Riverboat Days 2002: Monte Cristo Challenge Road Race

The Monte Cristo Challenge Road Race is a great little event that we hope will grow much larger in the summers to come.

It's open to anyone and everyone and you can use pretty much anything you want—provided it doesn't have a motor. Bare feet (not recommended), runners, skateboard, bicycle, unicycle, wheelchair, scooter, roller blades, even a skipping rope (that might be fun), are all legal modes of transport. The event is sponsored by B.C. Senior Games Zone 10 and money is raised through pledge sheets to support that sponsor.

On your mark! Get set! Go!!!

And the 2002 Monte Cristo Challenge Road Race was underway. Four short blocks and two long from the Legion to city hall.

There were six-and-a-half competitors this year. The event is worthy of many more.

Six-and-a-half? That's right. Twenty-month-old Jesse Lima—the youngest 2002 competitor—was in the action leading Kelly, his mom, by a full pace in his four-wheeled stroller.

They finished fourth and fourth-and-a-half overall; first in their class of 15 to 40 years.

We suggested that Kelly should have pulled rather than pushed the stroller. Jesse may never let her forget his infant win in the years to come. A backpack might have been another solution.

Add backpack and stroller to that list of legal transport above.

Inis Lopez was the top overall finisher and led the 55- to 60-year-old division. Maxine Smallwood topped the 70+ division. Bud Kirkaldy was the senior competitor in the action, competing in the 70+ division. We're not certain of Bud's actual age, but we believe he has been a resident of the area since mankind determined that wheels would work best if they were round.

Following the completion of the event, prizes donated by various local business were awarded. Then it was time for a little relaxation, food, drink and socializing before the competitors went their separate ways to take observe or take part in other Riverboat Days events.

Finishing Order

1. ^st Inis Lopez 55-60
2. Maxine Smallwood 70+
3. Leona Smith 70+
4. Kelly & Jesse (youngest competitor) Lima 15-40
5. Annalee Davis 55-60
6. Bud Kirkaldy 70+

Age Group Finishes

15-40 Age Group

1. Kelly & Jesse Lima

55-60 Age Group

1. Inis Lopez
2. >Annalee Davis

70+ Age Group

1. Maxine Smallwood
2. Leona Smith
3. Bud Kirkaldy (senior competitor)

The Monte Cristo Challenge Road Race: it's open to everyone!	The competitors (from left) Kelly and Jesse Lima, Annalee Davis, Bob Goodvin (event organizer) Leona Smith, Bud Krkaldy, Inis Lopez, and Maxine Smallwood	#1 Inis Lopez - first overall, first in 55-60 year division	#63 Maxine Smallwood - second overall, first in 70+ year division
#61 Leona Smith - third overall, second in 70+ year division	#27 Kelly 15-40 and Jesse 20 mo. Lima, and #37 Annalee Davis 55-60	#62 Bud Kirkaldy 70+ - senior athlete	The competitors pose for a photo at the finish line
Winners got to choose their prize from a good selection of donated items			Some well earned R&R