Pam Wright
Aaron Cooper was a winner at the St. Clair River Run 10K for the second straight year.
Not only did the Camlachie resident complete the run in 31:48, he bested the record he set in 2015 by 22 seconds.
The popular July 16 run curved along the St. Clair River Trail and drew 800 runners, making it the largest event of its kind in Sarnia-Lambton.
The road was closed and residents and spectators lined the trail to cheer on participants.
Cooper, a software developer, took up competitive running late in life.
“It’s great getting up for a run,” the 30-year-old said after the awards ceremony. “It always feels good.”
Race co-ordinator Ben Hazzard said cool temperatures and overcast skies created ideal conditions.
“Records are being broken,” he said. “Our runners comment that this is one of their favourite runs due to great efforts of our volunteers.”
Competitors from as far as Edmonton and Indiana participated, and a live video feed let viewers anywhere watch friends and family members cross the finish line.
Brandi Victor of Sarnia was second, Allison Lloyd of Bright’s Grove third, and Sarnia’s Sara Gardner fourth in the women’s 10K.
In the 5K, Kevin Dann of Sarnia placed fifth in the men’s event, and on the women’s side Sarnia’s Danielle Quinn and Allison Cadwallader were second and fourth respectively.