RaceGuide’s must-do races and events in March

With the arrival of March and the official start to spring just weeks away, many runners are turning their attention to upcoming races and events. Here from RaceGuide are a few must-do events taking place during the month of March.

Sun. March 1st: Chilly Half Marathon & Frosty 5K, Burlington, Ont.

It may already be over, but it’s a big deal in and around the Greater Toronto Area and attracts several thousand runners and walkers to downtown Burlington who are often eager to test their winter fitness. The event will celebrate it’s 20th anniversary in 2016 (March 6th) so expect even more excitement, running, chili and beer than what many have already come to expect!

Sat. March 7th: Moonlight Run, Lethbridge, Alta.

A unique and always popular event featuring evening 10K and 6K races that start from Lethbridge city centre and include several loops and out-and-backs in nearby Indian Battle Park. Participants of this often sold out event enjoy post-race pizza and refreshments at the end and race swag that includes a specialty long-sleeved sweatshirt and finisher’s medal.

Sun. March 8th: Bazan Bay 5K, Sidney, B.C.

Organized by the Vancouver Island Runners’ Association and part of the Frontrunner’s Island Race and Timex Series, Bazan Bay is a flat and fast out-and-back 5K that always attracts a fast field. It is popular for participants of all abilities looking to kick off the running and racing season and offers excellent amenities and a memorable experience.

Sat. March 14th: BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5K, Vancouver, B.C.

A flat and fast 5K in Vancouver’s picturesque Stanley Park. The race is run entirely on roads and has an ever so slight uphill finish at the Stanley Park Pavilion. The race is followed by awards, draw prizes and a costume contest. Later, the Granville Island Brewing Company hosts a popular after-party complete with green beer, food, DJs and a ton of fun.

Sun. March 15th: Achilles St. Patrick’s Day 5K, Toronto, Ont.

Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Day themed race is as popular for the hot chili and cold beer at the post-race party as for the short and speedy downtown 5K race. The route starts and finishes just outside the Round House at Steamwhistle Brewery where participants huddle together to keep warm. Dress appropriately, this race has been known to get cold.

Sat. March 21st: Run for L’Arche, Calgary, Alta.

Now in its fifth year, this early season event has become a popular way for Calgarians to kick off the running and racing season. All races, including a half-marathon and 5-mile/8K, take place from the Eau Claire Market and follow out-and-back style courses along the Bow River Pathway. After the races, participants enjoy a pancake breakfast, awards and prizes.

Sun. March 22nd: Modo Spring Run-Off, Vancouver, B.C.

The Spring Run-Off is the first event in the always popular and exceptionally organized Canada Running Series. The event features a spectacular 8K course around Vancouver’s Stanley Park including a section on the famed Seawall. The race features fabulous panoramic views of the ocean and Vancouver Island to the west and the snow-capped mountains to the north and east. The start and finish is located at the Stanley Park Pavilion which also hosts all the pre- and post-race amenities including entertainment, refreshments and awards.

Sun. March 29th: Around the Bay Road Race, Hamilton, Ont.

Around the Bay is North America’s oldest road race that also offers relay options and a flat and fast 5K in addition to its traditional 30K. Starting in downtown Hamilton, the unique course takes participants on a rolling tour of the Hamilton Harbour before following Beach Boulevard and crossing over into neighbouring Burlington for a section of panoramic rolling hills. A one-time course reroute for 2015 means no “heartbreak hill” in the later stages, but participants will still face the Grim Reaper on their way to the finish inside First Ontario Place. Participants strive for gold, silver and bronze medals based on their finishing times and everyone receives signature New Balance swag.

For a complete list of running events and races from across Canada, use RaceGuide online as well as available as a free-to-download and easy to use mobile app for iOS and Android.