Yesterday was the Midsummer Night's Run 30 K at the Toronto Islands.
This year, the run was changed from Tommy Thompson Park to the Toronto Islands due to road construction. Parked the car at the Metro underground parking lot on King and Church for $6 and walked to the ferry boarding area. Wow - it was very packed with people! One of the organizers stated we can go to the front since we have boarding tickets. There was already a lineup with folks with boarding tickets combined with people wanting to make it to the island. Must have waited over 30 minutes to board - must be a fire hazard with so many people waiting. And not a good feeling when there are so many people crowded with you.
Arrived on Centre Island slightly before 5 PM. Heard the horn to start the 5 K run so had 30 minutes. Those in the 5 K had to rush to the start line. Did a slow 1 K warmup. The island was packed with visitors!
The 30 K had so many turns that the first few Ks I had no idea where we were going. Good thing I wore my Garmin since I would have no idea which K marker to refer to. The route was 12 K, with a repeat, followed by 6 K. Running on the wooden board walk was not good - had to be careful. I found it worse to run on the uneven payment at 11 K, 22 K, and 28 K. There was an incline and I walked it. The final K was with several turns - seemed forever to reach the finish line but I finished strong. By that time, it was dark and I really had no idea where I was going. Did see one lady fall but fortunately get up quickly along the route.
The temperature was fine - about 25 C. The sun was blazing but with a start of 5:30 PM, it was dark when I finished the race slightly 3 hours later. There was a cool breeze at the lake, with the wind blowing at you while running the boardwalk.
Not sure why, but I kept the pace as much as possible below 6 minutes per kilometre. The K markers were sometimes a bit off but overall, the race was indeed 30 K - my Garmin stated 30.2 K. My chip time of 3 hours, 4 minutes, 34.5 seconds could not be sustained for a full marathon. The race is always a great trial for the fall marathon. I always find 32 K to 38 K very challenging. Brought 2 gels which provided much needed carbohydrates.
Plenty of volunteers for this race - at the fluid stations which were well stocked as well as at key points along the route. They did a great job.
At the finish line, I got a bagel - didn't see any fruit though. There was a washroom to change into dry clothes.
My big regret is I should have walked more to cool down as I was shocked with the very large lineup for the ferry to return to the Harbourfront. Someone said it must be since the Centre Island rides and games closed at 9 PM. Not a good situation since I'm standing still, having run 30 K, with nowhere to walk. So crowded and I don't like being in such situations. Made it on the 3rd ferry - wait in total about 45 minutes. I felt sick on the ferry and thrilled when I got off it.
Celebrated with a McLobster - mine did not looked as packed as the photo from the McDonalds web site:
I hope the route returns to Tommy Thompson Park. If it is at the Toronto Islands, I will probably not do it again. The worst part was not the route but the enormous lineups for the ferry. I have never felt sick after a race.
Results:
* Place = 371 out of 619
*
Gun Time = 3:04:55.2
* Chip Time = 3:04:34.5
* Pace = 6:10
* Age Category = 76 out of 105
* Gender = 222 out of 306
The finisher's medal:
And my proud little buddy:
YTD = 1053.7 K
