Synopsis: Small venue race that happens to be running when we’re in Fredericton visiting Judy’s Dad: what better way to celebrate Fathers Day than to head out and do a 10K in honor of a former runner! Being 85, Judy’s Dad (Tim) did not participate has hung up his sneakers – though did come out to cheer with Sheila (mom). Bonus: Susan was also in town!
Event Name: Run With the REDS Fathers Day 5k & 10k
Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick
Date: June 18, 2023
Briefly describe the overall venue & course:
Run started in downtown Fredericton at Queens Square, did a loop on closed local roads around the park, along paved multi-purpose trails, and crossed the mighty Saint Johns River on a scenic wooden pedestrian bridge as a 5K loop. The 10K was simply two circuits.
My Race Experience:
While on vacation out east visiting Judy’s parents, we researched if there would be any running events nearby while we were in the neighborhood – and sure enough, found one. Looks like the ‘Run With the REDS Fathers Day 5K & 10K‘ was taking place, billing itself as a “Charity road race supporting the UNB REDS Cross Country and Track & Field men’s and women’s programs“. With Judy being from UNB, it’s also great to support her local track team! With super reasonable fee of $35 for 10K, (medal, no T-Shirt), that’s a great deal. Talking to Susan Iback who would also be in Fredericton, she immediately signed up too, so we had a good RunK2J contingent out there.
It was a hot leadup to race day, and we ran the course in the stifling heat in +28C temps in a singlet while we were in Fredericton. Little did we know race day would bring in a cold front, clouds, and rain. This may have reduced last minute signups, but did not dampen our spirits.
Heading out to the start line (1km from where we were staying), we parked 50m from the start area, and walked over to pickup our bibs 45 minutes before the start of the 10K. It was overcast and cool (+8C), and had paused raining for now. Susan also convinced here buddy Bart to signup, so we have a mini-squad on our own at the starting area. To stay dry and warm, we all huddled in our cars till 15 minutes before the start and got the right layers on.
As the race was nearing to start, Tim and Sheila also arrived to cheer us on, and pickup extra layers and phones before we started our runs.
The lead cyclist and runners were young and keeners: zipping off in shorts/singlets in the cool weather at an impressive pace. Volunteers were all from the REDs Track and Field running team, so the course was well taken care of. Around 15 minutes into the run, it started to drizzle, and at around 20 minutes, we had a cool rain coming down in chilly morning. No fear of overheating! With the course being fairly open, you can see runners at a number of places, so did notice Judy and Susan a few times as I was plodding along near the back of the small group.
With the 5K folks dropping out on the first lap, there were fewer of us on the 2nd lap, and the rain really begun. Super, as I’m already soaked, nothing to do but ‘just keep swimming’, and counting down the KMs. Finally returning to the finishing line, I did manage to clock in near the back of the group (highest value for run), with Judy and Susan both joining Tim and Sheila to cheer me in. I was delighted to receive my wooden REDS finishers medal, and will add to my collection.
Getting jacket and extra layers on, we did stick around, as Judy placed 2nd overall female, and Susan picked up the 3rd place finish. Nice RunK2J turnout, and then it was time to hop into the warm vehicle, head home, and get into some dry cloths.
Would you do this event again?
Well, if you happened to be in Fredericton or the area, it’s a nice run along and over the Saint John River, and a great venue for a reasonable $35 for the UNB REDs Track team.
Would you recommend this event?
Yep, it’s a nice small race: rain kept participation down to <100 people, though with good weather, I’d anticipate the number being in the 150 range.
Closing thoughts. Any hints for others planning to do this race? Where to stay? Things to bring? What to wear?
Weather can be variable! Nice thing is for the smaller venue courses, you can park nearby and make last minute wardrobe changes. Two days prior, it was +28C and sunny.
Other Venue Info:
Overall Venue Rating: 4 – Great
Rate the course: 4 – Great
Please rate the aid stations: 4 – Great (water at 3 and 8K, underutilized due to downpour)
How was the weather?
Unfortunately it was a cool wet run, so felt 10 pounds heavier as the race proceeded. Nothing dry when I finished! Could have easily been the +28C sunny day we had 2 days before that.
Run K2J 