Hello Yeti racers:
As all of you know that were involved with the Yeti Ascent last Sunday April 9th, Bob Withers collapsed on course while doing the race, unfortunately Bob passed away at the scene. It is hard for me to go into a lot of detail about what took place so all I can say is that every effort was made by all the people around him to save him. I do take comfort in knowing that Bob was doing what he loved to do and that he was surrounded by people that cared for him. I want to thank everyone that was involved in the rescue from our course marshals, first aid attendants and racers. Bob has raced almost all the Yeti races over the last 5 years and it has been my pleasure to be able to be a part of his life with something he loved to do. We have lost a great man, fellow snowshoer and friend he will definitely be missed. My heart goes out to his wife Brenda and the rest of their family for their loss.
Memorial on Tuesday April 18
For those that would like to come and pay their respects there will be a memorial held at St. Christopher's Anglican Church in West Vancouver at 2pm on April 18th. Please do not bring flowers, Brenda has asked that if you would like to donate anything you can do so to the North Shore Rescue.
Group hike to Pump Peak
We are in the early stages of planning a group hike to Pump Peak in memory of Bob. If you cannot come out to the memorial on April 18th this would be a great opportunity to pay your respects. Please email marc@theyeti.ca if you are interested in taking part. Once we have a date I will email all of you interested with the details.
Awards and Prizing
Out of respect for the situation that occurred on Sunday I felt I needed to cancel the awards and prizing ceremonies at Seymour's Pub. What I have done is drawn all the names for prizes and put them on a list (which is below) and have taken them to North shore Athletics to be picked up over the next 2 weeks. Please see if your name was selected for a prize and if you have any questions about location or store hours please call them at 604.990.6888.
Kerry Ward North Shore Athletics water bottle
Roger Shirt North Shore Athletics running cap
Kate Parkinson Saucony running cap
Daniel Probst Mizuno t-shirt
Russ Barker Fuel Belt
Phyllis Mallett 5Peaks t-shirt
Ron Carmichael t-shirt.ca t-shirt - grey
Astrid Bonter 5Peaks t-shirt - black
Jamie Leigh North Shore Athletics socks
Anouk Ridders The Beat t-shirt
Harvey Nelson North Shore Athletics water bottle
Kyle Porter Ryders Aluminum bottle
Peter Watson Ryders Aluminum bottle
Greg Ipatowicz North Shore Athletics socks
Leigh Anne Issac $50 off MOMAR Adventure Race
Justin Mark The Beat Long Sleeve
Ian Tate t-shirt.ca t-shirt - grey
Lisa Polizzi 1 year subscription to Trail Runner Magazine
Brian Parkinson 1 year subscription to Trail Runner Magazine
Cam Towill Ryders Aluminum bottle
Dave Howells Core Book
Corey Coell Core Book
Sigrid Otto Core Book
Ryan Irvine Core Book
Marshal House Adventure Smart vest
Bruce Grant Adventure Smart toque
Curb Dvonic Adventure Smart tech top
Robert Yurex Helly Hansen long sleeve
William Emerson Sole Footbeds
Chris Duke GutBuster Trail Run - free entry
Beverly Doell Helly Hansen t-shirt
Dave Cressman Sole Footbeds
Charles Crompton GutBuster Half Marathon - free entry
Yun Cheung Sole Footbeds
Willi Ribi Ryders Aluminum bottle
Sally Marcellus Ryders Aluminum bottle
Andrew Gibson Helly Hansen toque
Mike O'Grady Helly Hansen toque
Morgan Gregory Helly Hansen toque
Kiaren Smith CamelBak Hydration Pack
Joanne Turnbull CamelBak Hydration Pack
Mark Bennett Neo's Hat
Lana Allen Neo's Hat
Marcus Boaert Black Diamond Headlamp
Leighton Wickey Edge 2 Edge Half Marathon - free entry
Rob Lang Fuel Belt
Vicky Harris Fuel Belt
Eileen Bistrisky Fuel Belt
Carey Sather Kicking Horse Coffee pack
Jill Sutcliff Kicking Horse Coffee pack
Sue Bridger Atlas Snowshoes
Robert Stephenson Atlas Snowshoes
Results are posted but I would like to congratulate the following people for their placing in their categories.
MALE OPEN
Andrew Clarke 1st place
Peter Reid 2nd place
Ryan Ervin 3rd place
FEMALE OPEN
Lisa Polizzi 1st place
Carey Sather 2nd place
Leigh Anne Issac 3rd place
MALE MASTERS
William Emerson 1st place
Mark Bennett 2nd place
Steve George 3rd place
FEMALE MASTERS
Vicky Harris 1st place
Joanne Turnbull 2nd place
Beverley Doell 3rd place
MALE 50+
Willi Ribi 1st place
Charles Crompton 2nd place
Mike O'Grady 3rd place
FEMALE 50+
Gail Forshaw 1st place
Sally Marcellus 2nd place
Kate Parkinson 3rd place
MALE 60+
Brian Parkinson 1st place
MALE 70+
Harvey Nelson 1st place
$100 Cash Grab winners!
I want to congratulate Andrew Clarke and Lisa Polizzi for being the first Male and first Female to reach Pump Peak for the $100 cash grab. Great race for both of you!
Thank you to everyone!
- To everyone that has emailed or phoned me with their kind words and warmest sincerities, it has helped more than you know
- Everyone that came out to the Yeti Ascent on Sunday for an epic day of climbing. Good on you for being up for the challenge.
- Everyone that was involved in helping Bob on course in any capacity was greatly appreciated!
- The Yeti volunteers and staff
- Mount Seymour staff and Ski Patrol
- Life Force Medical Services
- North Shore Rescue
- District of North Vancouver
- North Vancouver Rec Commission
- BC Parks
- All of the Yeti Sponsors
These races could not have taken place without all of you, thank you!
In closing I would like to say that as long as the Yeti Ascent is around it will be a memorial run/hike dedicated to the memory of a great man, Bob Withers.
Marc Campbell
Race Director
The Yeti Snowshoe Series
