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RaceGuide presents – Extend your season: Races in November/December

santa race

While many Canadian runners have now finished their fall goal race for 2014, there are still a number of excellent events for those looking to extend their season and capitalize on their hard-earned fitness and fast-ness. From RaceGuide, here are a few late-season races to consider from coast to coast.

Sunday Nov. 9 – Last Chance Half, Calgary, Alta. HI-C-Pacific Mountain Region presents the 10th annual Last Chance half-marathon. For many this is the last race of the season before the snow falls, if it hasn’t already. The scenic 21K route begins at the Olympic Arch in front of the Eau Claire YMCA. Participants head west on the south side of the Bow River before crossing and returning east on the north side. They cross again through Prince’s Island Park and then complete a lengthy out-and-back to Inglewood Wildlands Park before returning to the finish.

Stanley ParkSunday Nov. 16 – New Balance Fall Classic, Vancouver, B.C. A popular Vancouver event to conclude the running season and an last chance to set a late season PB. The Fall Classic takes place on the beautiful University of British Columbia campus and features a out-and-back course — two loops for the half — along the west-coast with incredible views of the ocean and the seasonal fall foliage. Runners enjoy post-race entertainment and refreshments inside the Student Recreation Centre and all participants receive a New Balance garment as part of their registration.

Sunday Nov. 30 – Vancouver Historic Half, B.C. The Historic Half features a number of race distances including a relay option meaning there’s something for everyone. The start and finish are located at the Stanley Park Pavilion and all of the race courses take place within the iconic Vancouver Park and on the famed seawall which features fabulous views of the city, northern mountains and Lion’s Gate Bridge. The half course requires two loops of the park, while the 5K and 10K are out-and-back loops. All participants receive a souvenir finisher’s medal, tech tee, and post-race refreshments.

santarunSaturday Dec. 6 – Santa 5K Run, Burlington, Ont. Canada’s original and largest all-Santa run features almost 3,000 runners and walkers decked out in red and white Santa suits and taking to the sometimes snowy streets of Burlington, Ont. The suit must be worn for the event and is provided as part of registration. The course is a flat and picturesque loop of some of Burlington’s neighbourhoods and downtown with plenty of supportive crowds out to take in the scene. Runners enjoy festive refreshments and a warm reception post-race.

boxing day 10 milerSunday Dec. 7 – Tannenbaum 10K, Toronto, Ont. Now in its 6th year, the Tannenbaum 10K has become a popular event in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood that supports a great cause/local charity. The 10K route is flat and fast and runs out-and-back along the Lakeshore/Martin Goodman Trail and into Tommy Thompson Park affording scenic skyline views of the city’s downtown. Excellent amenities, refreshments and awards are also provided post-race.


Friday Dec. 26 – Boxing Day 10-Miler, Hamilton, Ont.
 What better way to celebrate the holiday season and maybe burn off some Christmas calories than with a historic running race? Now celebrating it’s 93rd edition, the Boxing Day 10-miler attracts a considerable and committed field regardless of the conditions which are pleasant at best and blizzard-like at worst. The course was changed in 2013 to avoid the only significant hill but is still considered challenging while offering a scenic tour. There’s a unique garment for all participants and snowman medals for all finishers who are also invited to enjoy a post-race party.

For a complete list of Canadian events as well as a place to rate and review your own experiences, check out Raceguide.ca!

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