WIN Half Marathon

What a beautiful day for a race!!!  Team Running Free Ajax and all of the volunteers for the WIN Marathon/Half did a fabulous job with the race.  Parking was plentiful, indoor washrooms available and happy, enthusiastic, smiling faces of volunteers in abundance.Race day started out with a childrens’ 1 K race.  Children of all ages participated including toddlers just out of diapers.  Racers anxiously awaiting the start of the Half and Full were put at ease by cheering on the little runners; a very refreshing start to race day.Running on the waterfront trail is beautiful!  The race route included some trail, road and waterfront paved pathways…a nice mix of everything.  The terrain is mainly flat with a few gently rolling hills.  The wind on the waterfront can be challenging especially on a gusty day, but fortunately the wind cooperated on WIN Marathon day.Birds singing, water crashing into the shore, children playing and the sounds of nature engulf the soul while running this race.  It was very easy to get lost in the sounds of nature while racing; a beautiful combo.Heading home was a bitter sweet feeling as I really didn’t want the race to end. The warmth of the sun combined with the positive energy of fellow runners, was soon to end.   Some racers experienced too much warmth and needed medical attention.    Race volunteers and the Emergency Response Team reacted professionally and efficiently in the two situations that I witnessed.A little bonus at the finish line was a finisher shirt with the medal!  Jeff, Pauline, Ian and Team Running Free Ajax are to be commended on their work with WIN 2010!  Congratulations to all volunteers, supporters and runners and hope to see you at the next Whitby waterfront race.Liana WilliamsTeam Running Free Markham