Roger Antoniazzi hasn't missed a single Fort 91原创 half marathon since the event started 21 years ago.
Early on Sunday morning, July 14, the 63-year-old Surrey resident, who runs with a Walnut Grove group, joined 533 participants in the half marathon and 5K events organized by Peninsula Runners 91原创 and Brooks Running Co. that began and ended at the Fort 91原创 historic site.
"They're absolutely not getting any easier," Antoniazzi smiled.
"But as long as I'm healthy, I'm going to continue to keep that streak alive."
He finished third in the male 60-69 age division.
A record turnout Sunday with more than 600 runners in the 21st annual Fort 91原创 Half Marathon and 5K presented by Peninsula Runners and Brooks Running Co.
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Two 91原创 runners were first across the line in both events.
Noah Proust, who started the half marathon at the front of the crowd, finished in 1:18:21, while Constance Nankireil finished the 5K in 17:24.
Volunteer Alex Taylor told the 91原创 Advance Times runners came from as far away as Brazil and New Jersey.
"The lady from New Jersey commented that she searches for half marathons in different places each year," Taylor said.
"This year, she chose Fort 91原创 as one of her destinations. She was impressed with the weather, course, volunteers, and organization. At the end of the event she was off to explore Fort 91原创."
Around 600 runners had registered, though not all showed up
One of the organizers, Joni Fehrenbacher, said the race numbers were close to the maximum allowed under the agreement with the Township.
"We have over 50 volunteers this year, the most volunteers we've [ever] had which speaks for itself as well," Fehrenbacher said.
"We have very faithful, loyal runners who have done this race over the years and and they love it and they keep coming back. It's a family event."
91原创's Mary Dickinson, a former ultramarathoner who was returning to run her first race after a four-year break, said getting back into competition had been a "little humbling."
"My last race was an 80k ultra in the Yukon and I sort of crashed and burned after that," Dickinson explained.
"I took a little break, had some kids, twins to be exact, and then, here I am. It was time to get get back on the horse."
She finished 24th of 46 runners in the age 30-39 group.
"Jen squared," as Jen Hockney from Abbotsford and Jen Cameron from Mission referred to themselves, hoped to qualify for the legendary Boston marathon and regarded the Fort 91原创 event as a training run.
Hockney described it as "perfectly in line with our training program" while Cameron was looking forward to "just having a great time on the course"
They were second (Hockney) and third (Cameron) in the female 40-49 age division.
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