The Cobble Hill 10K is set to return Sunday, Jan. 26, drawing hundreds of runners from across British Columbia to one of the provinceB次元官网网址檚 most popular road races.
This yearB次元官网网址檚 event will also serve as the BC 10K Road Running Championships.
As the second event in the Vancouver Island Race Series, the Cobble Hill 10K is known for its flat, fast course, which winds through the scenic countryside of Cobble Hill.
"The route is a favourite for both elite athletes aiming for championship titles and recreational runners seeking personal bests," said Chris Kelsall, president and general manager of the Vancouver Island Race Series.
Organizers are anticipating strong attendance, with participants ranging from local club runners to some of the provinceB次元官网网址檚 top road racers.
The Cobble Hill 10K began in 1989 as the Mill Bay 10K, when runners raced on an out-and-back route starting at Brentwood College. In 2008, organizers moved the race to Cobble Hill, giving the event a fresh setting and renewed energy.
Over the years, minor adjustments have made the course even faster by avoiding three significant hills. The final kilometres feature a gentle downhill stretch, offering a prime opportunity for quick times and exciting finishes, Kelsall said.
The 10K provincial championship title is awarded by BC Athletics, and Cobble Hill is concluding its second consecutive year as host. The Ceevacs Running Club, which organizes the race, is already considering bids for the 5K, 10K, or half marathon championships in 2026 and 2027.
Organizers expect around 650 runners at the starting line, surpassing last yearB次元官网网址檚 record of 597 finishers.
One of the top contenders in the field is VancouverB次元官网网址檚 Leslie Sexton, a world-class Canadian distance runner.
"With a blazing 10K personal best of 32:04 and a marathon best of 2:28:14, Sexton is set to push the pace among both women and men," Kelsall said.
Race officials predict finishing times of around 30 minutes for the top men and 32 minutes for the leading women.
The race begins at 11 a.m. at Mill Bay Nature School, 3175 Cobble Hill Rd. A 1K kidsB次元官网网址� run is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Participants can register online at islandraceseries.com or in person on race day at George Bonner Elementary School from 9 to 10:45 a.m.
The Cobble Hill 10K is the second race in the 2025 Island Race Series, which continues on Feb. 9 with the Bastion 12K in Lantzville. Other upcoming events in the series include: Hatley Castle 8K (Colwood), Feb. 23); Westcoast Sooke 10K (March 9); Comox Valley RV Half-Marathon (Courtenay, March 23); McLean Mill 10K (Alberni Valley, April 6); Synergy Health Bazan Bay 5K (North Saanich, April 13).