Date: September 2, 2024
Location: Orangeville, Ontario, around 80km from Toronto
Pre-Race Experience:
The organization of the Island Lake Classic 10K was great. Packet and Bib pickup was smooth, with plenty of volunteers to assist. I picked up my bib at 8AM on the race day, which was convenient as I didn’t need to drive twice to Orangeville.
Race Day:
The race day atmosphere was great! The weather was perfect for running, with cool temperatures around 10-12 degrees. There was two race options for adults 5 and 10k, with different routes, but I was glad that I had the opportunity to compete in the 10K race.
Course:
The course was scenic, taking us through the conservation area of Island Lake, crossing multiple bridges over the lake. It was mostly flat, with a few gentle inclines that added a bit of challenge, mostly at the end around km 9. The route was well-marked, and there was a water stations along the way, staffed by enthusiastic volunteers who cheered us on. On some challenging turn points there were also volunteers who guided us to the right course.
Performance:
I tried maintaining a steady pace throughout the course but I was gasping for air at the end near the hilly section. The crowd and volunteers support was incredible, especially as we approached the finish line. Hearing the cheers and seeing the finish line in sight gave me the final push I needed to sprint to the end. I finished in 14th place and second on my group age.
Post-Race:
After crossing the finish line, we were greeted with medals, water, and a variety of snacks. It was a great place to relax and celebrate with fellow runners.
Overall Impression:
The Island Lake Classic was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The organization, the scenery, and volunteer support made it a great race. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable and scenic 10K race.
