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Olga’s Boys’ Night Out

When: Evening of June 1, 2010

Where: Hamilton, East Bayfront Park

This was a 5k and 10k men’s only race, organized by VRPRO’s Kelly Arnott.

HTTP:\\VRPRO.COM

Finally, an answer to the women’s only races that have started to become popular in the past few years. Not that I am complaining, it is just fair the guys should have their own too! 

The course start, turn around points and finish were “marshalled” by some very lovely women. Aside from absolute knock out dresses, high heels were apparently mandatory for all the race marshalls. I have to say, they made the pain of sucking up a fast 5k much less painful.

After the race, the fellows were treated to all-you-can-eat ribs, wings and chicken from Swiss Chalet and a selection of tastey beers. There was ample supply of eats and drinks for two rounds and more could easily have been had, although I was starting to feel like a pig (for more reasons than the food….).

The course was picturesque, the route winding round the east shore of the bay in a bit of a there and back route. The 10k race did the 5k route twice. This was not the north shore that has made Around the Bay infamous. This course was flat and quite fast.

I personally took my 5k PB down to 17:38, a 35 second improvement! At least for a while anyway, I have a race in the books better than my neighbour and Team Running Free colleague Mike Bosch who had picked off all my PB’s since last year.

The local Kenyans from Hamilton including Fred Karanja have found this one already. It was interesting, for once, to actually SEE them ahead of me for the majority of the race from the chase pack. I was thinking I might have a chance to win the 5k. However the Kenyans chose the 5k over the 10k race and my hopes were dashed before the start gun fired.

This was the first year of the race, so the field was a bit smaller. Also it took place on a weeknight, so rush hour traffic was a factor. However, getting there from Toronto wasn’t as bad as expected, if you don’t mind paying for the 407.

Considering the limitless food and drink, a damn fast course and reasonable entry fees, this was a tremendous value. Mark this one on your calendar for next year. It is a keeper and will be for years to come.

Author

Born and raised in Hamilton & Stoney Creek. Ran X-Country in high school, but not really special at it - a middle of the pack finisher. But then again, really didn't know how to train. Didn't run after Gr 12 due to nasty shin splints. Really never ran in proper shoes back then. Didn't try to run again until age 30. Then tried. And tried. And tried. Shin splints every time. Finally got it going for good at 38 in proper shoes and I have vowed never, ever, to stop running again.

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One comment

  • Well done Dan!
    Did your wife know about the women in heels all around the course?
    BTW, I will only be racing 5 & 10k races for the rest of the year. LOL!
    Talk soon and again well done!

    Mike

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