Last Saturday, 327 people participated in the island’s annual Bill Burby Fun Run. The large turnout this year was in part thanks to Silver Strider, a group of runners ages 50 and up from the Puget Sound region. The Burby was included for the first time in the Silver Strider Grand Prix Series, and approximately 30 to 40 Silver Strider members participated in the Burby. The group is a perfect fit with the Burby ethos, embodying a life-long commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
The top male 10K finisher, 32-year-old Evan Williams of Seattle, flew through to the finish line in a time of 35:21. Dressed as a strawberry and wearing Crocs, he made it look easy. The top female 10K finisher, 23-year-old Eliza Ramsey of Seattle, had a time of 41:48 and placed sixth overall. Race organizers are seeking feedback on the new 10K course, which has just one turnaround instead of two and is a scenic out-and-back run. Still very hilly, the new course has more balance between elevation gain and loss, which should allow for faster times.
The top male 5K finisher — for the third year in a row — was Vashon’s 43-year-old Scott Healey, with a time of 17:33. Vashon’s 18-year-old Eva Anderson was the top female 5K finisher, with a time of 23:04.
And the youth participants this year didn’t disappoint. Ron Keenan, who had hoped to walk alongside his 4-year old grandson, Brody, was left to enjoy the scenery at his own pace when the starting horn sounded and Brody was off like a streak. All participants in the race ages 18 and under received a day pass to Vashon’s Recess Lab climbing wall.
Top finishers in the youth girls’ category were Sophia Lanphear (ages 0-9), Alana Bass (ages 10-14) and Eva Anderson (ages 15-18). Top finishers in the youth boys’ category were Josh Healey (ages 0-9), Xan London-Chamber (ages 10-14) and Ursa Medeiros (ages 15-18).
Race organizers would like to thank all the participants and sponsors for making this such a joyous event, and for supporting Vashon Island High School athletic programs.
— Mary Margaret Briggs