RaceGuide’s featured events: Oct. 31st-Nov. 1st
The fall racing season is slowly coming to a close. This final weekend of October (and first of November; kind of) features Canada’s fastest Boston Qualifier in Hamilton; the final marathon of the year in Delta, B.C. as well as a historic (and hilly) race in Oka, Quebec.
Sunday November 1st: Road2Hope Hamilton Marathon, Ont.
Certified, Race Expo, Boston Qualifier, Popular, Fast/PB Course
Profile: The Hamilton Marathon (and half marathon) features a fast course with a generous downhill portion that can assist any runner in setting a new personal best. It is Canada’s fastest Boston qualifier featuring a point-to-point course that tours rolling rural countryside before heading down the Red Hill Valley Parkway (for some 7K) to the halfway point. This is followed by a short and narrow trail section before a lengthy out-and-back with scenic lakeshore views. The marathon and half – also very fast – take place Sunday while the 10K and 5K races are run on Saturday. The finish area, weekend race expo and post-race reception all occur in Hamilton’s Confederation Park.
By the Numbers: Participants: 4,000; Fee(s): $85-115 (Marathon); $65-95 (Half); $42-60 (10K); $37-55 (5K)
Charity: 19 community charity partners
Ratings: Downhill course: 5; Course Scenery: 4; Race Amenities: 4; Event Organization: 4
Sunday November 1st: Boundary Bay Marathon, Delta, B.C.
Certified, Boston Qualifier
Profile: Offering a number of race options including the marathon, a four-person relay, a half, 10K and 5K, Boundary Bay has something for everyone. All races start from Centennial Beach in Boundary Bay Park and are perfectly flat out-and-back courses featuring scenic seaside trail and affording amazing ocean views so spectatular you may even forget you’re running at all.
By the Numbers:Â Participants: 600;Â Fee(s): $55-65 (Marathon); $50-60 (Half); $45-55 (10K & 5K)
Charity: Ronald McDonald House British Columbia
Ratings:Â Scenery: 4;Â Organization: 4;Â Amenities: 4
Sunday November 1st:Â Course d’Oka Road Race, Oka, Que.
Certified, Popular, Historic
Profile: A popular local event that sells out each year, Course d’Oka takes place almost entirely within the beautiful Oka National Park on the outskirts of Montreal. The event is a family-friendly affair that attracts all types of athletes and outdoor adventurists. The courses are scenic with several challenging hills and take place on a mostly out-and-back course. Participants enjoy all the pre- and post-race amenities that come with this well-organized, end of season event.
By the Numbers:Â Participants: 3,000;Â Fees: $55-65Â (Half); $40-50 (10K); $35-45 (5K)
Charity: West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped
Ratings:Â Scenery: 4;Â Atmosphere: 4;Â Organization: 5;Â Amenities: 5
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