RaceGuide’s Races of the Week: May 9-10

The spring race season is still in full swing and this week’s featured events from the Canadian Race Guide showcase Ontario’s largest race, a Mother’s Day event in Alberta and a marathon in New Brunswick.

Sunday May 10th: Sporting Life 10K, Toronto, Ont.

Certified, Popular, Fast/PB Course

Profile: The Sporting Life 10K is one of Canada’s most popular events as well as Toronto’s largest running event that sees over 25,000 participants register for the single 10K distance. 2014 lived up to heightened expectations and impressed with excellent organization and race day execution. The incredibly fast downhill course runs down Toronto’s iconic Yonge Street before finishing just outside historic Fort York. Finishers make their way to Coronation Park on the lakeshore for a post-race party complete with all the amenities. All participants receive a signature New Balance tech tee and commemorative finisher’s medal.

New to 2015: Ottawa Sporting Life 10K. Same date and great organization, but taking place along the Rideau Canal in our nation’s capital.

By the Numbers: Participants: 25,000 (Toronto); Fee(s): $40-65

Charity: Camp Oochigeas ($2.2 Million raised to date)

Ratings: Atmosphere: 5 ; Organization: 5; Charitable: 5; Getting to/from: 3

Sunday May 10th: Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run & Walk, Edmonton and Calgary, Alta.

Certified, Popular

Profile: Every year, Alberta’s two largest cities host popular family-oriented 10K and 5K events on Mother’s Day. In Calgary, races start and finish at the Chinook Centre and take runners on a tour through the city. In Edmonton, races take place from Foote Field at the University of Alberta south campus. Parking is limited at both locations, so participants are encouraged to use public transit — offered free in Calgary. After the races, participants enjoy post-race refreshments and festivities.

By the Numbers: Participants: 4,500 (Calgary); 1,000 (Edmonton); Fee(s): $25-35 (Adult); $15-25 (Youth)

Charity: Calgary Health Trust Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation

Ratings: Family-friendly: 5; Organization: 4; Atmosphere: 5 ; Amenities: 4

Sunday May 10th: Scotiabank Fredericton Marathon, Fredericton, N.B.

Certified, Boston Qualifier, Race Expo, Historic Event

Profile: The Fredericton Marathon occurs annually on Mother’s Day weekend and offers race options from 5K to the marathon. Participants enjoy the flat and fast course on the roads and trails along the majestic Saint John and Nashwaak Rivers. The marathon course was changed in 2014 to accommodate more participants and now features more of the downtown core before an out-and-back on trails across the mighty Saint John River to the small town of Marysville and further up river before the turnaround point. All pre- and post-race amenities are conveniently located in the downtown area.

By the Numbers: Participants: 1,500; Fee(s): $60-70 (Marathon); $55-65 (Half)

Ratings: Scenery: 4; Organization: 4; Amenities: 4 ; Getting to/from: 4