I ran Mississauga in 2007 as my very first marathon, and managed to qualify for Boston there. In the intervening years, Boston has become my spring marathon. But this year … MORE
I ran Mississauga in 2007 as my very first marathon, and managed to qualify for Boston there. In the intervening years, Boston has become my spring marathon. But this year I did Mississauga, and it was wonderful to return to the ‘scene of the crime’ so to speak.
The weather was ideal, with a start-time temperature of 10 Celsius, and little wind. As the hours wore on, the temperature rose by a few degrees, and the wind increased a bit, but if anything the headwind was appreciated as a cooling factor.
The first 5k are unremarkable, along Burnhamthorpe road, a typical commercial street, but closed completely to traffic, which is good, since the half marathon (around 1800 participants) and the marathon (around 800) all go out together.
Then you turn south and the scenery is very pretty along Mississauga road.
At 16k, the half marathoners head out toward the finish line and the full heads west. Kilometres 20 to 28 are in an industrial area and mentally can be the doldrums. It’s an out and back, so you can see the runners ahead of you and behind you on the course as you cover this stretch. I saw the lead woman just exiting the small lakeside park, on her way back in, as I was still heading out.
Gels are supplied at 17km and 32k-ish. Nice to have a couple. Water stations can be as much as 4km apart, but are well-organized and supported by enthusiastic and efficient volunteers. On a hot day, you might want to carry your own fluids.
The last 14k dips several times between lakeshore road and the lake, and is very pleasant and scenic, with pretty residential areas, a (mostly paved) path right along the lakefront, and some minor hills before things flatten out completely at 38k.
One thing that was a really pleasant surprise was the amount of spectator support, cheering stations and some musical entertainment. As well, this is the first and only marathon where I’ve seen the traffic-control police smiling and clapping and cheering as well.
Marathoners be aware that you share the first 16k of the course with half-marathoners, plus there is a 5x8km relay for the marathon, so don’t let yourself get sucked into racing those who are covering shorter distances.
The finish line is at the end of a spit of land that curves out into Lake Ontario. The finishing chute was very efficient.
Kudos to the organizers and the city of Mississauga for creating a really pleasant race experience.
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Many happy returns
I ran Mississauga in 2007 as my very first marathon, and managed to qualify for Boston there. In the intervening years, Boston has become my spring marathon. But this year … MORE
I ran Mississauga in 2007 as my very first marathon, and managed to qualify for Boston there. In the intervening years, Boston has become my spring marathon. But this year I did Mississauga, and it was wonderful to return to the ‘scene of the crime’ so to speak.
The weather was ideal, with a start-time temperature of 10 Celsius, and little wind. As the hours wore on, the temperature rose by a few degrees, and the wind increased a bit, but if anything the headwind was appreciated as a cooling factor.
The first 5k are unremarkable, along Burnhamthorpe road, a typical commercial street, but closed completely to traffic, which is good, since the half marathon (around 1800 participants) and the marathon (around 800) all go out together.
Then you turn south and the scenery is very pretty along Mississauga road.
At 16k, the half marathoners head out toward the finish line and the full heads west. Kilometres 20 to 28 are in an industrial area and mentally can be the doldrums. It’s an out and back, so you can see the runners ahead of you and behind you on the course as you cover this stretch. I saw the lead woman just exiting the small lakeside park, on her way back in, as I was still heading out.
Gels are supplied at 17km and 32k-ish. Nice to have a couple. Water stations can be as much as 4km apart, but are well-organized and supported by enthusiastic and efficient volunteers. On a hot day, you might want to carry your own fluids.
The last 14k dips several times between lakeshore road and the lake, and is very pleasant and scenic, with pretty residential areas, a (mostly paved) path right along the lakefront, and some minor hills before things flatten out completely at 38k.
One thing that was a really pleasant surprise was the amount of spectator support, cheering stations and some musical entertainment. As well, this is the first and only marathon where I’ve seen the traffic-control police smiling and clapping and cheering as well.
Marathoners be aware that you share the first 16k of the course with half-marathoners, plus there is a 5x8km relay for the marathon, so don’t let yourself get sucked into racing those who are covering shorter distances.
The finish line is at the end of a spit of land that curves out into Lake Ontario. The finishing chute was very efficient.
Kudos to the organizers and the city of Mississauga for creating a really pleasant race experience.
Well Organized Race
I was a first-timer but this race is now on my annual to-do list. Positives: - nice race kit with Champion brand tech shirt and useful small items - start … MORE
I was a first-timer but this race is now on my annual to-do list.
Positives:
– nice race kit with Champion brand tech shirt and useful small items
– start line located near a major highway, just exit the off-ramp and park
– ample, free parking right beside the corral
– many portapotties, no waiting!
– lots of experienced pacers
– 7:30 start time
– well stocked aid stations
– fast downhill course
– section in park was closed off to the public
– food area was conveniently located very close to finish line
– food area was closed to the public
– results available right away in food area
– ample free shuttle buses back to start line
Negatives were minor but bear mentioning:
– first aid station at 4km was understaffed, line-up for water!
– not enough portapotties on course
– no gel station until 17km mark
I was impressed enough that this race is now on my annual must-do list.