be running in a rural setting. The entire route is a paved road leading us towards the historic Sooke Potholes and then back again.
Since this is an undulating course, you can most definitely expect some hills.
While the hills are not huge, you may want to consider starting fairly conservatively on the way out since there are more uphills on the way back.
I often start too fast because I get super excited to be running again. I admit that I need to work on holding back my excitement until after the turnaround.
On the way out, even though there are rolling hills, it appears like there is an overall elevation loss.
However, since we go back the same way, there is a net elevation gain on the way back.
Between the turnaround and the 7km mark, there is a relatively nice stretch of the road that isn’t too hilly, although not entirely flat either.
From what I recall, the hardest parts of the whole race are between the 7km and 8km marks as well as the the 9km to 9.5km.
Finishing last year’s Sooke River 10k. Leggings from www.dreamstrides.com Photo by Ken & Lois DeEll
You definitely want to save your last push for the last 3k. If you see anyone slightly in front of you going up that final hill, try to challenge them a bit. Keep your body relaxed, especially your arms. Try not to hunch over as you conquer that hill.
How does the Sooke River 10k course compare to other events?
Compared to the TC10k, this course is slightly more challenging. It will most likely result in a marginally slower time than the TC10k or the Sun Run. For me, the difference was no more than 1 minute when I was posting my faster times.
My two most memorable Sooke River 10k moments:
1.In 2017, I used the Sooke River 10k as an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for a great charity-Wounded Warriors.
I decided to ruck the Sooke 10k with a 35 lb rucksack.
The ruck took me 1:38:19 and I was happy with that result. It resulted in me rasing over $500 for Wounded Warriors Canada.
I may have finished towards the back of the pack, but I felt fulfilled and HAPPY in a different way. Wounded Warriors, a charity that supports veterans suffering from PTSD and injuries, ended up with an extra $500+ as a result of this. That is all that matters. Looking at my race results on Raceday Timing, people won’t know this story, but I’m grateful for this story to be a part of my life.
To me, that accomplishment meant a lot. I got just as much satisfaction out of completing the ruck that raised money for Wounded Warriors in 2017 as I did running a 41:35 10k in Sooke in 2014. This brings me to my other most memorable moment.
2. In 2014, I ran the Sooke River 10k in 41:35. I felt like I had one of my best races that day and felt amazing.
The Sooke River 10k 2014 was definitely the perfect story book ending for that season for me. Photo: Chris Kelsall.
Final thought:
Events like these are about getting out there, socializing and meeting new awesome people. So, I hope to see you there!