RaceGuide’s featured events: September 19-20

The fall racing season continues with events and races from coast to coast. Where are you lacing up this weekend?

Saturday September 19th: Vancouver Eastside 10K

Popular, Certified

Profile: The Eastside 10K is the newest event in the popular and exceptionally organized Canada Running Series. The route is an out-and-back course in Vancouver’s edgy eastside that includes some gentle rolling hills but offers scenic views and supportive crowds. Expect the exceptional level of organization and attention to detail that you’d expect with a CRS event including all pre- and post-race amenities.

By the Numbers: Participants: 1,500; Fee(s): $25-60

Charity: Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre; Watari Counselling and Support Services; Greater Vancouver Food Bank

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

Sunday September 20th: Marathon Oasis Rock ‘n’ Roll de Montréal

Certified, Boston Qualifier, Race Expo, Destination Race

Profile: Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon de Montreal was the first of its kind and still only one of two events in Canada that are part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. The courses provide a complete and scenic city tour starting on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge and which loop around Ile Ste-Helene and Ile Notre Dame before running along the harbour and to the halfway mark – which is the finish for the half-marathon – in Parc Lafontaine. Marathoners continue on and complete several out-and-back loops of Montreal’s most famous regions and landmarks before returning to the finish. Participants can expect excellent on-course support and entertainment followed by plenty of post-race activities and amenities.

By the Numbers: Participants: 24,000; Fees: $90-150 (Marathon); $75-150 (Half)

Charity: Several local charities

Ratings: City tour: 5; Unique/specialty: 5; Entertainment: 4; Swag/medals: 4; Atmosphere: 4

Sunday September 20th: Canada Army Run, Ottawa, Ont.

Certified, Popular, Race Expo

Profile: Canada’s fastest growing event had over 20,000 participants last year split almost evenly between the half-marathon and 5K race distances. The course features a scenic tour of the nation’s capital and takes place at a most beautiful time of year. Participants pass several historic and iconic national sites including Parliament Hill, the Canadian War Museum, Rideau Hall and other notable landmarks. From the pre-race pasta dinner served military field-kitchen style, a cannon to kick off the race and “dog-tag” finishers medals, participants can expect a unique experience that celebrates and supports all of our Canadian Armed Forces.

By the Numbers: Participants: 20,000; Fee(s): $80 (Half); $45 (5K)

Charity: Solider On, Military Families Fund

Ratings: Unique/specialty: 5; Organization: 5; Experience: 4; Swag/medals: 5