Starting off my 2025 season, Around the Bay in Hamilton (131st annual) was suggested in my local running group. A half dozen of us signed up and added a further competitive element in the “Hammer”, which included 5, 10 and 15km virtual time trials to be submitted throughout the final month and culminating in the 30km race on March 30th.
Course: Winding through older subdivisions, industrial areas and newer housing along the beachfront with the first two thirds of the distance mostly flat, then gaining elevation leading back towards the escarpment on the final third.
On-course support: Water and Xact electrolyte stations every 4-5kms, plus ample porta potties (if needed)
Surface: Mix of newer and older broken pavement (some big potholes), some steel bridge crossings and about 100m of mud/dirt trail
Weather: Cool (1-2°) and drizzling rain
Atmosphere: Loud and fun through some of subdivisions, primarily on north shore, with big stretches of industrial road/empty highway on the south.
Post-race: Finishing at Liuna station, the corral lead inside where competitors picked up water and snacks, along with medals before being herded back outside by staff. Bag pickup was somewhat chaotic and right beside the door.
Overall: I had low expectations for my results following a bad slip and fall in late February but managed to hold pace and show off my hill training at the late stages of the race. The weather wasn’t great but spirits and energy levels were high in the starting corral and throughout most of the race. Smiles and great banter all around. For what was another steady Sunday long run in my training schedule, I did manage a 30km personal best. What a great start to my 2025 season.
Congratulations to anyone else who braved the rain and crushed that course as well!
