Event: Around the Bay Road Race Location: Hamilton, Ont. Date: Sunday March 29, 2015 Race(s): 30K, 5K, 2- and 3-person relays History: Since 1894 (121 years). Run 105 times Charity: St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Experience a part of history at this Canadian bucket list event Around the Bay celebrated its 120th year in 2014 and has now been run a total of 105 times. ATB as it’s commonly known, prides itself on being the oldest road race in North America (even “Older than Boston”, the marathon that is). The first run took place in 1894 with just a handful of participants and has grown to be an extremely popular and exceptionally well run event kicking off the Ontario spring racing season. The event features a unique 30K distance with relay options for teams of two or three, as well as an out-and back 5K that produces fast times. All together, the event attracts some 12,000 runners and walkers and raises money for St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. All races take place from FirstOntario Centre (formerly Copps Coliseum) in downtown Hamilton, which also hosts the pre-race expo and kit pick-up as well as race day headquarters. Race time is 9:30 a.m. for 30K runners and relay participants while the 5K goes shortly after at 9:45 a.m. Note that parking is limited in the area around FirstOntario so plan your trip to and from the event accordingly. Many would also attest to a shortage of washrooms in the arena where lines can get very long so make sure you have a plan B for race morning. The 30K course, which starts just outside FirstOntario on York Boulevard, was changed in 2014 to feature a more complete tour of the Hamilton Harbour running along Burlington Street, but also added a number of continuously rolling hills early on which many participants claimed made the race a bit slower overall. At 10K, participants head north along Beach Boulevard and cross over into neighbouring Burlington. Between 18 and 24K they continue along the panoramic rolling hills of North Shore Boulevard. The last and most grueling climb (ATB’s own version of Boston’s “Heartbreak Hill”) comes around 26K which is then followed by an encounter with the infamous Grim Reaper near the Hamilton Cemetary. Note: Due to local construction, a one-time detour will take place in 2015 that will bypass the Valley Inn Hill. Luckily for all, the final 3K of the race provides a gentle downhill return into Hamilton for the unique finish on the arena floor inside FirstOntario. Participants can expect a well-marshaled and supported course with plenty of aid-stations and helpful volunteers. There are also loud and supportive crowds and community cheering stations at various points in the race, some who offer orange slices, bananas and some years, even bacon! Following the finish, which is broadcast “live” on the arena’s jumbo-tron for all spectators to see, participants receive a commemorative medal, which may be gold, silver or bronze depending on their respective finishing time. There are then an assortment of snacks and refreshments available to finishers as well as plenty of space to relax, unwind and to meet up with family and friends after the race. In 2014, the women’s race was won by Brantford native Krista DuChene in a time of 1:47:13. Paul Kimugal was the men’s winner in a time of 1:35:35. The 5K was won by Peter Corrigan (14:30) and Kate Van Buskirk (16:19) respectively. Canadian Race Guide Ratings and Review Unique/Specialty: 5/5 One of North America’s oldest road races with a unique distance of 30K and a challenging course to match. Experience: 5/5 Supportive crowds, creative aid stations and the fast downhill finish onto the arena floor of FirstOntario make for an unforgettable experience. Organization: 4/5 With 120 years experience, organizers do an incredible job of managing 12,000 people. One common complaint however is the somewhat crammed race expo inside FirstOntario that lack sufficient washrooms. Swag & Medals: 4/5 The race kit includes a signature New Balance long-sleeved shirt and the finisher’s medals are gold, silver or bronze depending on your finish time. Parking & Access: 3/5 Parking is somewhat limited in downtown Hamilton and getting to and from the event can be challenging due to the local road closures. Plan accordingly and give yourself plenty of time.
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