Hundreds of runners pound their way to finish line in Oak Bay marathon

The chilly weather didn’t stop hundreds of runners from taking on a half-marathon in Oak Bay.

More than 1,400 runners participated in the 12^th annual Kool Oak Bay Half-Marathon Sunday morning.

There were a few changes this time around – the start and finish line moving from Oak Bay Village to Windsor Rd. near Windsor Park.

The organizers said the number of participants was up this year, but they hope to see that number climb in the years to come.

“This is actually almost one of our record years. We have just over 1,450 participants across all the distances,” race director Nick Walker told CTV News.

It wasn’t just people from Vancouver Island running in the half-marathon, individuals travelled from around the globe for the event.

“We have some people from New Zealand and Japan and Germany and quite a few from the U.S.,” Walker said.

Organizers hope the race will continue to draw in more participants from outside Greater Victoria.

“This is definitely a little bit more of a local event, but with how beautiful the course is and how beautiful Oak Bay is we’re hoping to cater to people from the Pacific Northwest and Alberta,” Walker noted.

Runners cited the scenic route and supportive crowds as the highlights.

“Crowds are always super essential through a good race. It's fun having everyone on the sides just cheering you on. It keeps you going,” said Jordan Brietzke, the winner of the half-marathon.

“It was fabulous, beautiful weather, beautiful route. What a great day,” said marathon runner Kevin Hohnbaum.