Synopsis: Have not run a marathon in around 40 years. Recently retiring this spring, and finishing Around The Bay, I was encouraged to sign up for this distance by Judy, because it’s only another 12km. Doing moderate training this summer, was hoping to survive upright, and finish without being cut-off with road closures and under the strict 6 hour time limit published.
Event Name: Marathon Beneva de Montréal
Location: Montréal, Quebec
Date: Sunday, September 24, 2023
Briefly describe the overall venue & course:
Race kit pickup was at the famed 1976 Olympic stadium, a site I’ve never visited! We got to see the finishing area there, and I was finally getting psyched for the event. The start of the Marathon was at the Expo-67 site, on Ste-Hélène Island. Finish outside at The Olympic Park’s Esplanade. The Marathon course wound around the Grand Prix race track, over to the main island – though Old Montreal past the Norte Dame Cathedral, and along numerous famous sights right across The Island on St. Laurent Boulevard completing the crossing 5 boroughs. Coming back, we turned up towards the Olympic stadium, and did a partial loop around the outside to find the finish line.
My Race Experience:
With some running under my belt, Judy convinced me that doing a Marathon is only (?) twelve KM more that Around The Bay, so why not sign up?! Originally aiming for Marine Corps, I adjusted the venue to Montreal a bit more that 2 weeks ahead of race day, to reduce some of the traveling we’ve doing in the US this fall (Judy scheduled to complete Chicago).
Race Kit pickup was simple, and we drove straight to the Olympic Park on Saturday to grab the race bib. Race organizers also had Montreal Transit folks at the Expo, and we were encouraged to purchase a transit pass in advance, which we did. As it was a beautiful sunny +20C day, we strolled around the venue and checked out some of the sights and the stadium as well – I’ve never visited this part of Montreal all the times I’ve been to the city!
Keeping things simple, we drove to our hotel in Longueuil, checked in and chilled out a bit before heading out to dinner for pre-race pasta at a very local Italian restaurant. Strolling round the walking street in the pleasant evening kept walking to a minimum, and returning to the hotel, got myself ready for morning. Judy analyzed the course, and was determined to encourage me on the course at numerous spots.
Hotel location was fantastic, as we walked 600m to the train station, and took 1 stop to the start area, heading over at 6:30am. Lines were long to get a ticket, and we were grateful we did the purchase the day in advance. Train was full, but not bursting, unlike arriving from the other direction! The starting venue was right beside the subway exit, and had no troubles. Almost immediately bumped into Jeff Smart, though did not manage to find Terry before we dropped off my bag.
Starting corrals positions were not enforced, and as I started off, there were numerous speeds for the first 3-5km, before the pace settled down. I was running a bit faster than anticipate, though felt slow/comfortable so just went with it. Judy did manage to pop up in a few spots in the first 10km, while I was feeling fine. The next 10km were also comfortable, and enjoyed seeing some of the sights of Montreal I have not seen before. I grabbed water and walked though each water station, running in the shade as much as possible on the sunny day. On St. Laurent, we also saw the incoming lead runners which generated alot of French references to churches by my fellow runners. Jeff Smart also whizzed by, and we exchanged encouragement. Judy also kept popping up and cheering me on, so that was also great. Was also working nutrition plan with gels & gummies to stay fueled.
By the time I hit the half way point, was starting to feel the effects of the day heating up, and my legs starting to get tired. My pace did taper off a bit, though was running at the tempo I originally though I would be moving. No need to be concerned, and I kept up with my water & electrolyte regiment, along with occasional gel, along with nibbling on gummies to stay fueled. It was around here as well that I saw Terry SanCartier coming back from the turn around point, and we cheered each other on. He’s running his 126th marathon (8th this year). Had some time to process what kind of crazy he is.
By the time I hit the 32km mark (and Judy was there), my legs were starting to get heavy and less responsive. Was worried about bonking, so kept giving myself gummies and a Gel to stay moving. Pace tapered off again, and broke down the final 10K segment into smaller goals. Folks around me fading too: young and old. Some shirtless 20-something guys were both walking in their socks at 35K, holding their Hoka shoes in each hand. Also noticed with my Garmin that I was adding a few hundred extra meters to the markers, but the trade-off for running in the shady bits was worth it.
By this time, was trying to calculate my finish time, and knew I could finish before my 5:30 goal, though was unclear where I’d end up. With 5km to go, noticed that if I was not paying attention, I could easily drop down my pace, and wanted to avoid that. It also became increasingly difficult to resume my running after walking through all the water stops, but I was determined to keep that up to stay hydrated. The sun was out and approaching 20C by noon – a tad warm for the effort.
With the 2km marker, saw that I might be able to make it in around the 5hr mark if I was lucky, though the extra distance I had run on my watch kept me guessing how far the finish line was. Turning toward the Olympic Stadium, I still had 4-5 minutes left, though a bit puzzled where the finish line was. We got to run around the outside curve of the stadium, so did not have alot of visibility to the end, though could hear the cheering. Finally, saw the finish area with a minute under 5hrs on my watch, so kept a steady pace (right past Judy), as I was careful not to trip over cracks, pavement, or the carpet in my final approach, crossing at 4:59:47.
Whoo Hoo. Yep, my legs are tired, and after stopping, I starting taking the traditional mini-steps though the finisher area past largely empty tables cleaned out by the marathon & half-marathon crews arriving before me. Managed to get a pack of gummy fruits & one chewy granola bar for post race nutrition. Judy was cheering me on, and I picked up my medal, did some photo’s and took small steps towards the buses that held our finisher bags we checked in.
Judy wisely advised me to include sandals, and I was keen to get the running shoes off my feet. Fresh shirt, hat, and a 10 minute pause in the shade had me somewhat recovered, and my race was done! Using the subway pass back to hotel was simple, and took a relaxing shower and power-nap in the afternoon. Appetite very limited, and had some pizza for dinner, and headed out again after that for some simple sight seeing along Norte Dame Cathedral, The Waterfront, and Old Montreal before heading back to our place to stay. Walking around was OK, and helped ensure my legs did not cramp. Overall a great day, and I’m pleased that I finished upright in relatively good spirits!
Would you do this event again?
Actually, yes….. there is also a 21.1 running, along with a 10K and 5K the day before. Is there another marathon in my future? Who knows.
Would you recommend this event?
For sure. Relatively nearby Ottawa, and a great city to visit. Marathon course takes you though alot of great sights, and I’m sure the other race distances do the same. Finishing at the Olympic Stadium on a nice day is quite pleasent.
Closing thoughts. Any hints for others planning to do this race? Where to stay? Things to bring? What to wear? We stayed in Longueuil, just off The Island. This turned out to be an ideal location, as the subway (Yellow Line) took us to race start in 1 stop. Runners arriving in the other direction mentioned they were crammed into the train, so get there early to avoid the crowds. Defiantly buy your subway pass in advance (full weekend pass for zone A,B,C,D is $15).
Other Venue Info: You get to see some iconic Montreal sights – super enjoyed the day
Overall Venue Rating: 4 – Awesome.
Rate the course: 4 – Great, get to see Expo-67, lots of sites on The Island, and finish at the Olympic Stadium Park!
Please rate the aid stations: 4 – Lots of water on the course, and all advertized stations with electrolytes were also available. There was some evidence of Gels/food available based on the litter I saw on the course, but nothing avail to me as the faster runners and half marathoners cleaned this out.
How was the weather?
Beautiful. Was a warm fall day, clear blue skies. Almost too warm to run after noon, as the temps crept up to +22C for us slower runners. Morning was cool, at +9C, though that’s ideal for running.
Run K2J 