Around the Bay: What you need to know

The 121st running of Around the Bay is next Sunday, March 29. The oldest race in the country will be largely the same as in previous years, but it’s always important to make sure you know the details.

There are bibs left. Firstly, if you’ve been training and are fit enough to jump in a 30K next weekend or are looking for an easier 5K, both races still have bib numbers available. Race officials have noted two unseasonably cold winters in a row as to why the race has sold fewer numbers usual. Either way, if you don’t have a bib and were hoping to run you’re in luck.

They’ve removed the hill. What most runner’s who’ve come to know the race will notice is a change in route. Because of construction, the iconic hill after Woodland Cemetery has been removed from the course. The course is expected to return to normal in future runnings.

There’s no packet pickup the day of the race. You or a friend need to pick up your race number and timing chip from the race expo on the Friday or Saturday before the event. There won’t be any packet pickup on the morning of the event. To pick up your bib, you’ll need an email confirmation of photo ID.

The race expo will be open Friday between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There’s parking downtown, but get there early. If you plan to drive in, there’s a lot of parking in downtown Hamilton, but between road closures and all the runners, it may be slow getting in. There’s also free parking at any meter in the city on Sunday’s but don’t plan to get one unless you’re even earlier.

There’s no pasta dinner. There won’t be an official pasta dinner the evening before the race this year. The Sheraton is hosting their own for $21.95 but you’ll need to register in advance.

The 30K race will get started at 9:30 a.m. The 5K will be 15 minutes later.