A big thanks from the Club to Leslie Ann for arranging a super fun event, providing the prizes, taking the photos and writing the race report!

The mass start, suggesting various degrees of enthusiasm for the run ahead!

Saturday, April 4th was a great day for a race – warm and no chance of rain. For the past 6 or 7 years (we lost count!), the STARR running club has done a simulation of North America’s oldest race – Around the Bay (ATB). The race has been used over the decades as a last training run by elite runners for the Boston marathon. ATB is a 30km loop course around Hamilton’s bay – fast and fairly flat for the first 20k and some real kickers over the last 10k. The race has welcomed solo runners, 2-person relays (each tackling 15km) and 3-person relays (10km each).

Andy & Ian

Andy runs it in

Claude & Andy hand off

Danny at 25km

David W at 5km hand off

STARR runners used the Galloping Goose to simulate the run. The out and back route we followed allowed club members to see other participants, cheer them on or get inspired for one last push to the finish. This year 16 runners and walkers came out in person, two members competed virtually and I was the lone volunteer. This club event promotes team work and comradery – an opportunity to see some of the members we don’t often see. Not so many races have relay and it’s also an opportunity to experience this type of race as well.

Group shot

Here comes Jackie

Ian pushes the end

Ian ready to start

Jill & Kari at 5km

One notable result came from Barb. She beat her solo 30km time of last year by a mere 6 seconds. Talk about consistency! Paul suffered a groin injury in the first 5km of the course but he soldiered on and completed the course with a very respectable time. The 3-person relay teams had a mix of running and walking. Whatever one’s goal was for the day, it was just so lovely to be out and have a chance to catch up. Congrats to all of our participants. Medals for the top teams will be awarded at the April meeting.