Looking to shake the “rust” off my son Zachary’s running legs, we started him off with 5km in High Park, Toronto. This is back to where it all started, as their kid’s run 2 years ago was his first competitive running event, where he surprised us all in a 2nd place finish. As he’s progressed to 5km, it’s a scenic and fun run to kick off his season that we can run together.
Course: Winding through the paved trails of High Park, it’s a mix of elevation and flat stretches with beautiful views of the forest growth and pond. The course finishes with a separately scored challenge of about 50m of elevation gain over about 350m distance (Kill the Hill)
On-course support: Two water and Nuun electrolyte stations, one about 500m (better positioned for the 8km race) and second at 3km.
Surface: Primarily smooth asphalt, a few puddle segments and wet leaves on some corners
Weather: Cool (4°) with rain before and after (clear for the race)
Atmosphere: Big crowds at the top end, also doubling as the finish and through the hill challenge, with just nature and the occasional dog walker through 2-4km.
Post-race: The race ends with another water/electrolyte station past the finish line, where you can share in everyone’s pain after the hill and final 20m kick. Leaving the tunnel, the sponsor area had well organized nutrition stations and ample space to unwind.
Overall: Zach’s nerves were definitely present but he turned them into a great season opening, just over a minute off his 2024 season finale effort. There were a few younger track teams competing in this, so I think that helped settle him, even if he felt a bit out of race condition. He was very excited to run in his team jersey as well!
It was his race and while I paced him for the first half, I wanted revenge on the hill and managed a 3rd place age group finish for the hill challenge specifically.
Zach = 22:16 time, 88/1244, 13/90 age group
Patrick = 21:02 time, 61/1244, 5/66 age group
Congratulations to anyone else who ran in the 2025 Beneva Spring Run Off!
