Contribution: Michael McAuley Edited/posted by Harold
Event Name: Great Big Cookie Run
Date: Sunday, Oct 28, 2023
Location: Ottawa – From Lansdowne Park along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and back
Synopsis – what was memorable at this event?
Supports Girl Guides of Ottawa and is very family oriented. Well run 1k for the little ones and 5k for everyone. Very inclusive.
Briefly describe the overall venue & course:
The start is on Queen Elizabeth Drive just outside Lansdowne Park. Runners head towards the turn around just before the intersection with Preston Street at the Dows Lake Pavilion. The finish is near the start but you turn into Lansdowne and cross the finish line beside the Great Lawn. There is parking at Lansdowne and on adjacent streets and it’s easy to get to by bike or foot.
How was the weather: We were very lucky with the weather. It was around 15c with broken clouds. The wind was quite strong. The organizers were wise to take down the finish arch before it blew down and hurt someone. (I also volunteered for race kit pick up and we had to chase after some race bibs that blew away)
My Race Experience: My day started with a 2.5k jog to my volunteer duties for the Cookie Run. I was assigned to the Race Kit pick up tent. Participants had the opportunity to pick up their race kit the day before the race but it seems like most waited until race morning. Our tent had a line for the 1k kids race and another for the 5k. My co-volunteer and I had responsibility for the 1k line and were kept hopping. Lots of smiling faces. Many were doing a race for the first time. Possibly some future RunK2J members???
When my duties were completed, it was time to head to the starting area for the 5k race. The event is very inclusive. Lots of speedy people all the way to people out for a nice walk.
We started off along Queen Elizabeth Drive heading towards Dows Lake. Just before 1km there’s a small hill but the rest of the route is relatively flat. The pavement is fairly good with only a couple of rough patched.
I’ve had some good races lately so I had a goal of setting a Personal Best (PB) in the 5k. I’ve only run one or two 5k races so this was likely going to be a goal I could achieve. All the RunK2J workouts and strength work was helping but the previous races had tired me out.
I set out with a goal pace in mind and watched the speedy folks drift off into the distance. I had to check my pace a bit. Was heading out faster than I wanted. Seems to be a common occurrence for many runners. I settled into the pace that would get me to my goal finish time. When we got to Dows Lake the wind was right in our face. I tried to tuck in behind someone but couldn’t find anyone going the pace I wanted. Thankfully the wind worked in our favour after the turn around.
This race is nice because you get to see the leaders coming back when you are heading out. You also get to see those behind you after you’ve made the turn. There were a few people saying “Go RunK2J”. I didn’t recognize some of them but it was nice to get the recognition.
The rest of my race went well and I was able to achieve my goal of setting a new PB. Who says you have to slow down as you get older!
RunK2J was well represented with Yvonne (1st F50-54), Susanne (supported a friend with a new pace maker), Ben (sub 30 minutes… hooray), Heather (2nd F60-64 in an amazing time and also won a draw prize), Rick (6th M60-64 but the top 4 were all 20:03 or faster), and me (2nd M55-59). Pat was also volunteering out on the course but I was too focused to see her.
The finish had the normal snacks of granola bars, chips, water, electrolyte, and also had Girl Guide Cookies. Yum.
Ian Hunter was out with his camera and also ran the race. Heather seems to be prominent in lots of the photos. Our group has a celebrity!
Overall a great event organized by Run Ottawa.
Would you do this event again? Why? :
I would do this event again. It was a well run event very close to home. It’s also very inclusive and kid friendly.
Would you recommend this event? Why? :
I would recommend this event. You can participate as an individual and/or have the whole family come out and enjoy the morning. It is all outside so be prepared for the weather. Thankfully it cooperated this year.
Closing thoughts. Any hints for others planning to do this race? Where to stay? Things to bring? What to wear? :
It’s a local Ottawa race so most people will be able to role out of their bed and head to the race. It’s accessible by bike or foot and there is pay parking at Lansdowne. There is also street parking in the area. Be mindful of the weather as this event is totally outdoors. There are plenty of porta potties but I think it’s frowned upon to spend too much time in one if it’s raining.
Please rate the aid stations:
4 – Great
What was provided at the aid stations?:
There was one aid station that you passed around 1.5km on the way out and 3.5km on the way back. Water and Nuun electrolyte was available.
Overall Venue Rating: :
4 – Great
Please rate the course:
4 – Great
(WordPress AI Generated): The Great Big Cookie Run, a family-friendly 1k and 5k race event, took place in Ottawa on Sunday, October 28, 2023. Starting at Lansdowne Park along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, the event was in support of the Girl Guides of Ottawa. The inclusive race was characterized by a well-organized venue and course, with start and finish points near Lansdowne Park. The day was fortunate with good weather conditions, despite strong winds. The event is recommended due to its inclusive nature and its manageable location.
Run K2J 