November 1, 2009

Three years ago Hamilton's 'road2hope' added the half and marathon distances to their already established 5k and 10k events. The introduction of the marathon in 2007 coincided with the opening of Hamilton's new Red Hill Valley Parkway which runs from Stoney Creek down the escarpment into Hamilton. The race organizers thoughtfully included the Parkway in their route and runners got to experience the road before vehicles ever got to turn a wheel. The first year we ran down the hill (5k) and back up the hill (5k). It was fun and a unique challenge but the course was not overly scenic - and it was challenging. The very next year changes were implemented. A new section was added in the Stoney Creek countryside (21k) and along the Hamilton beaches bike path to a new finish in Confederation Park. The downhill section of the Parkway was retained but the uphill was history making this one of the fastest marathon courses around. The course remained the same this year with only some minor juggling of the start and finish lines. I believe race organizers have hit a home run with this course layout. Stoney Creek is a joy to run through - lots of little farms, orchards and estates. Following that is the Parkway's hill. A few kilometres later you're on the 7k homestretch along the Beaches path finishing in Confederation Park. The Stoney Creek section is basically a big rectangle that is flat to rolling terrain. The Parkway is up next and drops about 400 feet (120 metres). The rest of the course is flat (and fast if you have reserved your strength).

There were 10 Rocks, locals and friends attending this year's event. We had representation in the 1/2 marathon, 1/2 marathon walk and marathon. Conditions were very good for November 1 with temperatures at about 6 degrees under overcast skies with very light winds. Of course, we all did well. All results here.

 

 

John Rennison, The Hamilton Spectator

A marathon of hope for City Kidz   Olympian Simon Whitfield signs an autograph for marathoner Gail Magarrey after her race this weekend.

It was a weekend Canadian triathlete Simon Whitfield won't soon forget. Neither will some 4,000 Hamilton marathon runners.

Just over 24 hours after Whitfield joined retired speed skater Catriona Le May Doan to become the first two people to carry the Vancouver 2010 torch on Canadian soil, the two-time Olympic medallist found himself at Confederation Park in Hamilton. He didn't have a torch to carry, but the presence of the Victoria athlete provided a huge spark for the third annual Road2Hope Hamilton Marathon that began Saturday and concluded with the full 42-kilometre marathon yesterday.

Organizer Esther Pauls said more than 2,000 runners took part in the one-kilometre, five-kilometre and 10-kilometre events Saturday. The full marathon and the half marathon yesterday were expected to attract more than 2,000 participants as well. Pauls was hoping the event would raise more than $100,000 for City Kidz and Joy & Hope of Haiti.

Whitfield, who was set to run the half marathon, was on hand at the request of his Beijing Olympics teammate and Hamilton native Colin Jenkins.

"This event is a running event raising money for a great cause. That makes sense to me," he said.

kpeters@thespec.com

Hamilton Marathon video below

http://www.thespec.com/videogallery/665190