2013 Ontario Masters Championships

The Boardwalk RC sent two of their veteran athletes to compete in the 2013 edition of the Ontario Masters Championships. Mark Duff was representing the Mens 50 category, and Jimmy Semes was representing the Mens 30 category. Both Men were looking to build on last years successes. In 2012, Jimmy won gold in the 3000m steeplechase, and the 1500m last year, while Mark walked away with a silver for his efforts in the 1500m. 

This year both men competed in new events. Jimmy contested a very hot and humid 5000m on the track and finished in a well paced time of 18:15, which was enough to secure gold. 

Both Mark and Jimmy ran in the 800m later in the afternoon. Mark ran first in heat three, against some great competition. He knew it was always going to be a race for bronze with James Earl. The two men fought nearly side by side for the entire two laps, but Mark Duff did well to use all the training he's put in, to take Earl to a speed he could not match. Duff rose to the occasion and took his place on the podium. 

Semes was nearly a scratch after his 5000m effort, but decided to race, and use the 800m race tactics he's been employing with the kids he coaches. He started slowly, and sat near the back of the race for the first lap which he ran in 65, he moved up slowly at 500m, took 4th place at 600m, and timed his sprint to beat out Kevin Farr, a runner he has never beat, by a slim .03 second margin. 2:13.17 to 2:13.20. Jimmy took home his second provincial medal, this time a silver.

The 2013 Canadian Masters Championships will be in Regina this year. So far, no members of the Boardwalk RC have committed to running.