This is my 3rd year running this event and since I actually prepared a race report last year on it, I was contemplating not repeating myself this year. But, this race needs and deserves the write up.
It is a 10K located in the small town of Grand Valley, which is a little over an hour northwest of Toronto. The course itself is definitely not an easy one. This year a large portion of the race was reversed from the previous year and it is just as challenging as it was prior.
There are about 3-4 inclines/declines which will definitely wear you down, but do all races have to be PB events? A challenge is good from time to time. The majority of the surface is pavement with a portion being packed dirt/gravel road and a small 1KM flat trail section between the concessions.
The event is hosted by the small running club “run dufferin” and supported by our own Orangeville Running Free Store. It is always great to see the majority of the team either volunteering or running this event. Personally it feels like a home race, if that makes any sense.
There are volunteers at every turn, aid stations at approx. 2, 5, and 8KMs offering water and some orange liquid. Each km is accurately marked and 5K times are yelled out by another fabulous volunteer. I am unsure about bag check as the free parking lot is directly by the start line.
The overall winner this year received $125 in various gift cards with the top three in each receiving some type of monetary gift card. There are also medals distributed as age group awards in 10 year increments. A large table of donated door prizes was given to runners during the award ceremony as well. I was lucky enough to snag a light bender to assist in me not getting flattened by a car at night. It should also be noted that they offer a $100 cash prize to any person able to better the course record for men and women. I think the mens record is 35:50 and the womens is 43:35.
Oranges, bananas, juices were available at the finish line with runners having the ability to partake in some drinks in sandwiches for lunch inside the community center as well. I didn’t partake in this as beer and wings were calling me, but a very nice gesture indeed.
I somewhat enjoy the smaller field (each of the three years ranging from 50 -100 runners), but I think it deserves more. I recommend for all of you finishing off an early May half/marathon or just trying to keep in shape, to drive up to Grand Valley next May and see what you think.
Now for a summary of my personal race… I finished.
