| Victoria Jane DeVita March 10, 1953 – November 12, 2010 |
The female winners of each of the 7 SBER races (15K, 25K, 35K, 50K, 50M, 100K and 100M) will have their names engraved onto small sterling silver label which will be affixed to the base of the perpetual trophy created by accomplished sculptor Shannan Varner, in addition each winner will receive a personalized plaque with the image of the trophy. A donation of five dollars per SBER entrant will be made to charity in Vicki DeVita’s name.
Vicki DeVita was best known in Southern California as the female winner of the 1991 Angeles Crest 100 Miler; however, the SBER organization first knew about Vicki just after our inaugural Blue Canyon Trail Race in June 2009.
We received an e-mail a month after the race informing us that Vicki had completed our 50K while in remission from cancer, but that the cancer had returned.
Despite this terrible prognosis, Vicki and her mother Pat, completed the Los Angeles Marathon in March 2010, and Pat returned to Rancho Los Osos in June to participate in the 2010 Blue Canyon event.
Although Vicki was unable to compete due to her advanced cancer, she hiked out several miles in the middle of the 105-degree heat to run in with her mother. It was apparent to everyone just how great a struggle it was, but her determination and positive attitude was an inspiration to all of us.
On November 12, 2010, Vicki DeVita passed away at the age of 57. As we reflected on her life and our few brief meetings with her, it is an honor to pay tribute to her memory in this manner.
