Race Report - Around the Bay 30 K

Race Report

Left the house at 7:15 AM (after walking and feeding Bud). Made the trek to Hamilton and arrived slightly after 8 AM. I was careful not to head to Niagara (like yesterday). After exiting on Main Street, I parked for free at the Hamilton City Hall parking lot. Fortunate to arrive early to get one of these prized spots - rather than pay $10 to $20 by people trying to make a buck.

Had a slow 1 K warm-up then went into Copps Collesium, which was crowded. I always enjoy this race which is a practice race to prepare for the (full) marathon in early May. The weather was excellent for the race - sunny and cool. When I got out of the car, I regretted not bringing gloves but at the start line, the temperature went up so there was no need for gloves. I did wear a toque.

My only complaint with this race is the number of water stations - they are quite far apart. In the past, I brought a water bottle but didn't do so this time. I like using the water stations for a quick walking break. Everything else went as planned - the race organizers advertise this race as hilly for the final 10 K so no surprises. The race sold over several months ago!

The number of racers was increased for this year and it was quite packed during the race. No early start for walkers, which used to have a separate walking category. Had to watch out for the potholes. A train passed by which stopped the runners ahead - when I arrived, the train had left (thankfully).

The route is not easy. I power walked any hills - as they were quite steep. I have not hill-trained so no need damaging the legs or getting an injury at this stage of the training.

30k Course Description (from web site http://www.aroundthebayroadrace.com/details.htm)


The first 20k of the Around the Bay Road Race is an exciting, scenic, and fast route. The last 10k includes rolling hills through scenic North Shore Blvd.

The race begins on York Blvd., 1 block west of Copps Coliseum.

The race proceeds east on York Blvd. which turns into Wilson Street to Sherman Avenue. At Sherman Ave runners turn north and then east at Cannon Street. Runners stay on Cannon Street which turns into Britannia Ave to Parkdale Ave. Runners then turn north at Parkdale Ave and east bound at Melvin Ave to Woodward Ave, and then north on Woodward Ave to the Beach Strip.
After crossing the Canal lift bridge the race turns onto Eastport Drive to Northshore Blvd. The race will turn west bound onto the rolling hills of Northshore Blvd., and then west onto Plains Rd. to Spring Garden Rd. Just past Woodland Cemetery awaits the Valley Inn Hill leading up to York Blvd. and the finish into Copps Coliseum at York Blvd. and Bay Sts.

The finishing time is slower than last year (which makes me wonder how my [full] marathon performance will be!


Gun Time = 3:18:04.6
Chip Time - 3:13:05.9
Pace = 6:27 min/K
Age Category = 457 out of 548
Gender Category = 2791 out of 3426
Overall = 4734 out of 6848
10 K = 1:07:43; 15 K = 1:38:13.4; 20 K = 2:09:15.4