Date: April 5, 2009.
Start Time: 10am (waves)
Weather: Sunny with some wind, 5 degrees Celcius
Three things come to mind after running this race: great scenery, tough course, and golf pants ARE adequate for running.
The organizers of Markham’s own November half-marathon introduced a brand new 16.1km race this year, and kept runners on the cart path of the lush golf club for all but the first and last km. And while the rolling slopes of the Angus Glen golf course may not be as long or intimidating as the hills on Elgin Mills Road (which marks the challenging 16-18km stretch of the fall half-marathon), the frequent and sometimes steep inclines of the cart path certainly slowed down many of the 375 participants.
The start was wisely done in waves, and offered the unique opportunity for the slower runners to get a quality start line photo-op. It also allowed for adequate spacing, even when the race course was narrow in spots. With all the twists and turns, this was not a PB course — but would certainly be ideal for any Boston marathoners seeking a last minute tune-up.
The event had plenty of hamburgers and salad during the post-run gathering, and participants were even allowed to park in the club’s paved lots during the race. Aid stations provided both water and sport drink, and there were even port-potties stationed on the route.
Curiously, there was duplication of awards (something that is increasingly less common in the local racing scene). Not that it played a factor for me, as I was a full 17 minutes off my personal best for this one. I certainly couldn’t blame the golf apparel that I wore during the run, it was as comfortable — and arguably more fashionable — than my old high school gym uniform. Running Free, consider selling your own brand of golf slacks!
