I’v been doing the Ontario 5 Peaks Race Series for the past 4 years and thought it was about time I spoke a few words about it. This is a trail series consisting typically of 5 races (a sixth race is usally a post series wrap up) spread over the Apr/May to Sep/Oct months. There are two races distances offered at each race – Sport Distance ranging from 5-7km and Enduro ranging from 10-14km. General location of the races has been “Southern Ontario” – mostly in the western GTA area. The past two or three years the course venues have been consistent with the 5 races taking place at Terra Cotta Conservation Area, Heart Lake Conservation Area, Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, Albion Hills Conservation Area and Kortright Conservation Area. Yes, they like Conservation Areas. The races are very well organized and very well attended. Each race also offers a 1km kids race for the really young and a timed 3km kids race.for the up and coming The races encourage a family atmosphere and is a good place for the youngsters to get their feet wet in trail racing – although let me tell you there are some pretty fast whipper snappers out there running the main events. The venues are chosen for their mix of single and double track, beautiful scenery, mud as the weather allows and mix of hills – yes, plenty of hills. Erin Sheard, the race director for the Ontario Series and GG (Girlie) Harvey, the volunteer co-ordinator do a great job of pulling everything together for a fantastic race experience. I am sure there are many others but these two have been my main contact for these races. Like most races, the volunteer culture is very alive and contributes in large part to the quality of the race series. I have had the privilege (and the sore feet) to volunteer over the past 4 years doing parking control and course sweep. The nice thing is that a good days volunteer gets you a free race entry for the next race and there are many volunteer poaitions to fill – a good way to race on the cheap. Race sponsors are aplenty and there is usually an opportunity to try a pair of trail shoes at each event. The races are chipped timed and the results are available shortly after you cross the finish line. Awards are given three deep for top overall male and female as well as for age group winners at each race. There is always a prize table with a decent selection of draw prizes. To top things off there is also a series points award using your best three races. I have enjoyed racing this series the past 4 years and have had the good fortune (you never know who is gong to show up at a race) to make the podium on a fairly regular basis (for my age group) and to have been in the top three for race series standings each year – and winning it in two of these years. I have met some great people and made a lot of good friends. Registration is open for the 2017 series. If you have been thinking of trying some trail running/racing then this might be the place for you. Give yourself the race series (or a couple of individual races) as a Christmas gift – you will enjoy the experience. Erin puts out a “killer of a laugh” Pre-race e-mail to get you pumped for each upcoming race. The race series motto is “Get off the Road” – if you have been thinking of transitioning away from road racing then give this a go.
Happy Trails
