On the western edge of Alliston (New Tecumseth), within Earl Rowe Provincial Park, this race is a part of the Gotta Run Racing series, with a mix of distance options available throughout the included trail system.
Organized by the dynamic duo of Jodi and Norm, this race has been one that has never previously worked with my schedule despite it being just minutes from my home. For 2025, I was determined to run it and even had a few members of our local run club join in on the fun.
Course: The Rainbow Trail Run consists of a 12km loop through Earl Rowe Provincial Park, with varying distance options (1, 2, 4 & 5 loops), though you need to be mindful that the park is open and the trails could have some camper usage (I saw a few bikes). The route was well marked with orange flags and arrows, with a few road and other trail crossings. I chose the 2 loop, 24km challenge, running alongside my good friend and PT Ryan Shea.
On-course Support: One remote aid station approximately at the 7km mark (in a grassy section), as well as a full aid station at the staging area, for all those running multiple loops. Water and Skratch electrolyte mix, along with a healthy assortment of salty, sweet and sliced fruit options to keep everyone’s energy levels buzzing.
Surface: It consists of double wide track, with a mix of grass, dirt, pavement and wooden bridge crossings. It is a relatively flat course (approximately 95m elevation gain) with one short climb up to the lookout at the north edge of the park.
Weather: Starting the morning off at a moderate 15°, the temperature continued to rise during the midday to about 24° with the sun coming in harder as the day wore on. The mosquitos were out initially but disappeared before 9am, and only a very light breeze blowing through the trees that morning.
Atmosphere: The majority of competitors seemed to be in the 1 and 2 loop categories, however there were still a decent turnout of 4 and 5 loop runners. The mood was fun and lighthearted from the start, as is typical for most trail runs I’ve attended, and certainly a nice change from the serious vibe often found at many road races. As runners came through the staging area to head back out for additional loops, there was always a constant cheer coming from volunteers, friends and family in attendance.
Post-race: Finishing in the same tunnel as the start, you run towards a camera setup next to the aid station, so they can capture the smiles and grimaces. Regardless you’re finishing to applause and greeted with smiles from the volunteers and race partners on site. Plus, the bbq was fired up and ready for those who needed something from the grill to help fill them up.
Overall: While not the largest crowd I’ve been a part of, it certainly was an enthusiastic one, with volunteers full of energy and concern for the runners. The race was well organized, utilizing a beautiful route through the Provincial Park, taking in the majority of amazing sights including the lake, the pool (recently refurbished and reopening) and of course the gorgeous view from atop the Lookout! Parking was ample and free, park admission was included in the registration, and of course you had Jodi and Norm hyping up everyone from the moment you arrive.
Personal: I started out hot, running alongside my friend Ryan, pushing about 4:30/km pace for the first 5-6kms, however took a bad step in a grassy section, tweaking my knee and having to pull back on the reins. I continued at a more moderate 5:20/km average pace through the remainder of the race, losing a few places in the standings but had a fun time, especially bombing down the hill after Lookout at a “too-fast” pace 🤣. I didn’t get to share the podium with Ryan this time but happy to see him finish 2nd, along with two other friends, Kathy and Kim, finish 3rd in the 1 loop women’s category.
I did however get to run in my brand-new Castelli Team Running Free jersey, which was perfectly light for the day and fit me even better than the previous version. Plus, I came home with an amazing 20L dry bag (race swag) and some fun stickers.
Thank you Jodi and Norm for an amazing day (and I hope you enjoyed those post-race beers 😁🍻)!
Patrick: 207:57 | 5/24
