Contribution: Pat B. Edited/posted by Harold P.
Synopsis: The route was primarily on the TransCanada Trail so it was very scenic with the forest all around. The trail itself was packed earth rather than asphalt which made it easier on the legs. Funds raised for this event go to our first responders mental health. You will see captains of the police, firefighters, and paramedics at the finish line handing out medals. Epic Run Hat also available!
Event Name & Date: 9 RUN RUN. October 14, 2023
Location: Stittsville Main Street at Abbot Street East
Briefly describe the overall venue & course:
The assembly space before the race was in Village Square Park at the corner of Stittsville Main Street and Abbott Street East. I parked along Abbott Street East and there was plenty of parking in the neighborhood. In the park, there were about ten vendors with displays set up along with the Run Ottawa bag check for the race and a place to drop off lightly used running shoes to donate. All of the port-a-potties were located in the park. There was also a chili cook-off between the 3 groups of first responders: firefighters, police and paramedics.
The course was a straight out and back along the Trans Canada Trail. There was a 5 km run, 10 km run and a children’s 1 km event.
My Race Experience:
I went to the race nursing a recently strained hamstring. My intention was to not push myself as in a race but I also wanted to come in under 60 minutes. I had taped my hamstrings as an added support. There were just under 700 participants so it was a mass start. I didn’t find it too congested along the trail even though the trail is not very wide. When the faster runners were coming back from the 5 km turnaround point the trail did get a little pinched in spots but for the most part there was plenty of room to pass other runners. The trail was fairly flat.
I appreciated the packed earth surface which was easier on the legs. I tried as much as possible to run by how my legs were feeling as opposed to looking at my watch which worked well in maintaining a steady pace. Along the route there were 2 water stations but I did not see any portapottys along the route.
For the finish, we left the trail about 500 m before the finish and ran along a residential road to the finish. They announced each person who crossed the finish line. The post race snacks consisted of granola bars, chips and apples. There was also free beer in the park after. I was pleased with my run in that my hamstrings held out and I finished at 57:41.
Awards were presented in Village Square Park to the top three men and women.
What was provided at the aid stations?
There was water at the aid stations. A paramedic vehicle was situated halfway along the course.
How was the weather?
The 10 km started at 9 am and the temperature was between 6-8 Celsius. Extra clothing was required before the start to keep warm. The sun came out during the race but the trees provided shade. It was perfect weather for a race.
Would you do this event again? Why?
I would do this event again. It is a fundraiser for the Ottawa First Responders Foundation which is an incentive. My personal incentive was to get the hat!
I appreciate that it is a smaller race, the time of year which means a cooler race and the route along the TransCanada Trail.
Would you recommend this event? Why?
Yes I would recommend this event for the same reasons why I would do it again – small race, a fundraiser, the route, the time of year and, it was well organized.
Closing thoughts. Any hints for others planning to do this race? Where to stay? Things to bring? What to wear?
It is a fall race and typically it is cooler in the mornings. So I would bring extra clothes to wear before the race starts. You can check them in the bag check, toss them or give them to someone to hold for you.
Overall Venue Rating: 3 – Good
Please rate the course: 3 – Good
Please rate the aid stations: 2 – Okay
Editor comments: We love 9RunRun at RunK2J, and Brenda is an Epic Race Director for the event! No secret that the 9RunRun is Harold’s favorite running cap, and he’s often seen wearing this around town, and literally all over the world! Dog photo above is DaveM’s sidekick, holding his race swag.
Run K2J 