Falling Leaves 5 km and 7.5 km
Saturday September 18th 2010, 9:30am
In support of Lynn Brooks
Online registration
Enter all 3 XC races for just $60
The 7.5k race is the first race in the Ontario Masters Cross Country Series. You can register directly through Ontario Masters.
If you are tired of running on roads, we have a race for you. The Falling Leaves races are all run on soft surfaces, grass, bark chip or dirt. The course is wide, so it easy to pass or be passed, so you can run relaxed. That combined with the complete absence of cars, and beautiful scenery. The course rolls, and the surface does not lend itself to fast times, but this is pure running. The course climbs a hill to the finish line. It is a loop course so it is great for spectators. Be sure to bring your own cheering squad.
The 5 km race makes a great introduction to cross country running. We will have a "Is this your first cross country race?" clinic before the race, in addition to our usual "Is this your first race?" clinic.
The Falling Leaves race has been one of my favourites in our series. It is run all on soft surfaces, grass, bark chip or dirt in the North Arboretum at the University of Guelph. Unlike many trail races, the course is at least 2 metres wide, in the open woodlands of the Arboretum. The start and finish are on top of a hill, with a great view of the City.
This year we have added to the events of the day. The 5 km race will start at 9:30am.The 7.5k race will start at 10am and be followed by a free kids race, one kilometre in distance at 11am, then the Gryphon New Balance Open at 11:20am, one of the best of the University Cross Country races. It will be a chance for all of us to see some of the impressive talent that studies and runs at the University of Guelph.
There will be the usual great selection of post race food, pizza from Domino's, bagels from Tim Hortons, and a selection of local fresh fruit.
The price is the same usual bargain $25, $30 after Sept 8th, $35 on race day. In order to keep costs down we do not offer a free t shirt, but instead we have a series tech shirt, for $5, available in three sizes. You can purchase this at race kit pickup, or at the race itself.
There is a Google map posted here It shows the course and how to get there, as well as the location of the start, finish, parking and the location of the finishing hill. If you right click on the map, you can get directions from anywhere.
There will be cash awards for the top three ($100, $75, $50) and first masters ($50), as well as merchandise awards from Saucony for the top three in each age group.
Race kit pickup will be available at the Running Room Guelph, on Friday, September 17th from 2pm to 6pm, and on race day at registration from 8am to 9am.
There will be cash awards for the top three ($100, $75, $50) and first masters ($50), as well as merchandise awards from Saucony for the top three in each age group.
Race kit pickup will be available at the Running Room Guelph, on Friday, September 17th from 2pm to 6pm, and on race day at registration from 8am to 9am.
The course has one small hill and one big hill in every loop. The surfaces vary, but are all runnable in spikes or in shoes. There are no hard surfaces, and when dry, traction is adequate in shoes. When wet, spikes are advisable to get a good time. The Nationals have been run in snow the last two years and spikes (long) were a definite advantage.
The course is marked every 500m by big yellow posts and every 400m by red stakes for those of you who need data. We will hold an orientation session on the course at 9am Saturday September 12th, everyone welcome.
There is a course video online The 4 km course uses the 2k loop, the 7.5 km race uses the2.5k loop. The Canadian Nationals will use the 2k loop for the Masters Championship. The two loops are mostly the same except for an 800m section.
There is also a video of the Speed River group training on the course on Flotrack. You can also find all of the 2008 Championships on video at this link, including the Master's race. A particular joy is watching Kendra Schaaf in the Junior Women's race.
