RaceGuide’s featured events: July 16-19

Looking to test your summer speed or prepare for a fast fall? RaceGuide has you covered with summer races from coast to coast.

Thursday July 16: BMO Downtown Dash, Corner Brook, N.L.

Certified

Profile: The Downtown Dash is a popular mid-summer evening event taking place in downtown Corner Brook. The course is two circuits of a 2.5K loop which starts and ends at City Hall and takes participants through the downtown area, passing quaint cafes, bustling bars and quiet city parks. Participants enjoy excellent value and a popular post-race reception with awards and refreshments.

By the Numbers: Participants: 250; Fee(s): $17

Ratings: Value: 5; Organization: 4; Amenities: 4

Saturday July 18: The North Face Endurance Challenge, Collingwood, Ont.

Profile: The North Face Endurance Challenge took place for the first time in 2014 at Blue Mountain Resort near Collingwood, some 150K north of Toronto. The event takes place over two days and features seven exciting race options including the Goretex 50 miler, 50K, marathon and relay as well as a half, 10K and 5K. The courses feature pronounced elevation gain and offer a scenic challenge along the Niagara Escarpment on the western shores of Georgian Bay. Participants can expect wooded and technical terrain featuring constant elevation change which take advantage of the high bluffs and vast valleys affording spectacular views of the rolling countryside. In addition to a uniquely challenging and well organized trail race experience, participants receive a TNF technical shirt, Smartwool socks, finisher’s medal and a hot meal following the race.

By the Numbers: Participants: 1,000 ; Fee(s): $80-125 (50M & 50K); $65-110 (Marathon & Half); $30-65 (10K & 5K)

Ratings: Organization: 4 Amenities: 4 Swag/medals: 5 Getting to/from: 3

Saturday July 18: VFAC Summerfast 10K, Vancouver, B.C.

Certified, PB/Fast Course

Profile: Proudly hosted by the Vancouver Falcons Athletics Club, Summerfast is a popular mid-summer race that lives up to its name in producing fast times. The event takes place from Ceperley Field, next to Second Beach Pool in Stanley Park, and offers a flat, fast course within the park. The event also serves as the BC 10K Road Race Championships and offers a number of awards and prizes.

By the Numbers: Participants: 500; Fee(s): $30-40

Charity: Canucks Autism Network

Ratings: Organization: 4; Amenities : 5; Value: 5; Scenery: 5