Running: Run for the Toad Trail Races

Monday, October 04, 2004 - 02:00 PM

Ontario's best kept secret is getting better and better....

The day proved consistent once again, third year running, for what is easily
best described as the most popular race on the scene in the sport of running. If you haven't been to this magnicifent event, bookmark October 1st, 2005 and enter soon as the 2004 edition sold out....

George and Peggy Sarson organize a truly magical and memorable event now in
the third year, at the Pinehurst Lake Conservation Authority. A 25 or 50km
trail run, well-marked and accurate, with plenty of volunteers, officials and race course marshalling. Water, gatorade and all the trappings are provided for the ultra long-distance athletes, but a few other items that are added which are not familiar to runner's at your typical race or event (see below after story).

I chose not to defend my 2002 and 2003 25km race titles, opting instead to ride
the lead bike and help guide the way over a new course and hilly terrain, and
with the weather acting up as usual here (rain, wind, calm, cloudy, sleet,
sunny....) it made for a challenging time.

Weather conditions were ideal as the 25 and 50 km runners took off, pre-race
25km favourites John Carson (third in 2003) and John Kaandorp (5 Peaks Trail
Race Series Overall Runner-up) looked as fit as ever. Surprisingly, it was a
newcomer to the race, Massage Therapist Ken McAlpine from Waterloo who took off (3:30 first km) and set the early pace, with John Carson stalking from behind
and a pack of runners including Kaandorp within 1/2 km as they went thru the 8km
mark with new rain falling. The winds were calm and it looked as though the
blistering pace would shatter the course record (1:40:39) set in tough
conditions two years prior.

Just like the previous year, when hail and wind entered the scene during the
race, the winds picked up tremendously thus making the second half a much
tougher version than the first. Times for all runners slowed as a result.

Thru the 1/2 way point, McAlpine's early lead would not break Carson and as the
two passed over the mats the lead was down to one second, and it was here where Carson made his move and went in front to stay. He would build upon his lead find himself up by over a minute with 10km to go, and cruise to a record victory time, 1:38:20, with Kaandorp moving from 4th at the half to claim second in
1:39:51, also under the course record. Ken McAlpine rounded out the podium with
a respectable 1:40:57, but 5 minutes slower on the second half would make for a
long day.

Sherri Fraser took first in the women's 25km (1:55:46), with Lisa Leskien (2nd)
and Robin Holmgren in 3rd.

Gilles Malet successfully defended his 50km race title from 2003, with Trish
Fraser winning the women's title, but well off Marianne Perz's course record
from 2002.

Race Directors George and Peggy would announce that the 2005 edition would
feature a 12.5km run course and a field increase from 402 this year to 800 the
next, and they'll have no problems filling the spots, with on-site day-care
featuring videos for the kids and a pumpkin carving contest, , a full day of
race announcing, coffee and donuts served throughout the morning and early
afternoon, fresh hot popcorn and a full-course, sit-down post-race meal for
runners and their entourage....

More Draw Prizes than there are people, great-looking and professional awards
three-deep in age categories, a special Military Category - need more be said?

Well done to everyone who showed up to make this the best race in 2004!

See you next year.


Peter Donato
My Next Race . com