This is my favourite race of the year for its consistently smooth operation. Among its logistic advantages: - ample, free parking close to the start/finish line - paved trail closed … MORE
This is my favourite race of the year for its consistently smooth operation. Among its logistic advantages:
– ample, free parking close to the start/finish line
– paved trail closed to cars
– very good logistics, eg. placement of water/Gatorade stations and portapotties
– lots of volunteers
– ample food and lots of variety (watermelon, bananas, bottled water, granola bars, cookies, protein bars, potato chips)
– attractive medal
This year the route was an out-and-back but with one loop. In previous years, the start line was in a different location and the route was a simple-out-and-back. The loop was tedious, but necessary due to the location change of the start/finish, no doubt due to the new mayor’s promise to keep event road closures to a minimum, so I can’t fault the RD for that.
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Smooth Operation
This is my favourite race of the year for its consistently smooth operation. Among its logistic advantages: - ample, free parking close to the start/finish line - paved trail closed … MORE
This is my favourite race of the year for its consistently smooth operation. Among its logistic advantages:
– ample, free parking close to the start/finish line
– paved trail closed to cars
– very good logistics, eg. placement of water/Gatorade stations and portapotties
– lots of volunteers
– ample food and lots of variety (watermelon, bananas, bottled water, granola bars, cookies, protein bars, potato chips)
– attractive medal
This year the route was an out-and-back but with one loop. In previous years, the start line was in a different location and the route was a simple-out-and-back. The loop was tedious, but necessary due to the location change of the start/finish, no doubt due to the new mayor’s promise to keep event road closures to a minimum, so I can’t fault the RD for that.
So much fun
Be sure to sign up early for next year! The 5K sold out quickly and the day before the race, I heard that there were only 5 spots left for … MORE
Be sure to sign up early for next year! The 5K sold out quickly and the day before the race, I heard that there were only 5 spots left for the ten miler.
This race is consistently well-organized, with knowledgeable volunteers. No bumps or hiccups at all this year.
I liked that you had a choice of free race item with registration: a hat or gloves. If you wanted extra items, you could add them for only $5 each. They were also selling tech shirts from a previous race at kit pick-up, again only $5 each.
Lots of free parking along the roads leading to the race site, and reasonably priced $4 parking at the “Green P” city-run lot on 115 Unwin (not even half full once the race started).
Quick lines at the baggage check and porta-potties.
New and much appreciated this year: pacers! Keeping up with the pacer gave me a confidence boost for an upcoming half marathon.
Gorgeous scenery and a flat, fast route.
Lots of post-race food including chips, cookies, water, Gatorade, bananas, watermelon, and buns with a choice of 3 spreads.
I can’t recommend this race enough. It’s on my annual must-do list.
a good race that will become great
THE GOOD: The race kit included tech gloves instead of a shirt which is useful and appreciated. Kit pick up was quick and organized. In fact, the whole race was … MORE
THE GOOD:
The race kit included tech gloves instead of a shirt which is useful and appreciated. Kit pick up was quick and organized. In fact, the whole race was well organized with knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers. Baggage check and pick up was quick, race results were available immediately as were free massages. There was a nice variety in the post-race food, with rolls and a trio of spreads, bananas, apples, watermelon, power bars, trail mix, etc. The medal was a large size with a fantastic design and colourful printed ribbon. The route was, as advertised, flat and fast, perfect for a PR.
THE BAD:
None of the issues were the fault of the race director or volunteers, but I’ll mention them anyway. The porta-porties were delivered late, ready about 5 minutes before the Ten Miler start time, which meant very long lines to use the on-site washrooms. The Gardiner Expressway was closed which meant a longer commute for some (I left early enough to avoid the rush, thanks to the RD who sent out an email the day before warning of the closure). Near the end of the 10k, cars were leaving the Green P parking lot at 115 Unwin which meant that they had to cut across the race route. There was a police officer guiding traffic and ensuring that the runners were safe, so that helped immensely, but it could not have been encouraging for the approaching runners who might think that they would need to slow down or stop so close to the end of the race.
Basically, the things that were within the RD’s control went well and the organizers did everything they could to make up for the shortcomings (e.g. starting the race 10 minutes later so that the porta-potties could be set up and used). For that reason, I would run this race again and recommend it to others.