Carstairs Classic Raises $1,005 for Palliative Care

The “Carstairs Classic” took place on July 7 this year. The race, named for Monty Carstairs, Deputy Director of Criminal Appeals and Special Prosecutions, stems from Monty being challenged, from time to time, to 100-yard sprint races. Monty is entirely undefeated on a training regime consisting of an occasional stroll down Robson Street. Previous challengers include Austin Cullen (now Assistant Deputy Attorney General) and Mike Hicks (now Regional Crown Counsel in Vancouver). As a special concession to endurance racers, Monty agreed to a 150-yard race on his last challenge, and still won! He has now wisely retired from racing, but the tradition remains. Hence this year’s run, involving seven contestants.

Before each race Crown counsel supporters are asked to pledge financial support to their favored sprinter. The winner of the race not only has bragging rights (as well as a gold medal – usually made of chocolate) but also allocates all the pledges to their chosen charity.

This year’s Carstairs Classic, to determine who would win the title of Crown Counsel Sprint Champion, took place at the sunny Brockton Oval. Bruce Wilkins gained an early lead and won the race handily, in 12.55 seconds. Mr. Wilkins later re-raced to defend his title upon the late arrival of “the Pride of Saskatoon”, Samiran Lakshman.

In the end, of course, the real winner was St. Paul’s Palliative Care Unit. The racers raised $1,005, which will be donated in the name of the Crown Counsel office. Thanks to all who supported this worthy cause.

This article was published in the October 2000 issue of BarTalk. © 2000 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.