Run for the Toad 25k & 50k Trail Race
Oct.3rd,2009 Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area,Paris,On
This year was the 8th anuual running of one of the biggest,if not THE biggest and best trail races in Ontario.I was unable to run this race the last 2 years and was one happy runner when we arrived into beautiful Paris,Ontario and proceeded just north to Pinehurst Lake.
George and Peggy Sarson sure know how to put on a race.The sound of bagpipes and drums greeted us as we made our way down to the “tent village” to pick up our race kit.Friendly volunteers helped direct us, and George and Peggy mingled greeting old friends and new ones alike.I am fortunate to have gotten to know them a little over the years,and was greeted with a friendly smile.
The race consists of 12.5k loops over a mix of hilly single,double track and park roads.Several rolling hills and one sharp uphill at 11.5k give the quads a good workout,and the rain over the previous day or so had left the route a little greasy.To my surprise the trail actually got better with the passing of over 1,000 runners and walkers,which I’m sure was more of a relief to the 50k runners who ran 4 laps .
I had the pleasure of running with 50k veteran Giles Malet who was doing the 25k this day.We hooked up early on the 1st loop and kept a steady pace throughout the rest of the race.We both ran a slightly positive split of around 2 minutes and place 2nd and 3rd in the Masters category respectively.
On of the best features of the “Toad” is the sit down meal served in the huge tent after the race.Grilled chicken breast,Asian noodles an assortment of salads,juice and dessert sure hit the spot after a hard trail run.
George and Peggy were also very gracious and understanding toward my running buddy Frank and myself in getting my 3rd place Masters award prior to the official presentation.We had experiences gear-box problems with Frank’s car enroute to the race and faced a 3+ hour drive home as the vehicle couldn’t go over 60km per hour!
Ah well,I’ve always wanted to drive through all the small towns between Paris and Toronto!
Thanks to the Sarsons for an amazing race,once again.I can’t reccomend this race enough to trail veterans and newbies alike.
Cheers
