Smiths Falls Spring Fling Running Thing

This was my first year participating in the running thing and I ran the half marathon distance. It's an out and back on a beautiful trail which offers just enough of a challenge to shake up road racers without being too technical. Nice and flat too, so a great intro to trail racing. The volunteers are amazing and offered lots of encouragement at water stations and at road crossings along the way. The announcers were awesome and even called out participant names as they finished.

The half was a little longer than 21.1, but if you are viewing it as a trail race, that isn't that big a deal. I would recommend that the half marathon start earlier in future years, as there was some congestion with the 5 and 10km racers and because the shorter distances were long done by the time even the sub 2 hour half marathoners were coming in, so while the volunteers were awesome, crowd support was gone.

Medal is awesome and unique and the socks are super cute and actually useful. I would totally run this event again.

Located in the small town of Smiths Falls this race offers various distances from a 2K to a 1/2 marathon. Racers each received the choice of either socks or a buff with each bib pick up. This is an out and back course with volunteers well located along the route to direct, motivate, and entertain participants as they headed out along the Cataraqui Trail. It is a flat course and family friendly. The mascot entertained the crowd and the MC kept participants actively involved from start to finish. Water is available along the course. Bananas, bars and juice for all finishers along with 3" ceramic medals. Ample parking nearby and street side. Port o potties on site. Timed by Sportstats.ca. Good signage to direct from registration through to timing chip pick up. The trumpet player along the route was a pleasant surprise and motivated racers towards the finish. Capped at 350 participants and sold out this year. A well-organized event with excellent communications from start to finish!