Around the Bay racers getting cold feet

Some Around the Bay runners are trying to sell their race numbers after a cold winter which has been difficult to train through.

The race, which will be held in Hamilton, Ont., on Sunday, March 30, has seen about a third increase in the number of athletes trying to have their bib numbers transferred to others interested in racing, according to race director Michael Zajczenko. About 300 people have tried to have their numbers transferred.

In addition to the usual route of contacting event staff to switch bibs, popular classifieds websites Craigslist and Kijiji also both have Around the Bay bibs for sale ranging from $55 up to $90. Early bird registration cost $70 and regular entrance fees were $90. The race is sold out.

Zajczenko believes the increase in runners looking to skip out on the event is a result of how cold the winter has been in the Hamilton region this winter.

Still, there are many runners excited for the event. Around the Bay is one of the most historic road races in North America and is older than even the Boston Marathon. It regularly sells out and has been host to some of the best runners and most exciting race Canada has produced over the years.

Around the Bay is not the only race feeling the cold. The Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon has seen less entrants in the marathon than previous years, with more runners opting to run the shorter options. Jay Glassman, race director, believes it is because runners don’t feel they’ve had enough good weather to get in shape for a marathon.

The long term weather forecast for March 30 is 5C, sunny and only a light breeze, great conditions for a road race.