Race Report - A Midsummer Night's Run

Aug 16, 2008

Race Report - A Midsummer Night's Run, August 16, 2008 by Lynne Atkinson

This annual race takes place in eastern downtown Toronto and encompasses the Leslie Street spit and the Beaches. Distances are available for 15K run, 15k walk and 30k. I chose to complete the 15k run although I saw several of our local runners and club members taking part in both the 15k and 30k races.

Race kit pick up was 2 days prior at the New Balance store on Yonge St and it wasn't the quickest moving line up. The kits were pretty sparse and were not preassembled which alone caused delays. I think they need more volunteers to move people through quicker and perhaps some clearer communication over which line to get in as some people were confused. They were certainly doing the best they could given their situation though.

The race began with the drive down to the Canada Post building on Eastern Avenue, where we parked our cars (had to buy a permit) and took the shuttle to the start/finish line about 5-10 min. drive away. It was smooth and easy to navigate. Chip pick up was also fairly simple with little wait time although the porta potty lines were another story. I didn't bother with them. Don't ask.

The race is an evening race beginning at 6:30 pm although there was a slight delay to the start. The 30k runners went off first followed a few minutes later by the 15k folks. Everyone got a blinker to wear due to the night time finish for the longer distance runners. The weather was perfect with a nice breeze now and then to cool you.

The course was flat and wound its way down the Leslie Street spit right out to the lighthouse at the tip and then back, with different cut off routes for the 15k and 30k runners. I would have to say it wasn't a very exciting course visually although there were a couple of nice views of the Toronto skyline from the islands perspective,which one doesn't often see. I forgot my ipod so I kind of zoned out for most of it. There was a water/gatorade station at the 3k mark and then not again until you rounded the lighthouse and were heading back, at about the 7km mark. I carried no hydration with me thinking that I could get it at the stations however at the 7km station, I was only offered water. I did not hear anyone offer a sports drink at all. I thought there could have been better support that way but at least I was able to hydrate with water. The next station came around 11km and again, I only heard water being offered. It wasn't until I was pretty much past it that one girl called out and offered gatorade but I did not want to stop and go back so I just kept running. I hate wearing fuel belts but had I worn mine, I could have supplemented with an electrolyte drink. I had some shot blocks before the race but nothing during...hmmm I'll have to rethink that one. I think a couple more of them would have given me a boost considering I didn't get the electrolyte drink I thought I would. We headed north for a bit then west just after leaving the spit and back to the start/finish line at Lakeshore Blvd. They had nutrition for all finishers in the form of bagels, bananas, typical stuff. But you could also buy tickets for the bbq and beer tent afterward too. I just wanted to head home so I didn't partake.

I was coming off a real setback in my training and would have liked to finish at 1:30 but would have been happy with anything under 1:45 simply due to my getting back into a solid routine again. My chip time was 1:40 so I was ok with that...for now ;). Overall, although it could have been better supported in some spots, they did have police assistance at intersections, and it was a nice race for a few reasons: 1) it's a good gauge race at this time of year, especially if you're heading into a fall marathon and want to see where you're at for a 30k time, 2) it's a laid back atmosphere (safe to say no elite runners) 3) it's for a good cause (Sick Kids hospital) and 4) the finisher's medal is really really nice....it's all about the bling isn't it? LOL. ;)

Lynne