Since 1894 ~ It's
the Oldest Race in North America
At almost 31 kilometres (not a
marathon), it is held annually on March's last Sunday starting in downtown
Hamilton...running along the Harbour, across the lift bridge and around the
remainder of Burlington Bay. Sounds like
a scenic stroll? Not at all. The weather is unpredictable: from snow, ice, blizzards and
winds...could be rain (or combinations thereof). Add to the equation,
Burlington’s sloping and hilly terrain. Last Sunday was an exception; March 29
was a crisp sunny day ~ almost perfect race weather. Thousands of runners
participate in both the 30k and 5k events.
Proceeds from the event were
designated for St. Joseph’s
Hospital Health Care…the First Responders.
Jess Finished Last…but He Didn’t Finish Alone
The 68-year-old took the bus 13
hours from Kirkland Lake in Northern Ontario so he could run the 30k race. Drew Edwards from the Hamilton Spectator
wrote: “He was one of more than 11,000 runners who toed the start line for the
129th edition of the race.
Almost six and a half hours later, he was the only one left on the
course and still had more than a kilometre to go. Jess Heroux was moving slowly as cars whizzed
by on York Boulevard. One stopped.
Jennifer Kowalski had finished the five-kilometre version of the race
earlier. She and her mother were heading home to Stoney Creek when they came
across Heroux. Jennifer commented to her
mother, ‘Oh, my gosh, I think this man is still running. We pulled up beside him and asked him if he
needed help, but he said he was fine. Then I said, ‘Stop the car!’
Kowalski and Heroux ran together
the rest of the way, chatting about…what else?...running. Heroux, who lived and worked in Burlington
before retiring to Kirkland Lake, has been at it for more than 30 years,
completing events all over North America, including the Boston Marathon and the
161-kilometre Western States. He’s
finished ‘Around the Bay’eight times before.
Kowalski is 32 and has been running for just over a year: Sunday was her
fifth-ever race.
Jennifer commented, ‘I was the
fat kid in elementary school and I would have a note to get out of track and
field every time. Running absolutely
changed my life. It’s not about being
competitive or how fast or how far you run, it’s about being part of the team
and showing up to do it. I felt I needed
to share a little bit of that with Jess.
He talked about the aneurysm he suffered in 1993 that left him partially
paralyzed on his right side. It turned his smooth stride into a shuffling
gait and slowed him considerably, but he kept racing. ‘I was lucky to walk
after; never mind…keep running,’ Heroux said. ‘I’m kind of surprised that I’m
still able to do some of these things.’
“When they finally got to the
race’s end point at First Ontario Centre in downtown Hamilton, it was empty…the
finish line had been taken down, along with the timing clock. Kowalski and her mom served as a two-person
cheering section as Heroux crossed the spot where the winner broke the tape
more than five hours earlier.
“Kowalski tracked down a race
organizer so Heroux could get his finisher’s medal and record his time: six
hours, 34 minutes, 30 seconds. He was
the last official competitor to complete the race. Heroux said, ‘I never thought about
quitting…I said to myself, I’m going to finish it, no matter what. But, if it wasn’t for Jen…she was an angel
for me and gave me inspiration.’
Heroux says he plans to return
next year, though he’s considering the shorter event instead of the full 60
kilometres. If that’s the case, Kowalski hopes the two of them can run together
again. Her final comment, ‘I hate
running, but I’m addicted to the feeling afterwards. I always feel like quitting and he told
me…Never give up Jennifer. I told him: I think I met you for a reason…you’ve inspired me!’
Perfect Day for a Race Around the Bay
(from the words of
Glen Cuthbert)
An eclectic mix of athletes came out to enjoy the beautiful
sunshine and compete in the 121st running of this race. From crazy costumes to inspiring stories, one
never knows what they will encounter in any given year. Everyone runs it for a different reason.
One of these who had lots of fun
with the event was Geoff Shepphard of Burlington. Running his 25th 'Around the Bay’
race, Shepphard has gained notoriety for his elaborate costumes. This year’s look consisted of a giant
yellow Mohawk-style-high pointy wig…yellow sunglasses…a yellow jumpsuit with 4
large fabric discs around his shoulders…with yellow and red style
pantaloon-style leg covers. His costume
was so creative, he left the interpretation to others. He stated, “Friends
have labelled me ‘Fire Chicken’…’Fire man’…’Fireball’…and ‘Cosmic’.”
A teacher from M.M. Robinson High
School, he remarked, “It was a field trip that started it all. As an event, my class was climbing the CN
Tower and I wanted everyone to know where I was, so I dressed up. Ever since,
I’ve worn a costume for races.” Past
costumes included a Monarch Butterfly…Rocket Ship…and Helicopter. "It helps one stand out and promotes the fun
of the race to others. It’s more for all
the thousands of fans along the race route. To the
kids who are watching, we all look alike, but if someone is different…it
motivates them to maybe ~ some day join
me in the race.”
Also making a
statement were 7 firefighters and 2 paramedics from Oxford County
who ran the 5K
event in full bunker gear…adding 70
pounds to each body weight.
Road Race: Diverse World
In letters@thespec.com Emily Hall from Dundas wrote:
It amazes me every
year the different kinds of people I see and meet when I attend Hamilton’s
Around the Bay Road Race. It really
sheds light on how diverse a world we live in.
With such an
accommodating race that offers 30-kilometre, 5-kilometre and relay races, it’s
no wonder it attracts runners of all types.
I think that’s one of its best features.
It brings runners from all around the world and gives us a nice sense of
togetherness and community in a safe scenic environment.
I can’t tell you how many extraordinary people I’ve met
and stayed in touch with because of the Around the Bay Road Race weekend...and for that I
will be forever thankful to this amazing event.
Merle Baird-Kerr…written April
1, 2015
To share your
thoughts…email to:
No comments:
Post a Comment