Choosing Hamilton
I chose the Hamilton Road2Hope Marathon as it’s one of the last big races in the region, held in early November. Initially, I couldn’t secure a spot in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon (although I eventually did), so Hamilton was a great backup—and it’s just a quick one-hour drive from Toronto. I’d also heard good things about the race and wanted to experience it firsthand.
Another reason to sign up was that it gave me a chance to reconnect with other running friends, which is always a bonus! I later discovered that Hamilton Road2Hope is a popular choice for runners hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon, as the course runs about 100-200 meters shorter, which my watch confirmed by the end! The event offers a variety of distances: a 5K and 10K on Saturday, and both the half and full marathons on Sunday, so there’s something for everyone.
Race Preparation
Instead of staying overnight, I chose to drive from Toronto on race day. In hindsight, this wasn’t the most convenient choice. The organizers only offered bib pickup in Hamilton, with no Toronto options. While you can pick up your bib on race day, it costs extra, so I opted to make the trip to Hamilton the day before to secure my bib for the race. It would have been helpful if there were a pickup location in Toronto, as many participants come from the city.
The race staff advised me to arrive early on race day to avoid parking issues, and they weren’t wrong. We arrived just before 7 a.m. for the 8 a.m. start, which allowed us to find parking easily. Soon after, the traffic and parking situation intensified. So, if you’re planning to run, definitely get there early! The weather was ideal—sunny with minimal wind—and the pre-race atmosphere was fantastic as I made my way to the start line.
Race Day Experience
The half and full marathon events started together, divided into three corrals, which worked fairly well given the crowd size. Splitting it into four corrals could have helped reduce the congestion just after the start, but the system was still effective. Coming off an injury and fresh from running the Toronto Waterfront Marathon just two weeks before, I went in with low expectations. My goal was to keep my time under two hours.
The course ran along the beach for parts of the race, which offered some beautiful scenic views. Running alongside the water and soaking in the sunshine made for an enjoyable experience. The course itself was quite flat, and there were a few cheering sections, which I always appreciate. There’s something special about seeing supporters on the sidelines, and even a Running Free teammate cheered me on as they passed—those moments are a reminder of the simple joy in running.
That said, after a while, I found the course a bit monotonous. It could have just been fatigue setting in, but some parts lacked motivation, especially the stretches along residential streets where scenery and cheering crowds were sparse. The course design involves loops: half marathoners complete one loop, while marathoners do two. I imagine the marathoners found it even more challenging to stay motivated while running a repeated loop without much scenery or spectator support. The finish line, however, was lively, with a great crowd cheering runners on. Unfortunately, I noticed that fewer spectators stuck around for marathoners finishing in the 3–4+ hour range.
For myself, I started strong, pushing a faster pace in the first half. But as my injury started nagging, I had to slow down, ultimately finishing with a chip time of 1:57:36—a time I’m quite happy with. After finishing, we received medals and were treated to post-race snacks like hot soup and pizza—exactly what I needed after fueling with sugary gels.
The only downside was the parking situation after the race. We were stuck for 30-45 minutes trying to exit, though the volunteers and police did their best to manage traffic. I hope the organizers can improve the exit process for next year.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Hamilton Road2Hope is a good race choice, especially for anyone seeking an end-of-season race near Toronto. The course is flat, and the race is well-organized. Plus, the slight course measurement variance could be a bonus for those aiming to qualify for Boston. The medal design is nice too, which is always a fun keepsake.
Personally, I might not do this race again, mostly because of the logistical challenges of getting there versus the actual race experience. However, this is only my take; for those who haven’t tried it, I’d still recommend giving it a go at least once. It’s a well-rounded race with a relaxed vibe and plenty to offer for runners of all levels.
