Within the rolling hills of Caledon, the 3rd race in the 5 Peaks Ontario series takes place at the Albion Hills Conservation Park just south of Palgrave and offers multiple race options for the whole family. 1km and 3km distances for the littles, 7.5km (Sport), 15km (Enduro) and 22.5km (Grit) options for the bigger kids.
After taking a bad step at the Rainbow Trail race the month prior and having to slow my pace, I had some unfinished business. This is another local race for me, being only a 20-minute drive, and promised some more trail excitement. With the forecast looking like a scorcher however, I decided to keep the distance short and signed up for the Sport distance.
Course: This race utilized a 7.5km trail loop, with multiple laps for the longer distances. The course starts you off with a significant incline, leading to smaller rollers and two other challenging uphill sections along the way. Total elevation gain is between 170-180m with at least two crossover sections, with race traffic running opposite directions (this proved to be a bit chaotic when the different paced groups mixed).
On-course Support: One remote aid station approximately at the 2km and 6.5km marks (in a crossover section), as well as a full aid station at the staging area, for all those running multiple loops. Fluids were a definite must for this race, whether carried or from the aid stations.
Surface: Primarily single-track trail with some double track and a few grassy sections mixed in for fun. Hard packed dirt primarily, lots of exposed tree roots, a few bridge sections and only one minor stretch of mud/swamp to plow through.
Weather: HOT HOT HOT! The temperatures were hot overnight (in the low 20’s) and it was in the high 20’s by mid-morning, pushing to 30+ as the day wore on. The sun was out in full force, with very little wind and everyone was looking to share shade before and after races. Conditions in the forest were not much better, as the humidity hung below the canopy and felt like a convection oven.
Atmosphere: As the Sport race was a later start (10am), I showed up in time to watch the kids get started and the Enduro racer line up as well. Despite the heat, spirits were high and the excitement was electric with the assembled families and runners. There was a decent amount of tree cover and shade near just before the finishing gate, so it made the perfect place for a lot of spectators and families to setup and cheer on loved ones and friends. Lots of smiling faces, especially with the volunteers who as always, help to make an event what it truly is to many in attendance.
Post-race: Immediately after the finish line, you pass the aid station and can get topped up with water, electrolytes and fruit. Once you catch your breath, you can further make your way to the covered pavilion, for additional fruit, plus salty and sweet snacks to help you power back up.
Overall: After racing with my son or other friends for most of the spring season, this was rare solo event for me, though not for long as I met a fellow Running Free teammate, in James Munro. He was also running the Sport course, along with his daughter.
We ran together in the first heat out front with the leaders and James had a stellar day, finishing 2nd overall in a photo finish with 3rd place at 36:33. I wasn’t far behind, holding onto 5th place. We finished 1st and 3rd in our age group as well!
It was a grueling day for a hard sprint through the woods, as the heat was relentless and I am glad I brought a handheld water bottle along during the race. The hills were punishing but overall manageable with exception to the grassy hill around the 6km mark. Most runners slowed to an uphill hike pace on this, at least until the black flies and mosquitos attacked. I was able to overtake a number of runners on the inclines in the last 2kms and held strong emptying the tank in the last kilometer to the finish, passing a lot of Enduro and Grit runners in the final leg.
Even though I just missed the podium (my second 5th place finish in the same number of trail races), I’m satisfied that I gave it everything and held well in the heat and landed on the age group podium.
Patrick: 37:41 | 5/218 | 3rd place age group (announced as 2nd during awards ceremony)
