Around the Bay celebrates 120 years

The oldest road race in North America (it’s even “Older than Boston,” as the race shirt proclaims) celebrated it’s 120th anniversary Sunday on a sensational sunny morning in Hamilton, Ont.

More than 10,000 runners participated in the historic Around the Bay, which features a 30K, team relays and a 5K race.

Here’s a look at your reaction to the race.

Here we go again. #30k #ATB2014 #TeamHCC2014 #fithamilton @hamiltonchamber @YEPHamilton @hamiltonhive pic.twitter.com/1HdtZkpxFs

— Cameron Dyck (@cameod) March 30, 2014

Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne was on hand to countdown the official start of the 30K which kicked off at 9:30 a.m. EST. She later completed the 5K race which started a short time later.

Premier @Kathleen_Wynne gives final countdown to start Around the Bay Race in downtown #HamOnt. Well done! #onpoli pic.twitter.com/6tW9mjaRhL — Ted McMeekin (@TedMcMeekin) March 30, 2014

A cool and crisp morning quickly made way for clear skies and plenty of sun which helped runners celebrate the unofficial start of the spring road race season.

Good luck to all the runners at today’s #HamOnt Around the Bay… Great day for racing. ATB pic.twitter.com/s5Hv1AFWQ7

— Drew Edwards (@scratchingpost) March 30, 2014

Beautiful day for the 120th Around The Bay Road Race #Hamilton #hamont pic.twitter.com/UvDtf19RCD

— Deb (@ThatGirl61) March 30, 2014

Would be tough on the start line, but the few I’ve seen preparing to race in shorts made the right call… @bayracerun #atb2014

— Ian Brisbin (@ibrisbin) March 30, 2014

This year’s event featured a new 30K course with the typical energy and excitement.

#ATB30K felt like a whole new race. I think I like the extra hills and the authentic Hamilton smell. Tough race for tough runners.

— My Running Shorts (@RunShorts) March 30, 2014

Thanks to @bayracerun for an Amazing race, and special shoutout to @BBSL_ca for the inspirational markers! pic.twitter.com/cYdfglrXkZ

— Another Fit Freak (@justme_Soo) March 30, 2014

There were also plenty of fans and supporters out to cheer on the participants.

@bayracerun Had a great time cheering today! Congrats to all participants! #hamont #aroundthebay pic.twitter.com/wMBfqaivZz — Adrienne Coletto (@adriennecoletto) March 30, 2014

@HaltonPolice finest on the job at the #atb2014 Nice. #BurlOnt #aroundthebay pic.twitter.com/IPJvCyvFVn — Bryan Webber (@BDWebber) March 30, 2014

Some runners even took the time to slow down long enough to visit with the infamous Grim Reaper.

With the ‘Grim Reaper’ around 27km of today’s @BayRaceRun. He said “Do feel like you’re dying?” #aroundthebay #atb pic.twitter.com/pXyXQuES7G — Paul Radcliffe (@paulradcliffe) March 31, 2014

My #selfie with the grimreaper @bayracerun As I shut down my race pace with 5K left Eye on the prize @bostonmarathon pic.twitter.com/pKLTefoNHY — sherabla-bla (@sherabmelvin) March 30, 2014

At the finish, there was plenty to celebrate inside FirstOntario Centre.

How many races do you get to cross This Finish Line? Around The Bay Roadrace …. pic.twitter.com/GinBXbIbI6

— Rick O’Shaughnessy (@oh_Rick_Oh) March 30, 2014

Had so much fun at ATB!!! awesome day for it,loving the sunshine.Congrats to all my runners out there who also ran it #runchat #ATB30k #FUN — Elizabeth Harvey (@liz99111) March 30, 2014

Best part of finishing – seeing my family! 🙂 Thank you #AroundTheBay #ATB2014 pic.twitter.com/sZFnjjXQSN

— Carmina Murray (@CarminaMurray) March 30, 2014

Congrats to all who were part of this year’s event!

Congrats to all the #AroundTheBay finishers! RT If you earned that medal today! #ATB30K #ATB2014 #ATB pic.twitter.com/7jWRjBkqG6

— Andrew Chak (@andrewchak) March 30, 2014

Everyone who trained so hard to do this. I think you’re crazy and awesome. #ATB30K

— Erin Milne Film (@ErinMilnefilm) March 30, 2014

Give this a retweet if this is you today! #aroundthebay #atb @bayracerun pic.twitter.com/kQbrEOlAMY

— Steve Layton (@SteveWLayton) March 31, 2014

For a quick recap of the entire event from start to finish, check out this 6min clip:

Wonderful #aroundthebay run video from @wmacphail. Plus photo gallery http://t.co/NZBYQHPBNe #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/yEvAPDnTxE

— CBCHamilton (@CBCHamilton) March 31, 2014

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