Race: Trek or Treat Night Trail Run
Date: October 24, 2008.
Location: Kortright Conservation Centre, Vaughan
What better way is there to spend a Friday night than running around in the dark, screaming at the occasional ghost or ghoul that jumps out of the woods at you? Thanks to Hark Events’ Trek or Treat night trail run, I get to indulge in this pasttime at least once a year!
I was pleased to have won entry into Trek or Treat in the Running Free lottery this year. I had run the race for the first time last year and it was a must-do on my list. Since the Oakville edition of this race was the night before my first ultramarathon, I decided to wait until the Vaughan race this past Friday night. Although I didn’t dress up in costume, I did sport my Running Free colours. My adventure racing teammate and I ran the 10 km course, trying our best to prepare ourselves for the “haunters” that were stationed periodically throughout the course in order to further raise the heartrates of all participants. We had both raced the previous weekend and had not recovered fully, so we took things pretty easy, finishing in 57 minutes and change. With above average temperatures, it was a beautiful night for the race. The course was well-marked and scenic, with only one major hill to curse, conveniently located right at the end so spectators could see everyone sucking wind as they reached the top!
If you’ve never heard of this great event, be sure to check it out next year. Each of the Trek or Treat events has a 5km and 10km trail race which starts after dark, as well as a “Spooky Mile” for younger participants. Headlamps are available for rent, and a wide array of delicious post-run treats are provided. This is a unique and fun event that I will continue to look forward to in years to come.
