08/12/2026
Last year, fellow racer and owner/operator of The Fitness Guy, Pete Estabrooks, started a special award in honour of our late local running store owner and ultrarunner, Gord Hobbins. The award is called The Golden Gord and is given to a participant who exhibits perseverance and optimism in the face of adversity and who exudes positivity. The award comes with a monetary gift, generously donated by Pete Estabrooks.
Volunteers made several nominations this year for the award, and it is hard to choose just one recipient as every situation is so different and worthy. However, we would like to acknowledge one particular runner’s spirit.
The winner of this year’s Golden Gord award goes to Thana Boonlert, known on course by his crew as “Ship.” Thana completed the 100km and was facing cut-offs along the course but persevered through each to the finish, all the while maintaining a positive attitude. He went into the race recovering from a sprained ankle that he nursed the whole way. In his post-race report, he wrote: “I knew I would get my butt to the start line no matter what, and I’m so glad I did.” The aid 5-6 captain said that he knew Thana “was genuinely excited about the race the course.”
Thana’s wife and crew supported him through his training this year as he wrote how he “planned out this crazy idea of running 100km. Many long days in the mountains training, weekends sacrificed not seeing friends or going to cool events together, and money spent on various running things” led to Thana’s finish. We know that Gord would be a big cheerleader of all of your efforts, Thana, and we are so proud to celebrate along with you with this award!
Way to go!
Jamie & Tasha
