Nelson City Council has named ultramarathon runner Jazmine Lowther as its 2023 Sports Ambassador.

Last spring Lowther finished first and set the record — 10 hours one minute 54 seconds — in the female division of the Canyons 100-km race in California.

“Jazmine checks all the boxes in what council is looking for in a sports ambassador,” Mayor Janice Morrison said as she presented the award Jan. 31.

“She is involved in competing and coaching, giving back the community, and competing across the world where she is championing Nelson’s reputation as a sports and recreational hub.”

Nelson’s Jazmine Lowther competes internationally in ultramarathons. Photo: Bill Metcalfe

In September Lowther finished fourth in her category in the UTMB Mont-Blanc race in Chamonix, France, a 100-km event that includes more than 6,000 metres of elevation gain through the Alps of Italy, Switzerland and France.

“I am incredibly honoured and humbled to be here, as a born and raised Nelsonite,” Lowther told council.

“Today I was thinking about this as I ran laps around Lakeside, just as I did as a little girl running cross-country in Nelson.”

Lowther works as an agrologist and field biologist for the Ministry of Forests. She sometimes speaks to school children about “exploring their athletic boundaries, challenging themselves, and being healthy.”

She said she also encourages them to “be advocates for climate change activism and to be leaders in protecting the wild spaces that are near and dear to our hearts.”

The award comes with a $1,000 honorarium.

Nelson’s three previous sports ambassadors were cyclist Travis Hauck, boxing coach Jesse Pineiro and track athlete Matti Erickson.

READ MORE:

• Nelson’s Jazmine Lowther wins California ultramarathon

• Nelson’s Lowther, Stevens on podium at Sinister 7 ultramarathon

Nelsonrunning