New Balance Chilly Half Marathon 2017
Date: Sunday, March 5, 2017
Location: Burlington, Ontario
http://www.chillyhalfmarathon.ca/site-chilly/Chilly_Half.html
The start of racing season 2017 for me, oh what a race. This is a known favorite race among runners in Southern Ontario. This is where one can test the strength of their legs after enduring a few months of winter and getting back outside on the road. Theses people know how organize and make a fun race in the face whatever mother nature decides on race day.
Being my first time here, I as usual came into the event with eyes wide open, this race follows the Lake Ontario shoreline in Burlington from one side of the city to the other and back. On this particular day, the weather proved to be excellent,dry, sunny, with some wind and just above zero. Parking for this event is ample, various maps show where and where not to park, I had picked up my race kit the night before, and chose to park just north of the starting area. The starting area faces south down the main street towards the lake, so I decided to warm myself with a Starbucks coffee as we awaited the race to begin.
The race starts with some messages from the organizers, everyone gets pumped as people start to make their way forward converging on the starting line. Everyone seems to be smiling, I think the novelty of running outside in a group in such cold is great for the soul, all suffering side by side .. LOL. Up till now my coffee has kept me warm, but the race begins and we all trot to the start line. This is a mid size race, so finding a place to set your pace doesn’t take to long. We are running down hill on Brant street and turn towards west onto Lakeshore, you get a great view of the Burlington Skyway bridge as well as Lake Ontario. The streets are lined by onlookers and well wishers along Lakeshore in both directions, this is where there is a short 4k out and back section, once back you will be heading East on Lakeshore towards Oakville. The road is lined on both sides by well groomed homes and lots, here you will set the remaining pace over 15km out and back again. The route here is a well m,aintained level asphalt surface, it is here if you wish to test your speed, you can move quickly without much distraction. I chose to enjoy the day and pace myself, this was my first race of the year and on a hard surface to boot, so I didn’t want to be hurting too much the next day.
My race was fun, the people lining the roads were pleasant, some offering treats away from the aid stations, others had signs. It was interesting watching other runners having made their turn, coming back towards the start line, never a dull time watching how people manage their way to a finish. This being such a well established event, they were well prepared to handle runners coming into the finish, you’re given your medal and snacks.
As advertised, there is chilly and beer to be had at one of the participating vendors along Brant Street. Nothing but good times at this event, if you’re looking to get the winter rust of your legs, this is a great event to do just that.
