Annual Vulture Bait Trail Race – 15th
Date: Saturday, October 14, 2017
Location: London, Ontario
http://www.vulturebaitrace.com/
This is a run that has been on my wish list for quite some time, however, I seemed to always miss out on this one. I was not disappointed after finally being able to attend this event, what a great race. This is a quality event, organized by trail runners for trail runners.
This race is held on the grounds of the Fanshawe Conservation Area. It is on the west side of Fanshawe lake/reservoir near London Ontario. This is not a beginners event, since the distances consist of a 25K loop and a 50K loop. The main pavilion provides the registration/meeting area before the race start. It is an inviting experience of people that seem to all know each other, very friendly and where positive energy abounds. Being a smaller event, there were no long line ups, just a quick hello and your swag bag is in your hand.
This is a very unpretentious event, the organizers have things well in hand, they update everyone as to the count down of the race start, both the 25 & 50 begin at the same time. The starting line is the trail next to the pavilion. Everyone heads down to the trail and becomes a mingled group of energy. After some introductions from the organizer, he wishes everyone a good race and off we go. The race follows mixed trails around the lake in a counter clockwise direction ending back at the pavilion. The trail is mixed with single, double tracks, mixed flat/hilly terrain, and some hard surfaces on the east side of the lake. At the southern most tip, you cross the dam which we drove over to enter the park, it offers some great views of the lake. You are never to far from the lake itself, it’s a nice mix of open field or forest.
They have placed aid stations at approx every 5km, offering all forms of treats you desire and then some. This offered the best surprise at the 17km mark, where the station offered up freshly prepared BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and beer, this was a highlight. Volunteers went well out of their way to make sure everyone had a safe fun run. Around the 21km mark a group had organized a pop up Octoberfest festival with music, beer and hugs, dressed in full festive gear. The finish is a simple run to the pavilion and you’re awarded your medal. The food in the pavilion is not to be missed, it seemed to be all home prepared salads and pasta, served up hot with plenty to go around.
If anything this race excels at the people that volunteer / organize this event. They make this event something not be missed if you’re wanting to run these distances. They’ve created something special here, and it shows going into their 15th year. I don’t usually run the same races each year back to back to keep some variety, but I can say that I’ll be back for 16th year of this race.
Cheers
