Vince DeVito’s Fun Run and Hike raises cash for Pulpit Rock Trails
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Most racers have difficulty running on flat ground.
However, 16-year-old Keiran Marchand found the very steep hills of Elephant Mountain just fine as the Nelsonite captured top honours in the First Annual Vince DeVito’s Fun Run and Hike Sunday north of the Heritage City.
Marchand, who runs for the L.V. Rogers crosscountry team, reached the finish line at the flagpole on Elephant Mountain above Pulpit Rock in a time of 31 minutes, 29 seconds.
Second was Scott Leger, approximately 30 seconds behind Marchand.
Third, and first woman, was Jacqueline Skands, who reached the flagpole in a time of 38 minutes.
A total of 51 participants competed in the race, with half the runners finishing a Pulpit Rock — the halfway spot in the race.
The race, which raised $910, was a fundraiser for the Friends of Pulpit Rock Committee.
“The money will be used to improve the trail,” said Cody Abbey of Maverick Fitness, one of the many sponsors of the race.
Others included Gerick Cycle, Vince Devitos Shoes and Lakeside Physiotherapy.
“(Funds) will be used to take out some of the really steep sections — making (Pulpit Rock Trails) more accessible to everyone,” Abby explained.
“(And) to expand the trails at the top and perform further maintenance including improving conditions to CBC tower (at the top of Elephant Mountain),” Abbey adds.
Abbey said donations are still being accepted at Vince DeVito’s Shoes at 411 Hall Street in Nelson until Wednesday.
