What better way to show how patriotic you are than to start Canada Day off with a 5k race!? Well that is just what I did this July 1st! I registered and ran the 5k Canada Day Road Race in Kanata, ON. This event was the 26th edition, put on by the Run Ottawa Club. This run started and ended at the Earl of March School off Campeau Drive in Kanata. The 5k race was a nice scenic run, through residential Kanata.
I did the early bird registration, and the cost for this event was $32 ($35 with all taxes etc). The race kit pick up was held at Bushtukah the three days gearing up to the race. The race kits included your race bib with built in timing chip, information for race day and a nice red tech shirt. This was my second organized running event, and I have to say it was well put together! From the start line, well marked route, water station, right down to good music at the finish line and great post refreshments. Once you crossed the finish line there were an assortment of fresh fruit, granola bars, water and chocolate milk! This was a timed event, and within 20 minutes at the most of crossing the finish line, the results were up and posted for viewing.
Overall, I would say that this was a great event. I would definitely do it again! My only complaint was the parking and lack of washrooms. When I arrived I was directed down through the parking lots, only to get to the end and find it was full and the volunteer directing cars simply shrugging, not knowing where people should go. I ended up parking down across the road, and had to run over to the event location (which was a nice warm up, but still a bit of a nuisance!). I tried to find a washroom prior to the start, and was told that it was inside the school but the doors I tried were locked. Again same thing at the end of the run.
A great way to get in the Canada Day spirit, and feel strong and healthy for the day ahead!
