Sunday November 22,2009 Whitby Yacht Club
10 Mile,10K &5K
http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=4273
This was the 7th running of this popular Whitby race which originated in Ajax and was run out of Rotary Park for the first 4 years.The organizers decided to change the course yet again to minimize the trail portion of the race.In previous years the weather had not been so kind on this weekend and ice and snow 2 years ago made the course a little dangerous.Hence the change.This change just did not work!Having a 10 miler and 10k run at the same time on a looping course in a sub-division with very few marshalls and little course marking proved to be very confusing and I would guess that all participants save the 1st place runner in each distance,who had a cyclist lead them,ran longer than the race called for.
Oh well,stuff happens.It was perfect weather for running,sunny 8-10 degrees.Global warming has it’s good points apparently!LOL.This race has never had much in the way of prizes and this year was no exception,though the age-group winners received gift certificates from our HQ, Running Free.What the race lacks in giveaways they make up for with a great venue,the Whitby Yacht Club,a great post-race feed and this year featured a free drink at the bar!!Because of the confusion on course,race director Ian Barron decided to offer up an apology and promise of a return to the trails for next year and more free drink tickets!!A man after my own heart,nice one Ian.
As for the race,I am coming to the end of a long training and racing season and though not expecting a super fast race I expected to run a solid even race somewhere in the 61,62 minute range.With the confusion on course and running a few extra hundred metres,my goal was accomplished,coming in at 1:02,good for 2nd overall and a win in my age-group.I happily accepted my GC from Steve the new Running Free Ajax store manager.Best of luck to the new store,looking forward to the day when we have one in Toronto,preferably a Beach location…you listening there boys?? I can dream.
Cheers
Ajax store?! tell me more. when, where abouts?