October 15, 2023

Perfect conditions resulted in course records being set during last weekend’s 20th running of the Around the Lake Give ‘R Take 30 kilometre Trail Race. Over 300 racers made their way around Cultus Lake led by Vancouver’s David Bandiera, repeating as top finisher for second consecutive year and setting a new course record of 2 hrs 26 mins 40 secs – over 6 minutes faster than the previous best time which had stood for six years.

The race sees runners travel approximately 30 kilometres on various trails and some roadways, starting and finishing at Main Beach. There were two events during the day—a 30 kilometre solo run, and a two-person relay covering legs of 17 kms and 13 kms.

Other than Bandiera, all the top finishers came from Chilliwack. First woman to finish was Kalyn Head in 2:55:05. She was followed by Danika Snook at 3:04:56 and Heather Kirkconnell in third place at 3:10.21. Second male to finish was Brendan Scott in 2:36:24 followed by Travis Vugteveen in 2:39:18.

In the relay events, first to finish in the mixed team division was team “Two Shea”, Gerad and Katrina Shea, setting a new mixed team course record of 3:01:36. Sarah Bangma and Kelly TeBrinke, ‘’Team Sole Mates”, repeated as top finishers in the female relay division in 3:07:34. First male team – and first relay team across the line overall − was “Wild Root Runners”, Jeremy and Chris Acker, in 2:46:40.

Top male and female solo finishers received unique walking sticks carved by Rick Den Braber. A special presentation of a carved walking stick was made just before the start by race founder Clarence Wiens, to acknowledge and thank the Around the Lake Give ‘R Take Race’s ultimate supporter and participant Alex Marks, who has participated in every year of the race as well as being a sponsor.

The race attracted registrants from around BC, Bellingham,WA, and as far as Dublin, Ireland. The annual event is organized by a committee of volunteers, under the auspices of the Around the Lake Trail Race Society. Funds generated through registrations and sponsorships have allowed race organizers to hand out thousands of dollars over 20 years to local, non-profit organizations that support outdoor recreation, as well as $1,000 scholarships for students in Chilliwack School District.

The trails and lands travelled in this trail race are within S’ólh Téméxw, the unceded traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. Next year’s Around the Lake Give ‘R Take 30 trail race is scheduled for Saturday, October 19.