Kimugal and Pidhoresky win Around the Bay 2015

Paul Kimaiyo Kimugal, 35, won the 2015 Around the Bay 30K in Hamilton, Ont., clocking a 1:33:48. The Kenyan journeyman was last year’s champion as well. This year he ran nearly two minutes faster. Following him was Daniel Kipkoech, 29, finishing in 1:34:33. Third place went to 28-year-old Berhanua Degefa who finished in 1:35:47.

In the women’s race, Dayna Pidhoresky finished first running a fast 1:50:47.

Congrats Paul Kimugul KEN 1:33:48 & @DaynaPidhoresky 1:50:47. Winners #AroundTheBay #AtB 30k! pic.twitter.com/xPuCSd3kzp

— alan brookes, CRS (@alnbrookes) March 29, 2015

Runners ran in -1C weather this morning, capping off some chilly weather for the final few days of March.

The 5K  Guelph runners performed excellently in the 5K which started at 9:45 a.m. this morning. First place was Alex Genest who ran a speedy 14.35. Jeremy Rae came second running a 15:03. The top woman was also a Guelph runner. Genevieve Lalond finished in 16:25.

A squad of Ontario firefighters had a much slower time than the Guelph speedsters– they ran the 5K in 70 pounds of full bunker gear. The aim was to raise awareness for PTSD among first responders. It was quite a scene.

These firefighters just finished the #AroundTheBay 5K in 70 pounds of bunker gear. Wow. #HamOnt #sc pic.twitter.com/WVkIb2zBLN — Sunnie Huang (@sunnie_huang) March 29, 2015

The hill

The Around the Bay made headlines a few times this winter. The biggest news being the exclusion of the course’s infamous Lynn Valley Road hill. Construction on a bridge at the base of the hill made it a no go. The course took a detour instead having runners follow Plains Road that leads out of Burlington and into Hamilton. Perhaps the exclusion of the notorious hill can explain the much faster winning time this year.

Although it’s yet to be confirmed, those racing next year should expect a return to the usual course from last year.

This year’s charity was St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation. The charity had their own team represented at today’s race. It’s still not to late to make a donation.

Here are some images of the scene in Hamilton today:

Athletes amassing at start #aroundthebay #hamont pic.twitter.com/2I58e6ljRX

— Lisa Hepfner (@HefCHCHNews) March 29, 2015

Ready to head around the bay! @bayracerun #atb2015 #ATB30K pic.twitter.com/ZW2OKrti2n

— Heather Gardner (@RunSoulCycle) March 29, 2015

And they’re off at #AroundTheBay 5k. Good luck everyone in both 5k & 30k! @RunCRS #STWM on the road. #community pic.twitter.com/nMdYjLbjCu

— alan brookes, CRS (@alnbrookes) March 29, 2015

Congrats @papaG_steeple @lalongen Winners of #AroundTheBay 5k 14:36 & 16:26 @Speedriver #RiverRoll pic.twitter.com/WZNDRXQWzw

— alan brookes, CRS (@alnbrookes) March 29, 2015

One of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. #aroundthebay pic.twitter.com/janJhGjuDg

— Jim Nye (@JimNyeScience) March 29, 2015

Medals are ready!#AroundTheBayRoadRace #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/DymCvRJtMO

— St. Joe’s Hamilton (@STJOESHAMILTON) March 29, 2015

Hope ppl make signs for me @TheOntarioRide! What signs did u make to cheer on friends and family at #AroundTheBay? pic.twitter.com/yarsKl2pP3

Post race selfie with my Dad #AroundTheBay #hamont pic.twitter.com/Q00zJ2MjjW

— aisling (@aislinghiggins) March 29, 2015

Ready to run! #ATB pic.twitter.com/aGgQKi5e89

— Terry Cooke (@TerryCookeHCF) March 29, 2015

Our #ATB30K start photo. Kind of glad to be the spectator this year. pic.twitter.com/7PZRAI2Sh2

— Andrea Taivassalo (@ataivassalo) March 29, 2015

— Leigh-Anne Gill (@OceanPearlDiva) March 29, 2015

My 2nd year running this amazing race. 8mins off my time! Hope you are proud of your teacher! #aroundthebay #5k pic.twitter.com/dI3ra1Zp7p

— Mrs. S. Kwai Pun (@MrsKwaiPun) March 29, 2015