This local run is in it’s third year! Wow! I ran it the first year at Alder so, this was my first year to run this 5 Km at the Orangeville Fall Fair. I love that this race is supporting a local charity “family transition Place” in honor of Heidi Ferguson who was taken from us in domestic violence. What a special way to honor someone’s memory and raise money plus awareness to prevent domestic violence from taking more precious lives.
I thought (and wish) that the race started at 9:30 but, it actually began at 10 am. There were about 120 people running and some walkers too. As the time ticked on it just got warmer and stickier. I was thirsty and hot before the race began. There was no water at the start/finish line?!?!? Some feedback for anyone doing local races please have very cold water and lots of it! Not just for the runners but, think of your volunteers and sponsors too! Although I know they try to cut every expense and make sure that every penny goes to the charity to help people, which is really awesome.
This is a really beautiful 5 km race. It starts at the fair ground parking lot and continues out to the road. From there you follow the road down and turn down the dirt side road. Past the gravel pit is not so pretty but, fairly flat. The sun was really beating down on us and most runners took it slow coming up to the 2 km mark. Once I hit the water station and soaked myself, I also drank a bunch, I felt relief in amongst the trees. All trail from here! It was nice rolling ups and downs through a wide trail along the lake. It really was breathtaking. As I came pass the 4 km mark there was a large, rough, gravelly incline and I walked. The heat was just a bit too much for me. Once I was at the top and to the road, I like many other, was able to push myself faster and straight to then end.
Many people chatted about how it was there first race, which is wonderful! I hope that people continue to race and support local races for local causes. They also had some wonderful prizes and I won a $25 gift card. WHOO! Next local race I’ll be chasing the coyote at Mono Cliffs on September 29/12. I hope to see you there!
