Falling Leaves Information

 Falling Leaves 5 km and 7.5 km

and 

Trail Half Marathon

 
Saturday October 15th 2011, 8:30am

in support of

Bracelet of Hope 

Results  5k  7.5k  Race video

If you are tired of running on roads, we have a race for you.  The Falling Leaves races are all run on soft surfaces, grass, bark chip or dirt.  The course is wide, so it easy topass or be passed, so you can run relaxed.  That combined with the complete absence of cars, and beautiful scenery.  The course rolls, and the surface does not lend itself to fast times, but this is pure running.  The course climbs a hill to the finish line.  It is a loop course so it is great for spectators.  Be sure to bring your own cheering squad.

The 5 km race makes a great introduction to cross country running.  We will have a "Is this your first cross country race?" clinic before the race, in addition to our usual "Is this your first race?"  clinic. 

The Falling Leaves race has been one of my favourites in our series.  It is run all on soft surfaces, grass, bark chip or dirt in the North Arboretum at the University of Guelph.  More like a farm laneway than a trail, the course is at least 2 metres wide, in the open woodlands of the Arboretum. The start and finish are on top of a hill, with a great view of the City.

The Trail Half Marathon is run on well marked trail (and about 300m of sidewalks).  Expect mud, roots and one stream crossing. 

This year we have added to the events of the day.  We will begin with the trail half marathon, then the 5 km race will start at 9:15am. The 7.5k  race will start at 10am and be followed by a free kids race, one kilometre in distance at 11am, then the Gryphon New Balance Open at 11:20am, one of the best of the University Cross Country races.  It will be a chance for all of us to see some of the impressive talent that studies and runs at the University of Guelph.

There will be the usual great selection of post race food, pizza from Domino's, bagels from Tim Hortons, and a selection of local fresh fruit. 

The price is the same usual bargain $25, $30 after Oct 6thth, $35 on race day.  In order to keep costs down we do not offer a free t shirt, but instead we have a series tech shirt, for $5, available in three sizes.  You can purchase this at race kit pickup, or at the race itself.

There is a Google map posted here   It shows the course and how to get there, as well as the location of the start, finish, parking and the location of the finishing hill.  If you right click on the map, you can get directions from anywhere.

There will be cash awards for the top three ($100, $75, $50) and first masters ($50) in the 7.5k only, as well as merchandise awards from New Balance for the top three in each age group. 

Race kit pickup will be available at the Running Works in Downtown Guelph, on Friday, October 15th from 2pm to 6pm, and on race day at registration from 8am to 9am.