This was the third Annual Holiday 5K at Old Fort Niagara. It is a beautiful and scenic 5K run/walk, not for the weak at heart, which takes place entirely within … MORE
This was the third Annual Holiday 5K at Old Fort Niagara.
It is a beautiful and scenic 5K run/walk, not for the weak at heart, which takes place entirely within Fort Niagara State Park. The course is USATF-certified and features amazing views of Fort Niagara State Park; the Lower Niagara River; Lake Ontario; Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada; Historic Old Fort Niagara, and the Toronto skyline.
This race draws a loyal and cheerful crowd to a mostly flat-paved course that weaves not through the historic colonial fort, but through the remains of the former Army post that was active into the 70s, and once hosted German prisoners of war.
There’s lots of mostly preserved historic architecture on that section open to the public, awesome scenery, and lots of volunteers who direct and cheer on the walkers and racers. It is worth the experience.
Previous Holiday 5Ks were completed in cold, windy, snow storms. However, the 2018 race, the weekend before Christmas, was just blustery and overcast, which just seemed to add to a very pleasant experience.
There is a post-race celebration, featuring warm food and heated tents for those not wanting to brave the cold. While there are awards for the top in the various categories and raffle prizes, what makes the race truly special is a special medal and bib unique to the fort for all finishers, and opportunities to tour the historic site.
I was a first-time participant, walking with my wife in what was officially her second 5K. While others were dressed with the intent to expedite the course, we chose an aggressive walk to experience the fort where my wife’s step-father first reported and trained during World War II. His tour of duty, that began in the same wooden huts we passed, ultimately involved the first wave of D-Day and what he used to say, walking to Germany.
We, as a couple, now look forward to returning and striving for our own personal bests.
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Best Way to Start the Holidays
This was the third Annual Holiday 5K at Old Fort Niagara. It is a beautiful and scenic 5K run/walk, not for the weak at heart, which takes place entirely within … MORE
This was the third Annual Holiday 5K at Old Fort Niagara.
It is a beautiful and scenic 5K run/walk, not for the weak at heart, which takes place entirely within Fort Niagara State Park. The course is USATF-certified and features amazing views of Fort Niagara State Park; the Lower Niagara River; Lake Ontario; Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada; Historic Old Fort Niagara, and the Toronto skyline.
This race draws a loyal and cheerful crowd to a mostly flat-paved course that weaves not through the historic colonial fort, but through the remains of the former Army post that was active into the 70s, and once hosted German prisoners of war.
There’s lots of mostly preserved historic architecture on that section open to the public, awesome scenery, and lots of volunteers who direct and cheer on the walkers and racers. It is worth the experience.
Previous Holiday 5Ks were completed in cold, windy, snow storms. However, the 2018 race, the weekend before Christmas, was just blustery and overcast, which just seemed to add to a very pleasant experience.
There is a post-race celebration, featuring warm food and heated tents for those not wanting to brave the cold. While there are awards for the top in the various categories and raffle prizes, what makes the race truly special is a special medal and bib unique to the fort for all finishers, and opportunities to tour the historic site.
I was a first-time participant, walking with my wife in what was officially her second 5K. While others were dressed with the intent to expedite the course, we chose an aggressive walk to experience the fort where my wife’s step-father first reported and trained during World War II. His tour of duty, that began in the same wooden huts we passed, ultimately involved the first wave of D-Day and what he used to say, walking to Germany.
We, as a couple, now look forward to returning and striving for our own personal bests.