Over $36,000 has been raised for local charities that support Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
VANCOUVER, September 24, 2023 — The sun shone down this morning as Canada Running Series (CRS) celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Under Armour Eastside 10K, alongside nearly 3000 participants. There was a glow about this race as Thomas Broatch blazed to a 30:02 finish. Canadian Olympian Andrea Seccafien led the way on the women’s side with a finish time of 34:16.
“It’s my favourite day of the year,” said Ryan Chilibeck, Race Director at Canada Running Series. “Seeing the Vancouver run community rally around this race each year, it really means a lot to our team at CRS and our amazing charity partners. I only wish I could run it myself. The energy is electric”.
With over 2800 participants toeing the line today, we also saw 152 moving with us virtually. This race treats runners to a route that is unlike other Vancouver races, touring the runners through a historic and industrial course, in Gastown and Strathcona.
The men’s field played it tight this morning, opting to run as a pack for most of the race. Vancouver’s Broatch broke away at about 8K with Alex Drover, taking turns in the lead before Broatch made his final push. This 10K race is renowned for its grueling “Kill the Hill” segment, an 800m incline push that tests the fitness of runners. “My favourite moment of the race was the downhill. I ran this course last year and was so happy to make it back,” Broatch commented, all hills considered. He is hoping to carry the momentum from this win to his marathon debut at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon in October.
It was an amazing finish in the women’s race with Andrea Seccafien and Glynis Sim battling it out to the finish line, finishing in 34:16 and 34:19 respectively. Vancouver’s own Samantha Jory rounded out the top three, crossing the finish line at 34:42. It was great to see Andrea competing today after relocating to Portland to run with the Bowerman Track Club. With her eyes on the Paris 2024 Olympics, this win should give her some confidence as she looks to qualify for Team Canada.
The 2023 Under Armour Eastside 10K raised over $36,000 this year, which brings our fundraising total to over $250,000 since the races inception. This race is a dedication to the community in the Downtown Eastside and we’re grateful for the continued partnership with local charities: Urban Native Youth Association, Downtown Women’s Eastside Centre, Kids Sport BC, and PHS Community Services Society.
Men’s Winners:
1. Thomas Broatch (30:02)
2. Alex Drover (30:12)
3. Trevor Hofbauer (30:18)
4. Mitch De Lange (30:19)
5. Ryan Tyrell (30:23)
Women’s Winners:
1. Andrea Seccafien (34:16)
2. Glynis Sim (34:19)
3. Samantha Jory (34:42)
4. Kiana Gibson (34:55)
5. Leslie Sexton (35:09)
For more information about the Under Armour Eastside 10K, please visit the website: eastside10k.ca.
