Photos: Record-breaking Steveston IceBreaker back with a bang

It survived two postponements due to COVID, but still broke records for the number of participants.

The slightly delayed 2022 Steveston Icebreaker finally went ahead last weekend, attracting a record number of runners, 700, in both the adults 8K and kids 1K events along the boardwalk.

The event also saw new highs for fundraising and the Kajaks Track and Field Club will be donating nearly $4,000 to KidSport Richmond as a result, which will help kids in Richmond participate in sports this year.

The 2022 Icebreaker introduced a new and faster course with a fun finish line zone that hundreds got to enjoy after the race.

There was also a kids zone full of activities, complimentary massages, healthy snacks and drinks, music, finisher ribbons, medals and a chance to have your photo taken with Richmond’s own Evan Dunfee and his 2020 Olympic bronze medal.

2022 Steveston Icebreaker winners

The top 3 overall male and female finishers were:

Male: 1. Brendan Wong 2. Joshua Potvin 3. Julian Meyer

Female: 1. Katrina Allison 2. Andrea Lee 3. Katherine Watson

For complete race results go to startlinetiming.ca and for photos visit @icebreaker8k on social media.

"I think the addition of the Community Run Ambassadors was a huge help to create a buzz in the community and to get more organizations and people involved and out participating in some form on race day,” said race director Jared Hulme.

The community impact was front and centre, with the Onni Group lending some space and Steveston Pizza Factory donating pizza to all the volunteers and for the winners of the team competitions.

Shift + Lift Fitness was cheering and handing out water, Richmond Steveston Physiotherapy was giving free post-race massages and Purpose Smoothie supplied recovery treats for all the runners.

“The support of the Richmond community is truly what makes this race unique. This race gets better each year, and it is because of the community support - we are lucky to host the race in such an amazing community,” Hulme added.

The race is one of the marquee events on the Kajaks calendar and the entire club, from track rascal participants, athletes, parents, and coaches, all the way up to the club president, are involved.

“The Steveston Icebreaker continues to improve every year with the amenities it provides - comparative field, chip timing, finisher medals, healthy snacks and an enormous volunteer base,” said Jordan Cluff, owner of the race’s title sponsor New Balance Richmond.