Race Report - Mississauga Marathon

First marathon of the 2013 year. Excellent weather - sunny and cool with a breeze. Temperature at the start (7:30 AM) was 14C and went up to 22C in the afternoon.

Arrived to the start line with 5 minutes to spare. Once again, I went the wrong way. I exited the highway at Mississauga Road but headed south rather than north - I need to read the sign! As a result of this blunder, I eventually headed north on Hurontario Street. Unlike the last time I ran the Mississauga Marathon, there was no entrance to the Square One Mall. So I took a risk and parked at a shopping plaza just over 1 K from the Square One. Fortunately my car was not towed nor ticketed when I arrived to make the trek home.

Saw Mayor Hazel McCallion waving at the start-line. Police made a presence at both the start and finish line due to the Boston Marathon tragedy.

Both half and full marathon races started at the same time. There was enough room to run for all. Forgot how scenic the route is! Headed west on Burnhamthorpe and then south through the University of Toronto Mississauga campus on Mississauga Road. Lots of green! At the 14 K, the half and full marathoners diverged - with the full headed west on Indian Road. Very expensive houses here! South on Southdown Road wasn't interesting as it's their industrial area - Suncor oil factory here. Heading north was not fun. There were rolling hills from 31 K to 36 K along Lakeshore Road West - I always walked upwards. Majority is either flat or downhill. Running through the waterfront trail is neat - with a nice cool breeze from Lake Ontario. The finish line is great at Lakefront Promenade Park.

Fluid stations are located every 2 K, which is great. Lots of volunteers and police presence on the route. Spectators especially strong with the final few Ks.

Overall, an excellent full marathon. I prefer this route over the Toronto Marathon. I took the highway 403 back home as I didn't want to get stuck in downtown Toronto as the Toronto Marathon was also taking place on the same day - this happened last year as well.

Gun Time = 4:35:06
Chip Time = 4:31:15.6
Pace = 6:26
Category Place = 143/164
Gender = 383/486
8 K = 48:15
21.1 K = 2:07:02
25 K = 2:31:44
Overall = 611/851

YTD = 539.4 K

 Finisher's Medal above. Bud wearing finisher's medal below.