What a Weekend!

When “Run The Edge” was first envisioned by the Peninsula Adventure Sport Association (PASA) and the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce Economic Committee no one had any idea just how popular it would be. Sold out for all events in less than 6 weeks, it became clear that there were big expectations of this event. Racers signed up from far and wide, including several racers from outside Canada. And thanks to fabulous weather, amazingly generous sponsors and partners, friendly volunteers and a dedicated organizing team the 1^st Annual Tobermory Trail Race Weekend it was even better than expected.

On Saturday Sept 24^th at 715 am 126 runners walked down Hwy 6 to Bay St to cheer on the 18 Marathon Runners and 12 Marathon Relay teams as they headed down the Bruce Trail toward Cyprus Lake. The remaining half-marathon runners then jumped on buses to be driven to Cyprus Lake Campground in Bruce Peninsula National Park to begin their run north at 8:30 am. All racers took on the tough terrain with grit and determination. Every single runner completed their chosen distance, despite the occasional bumps and bruises and wasp nests.

At 10 am sharp the Finish Line Team closed off Bay St. from the Cenotaph to the LCBO so that the race celebration, which included a lemonade stand, a book sale, face painting and a bouncy castle, could be begin. It was a good thing that they were prompt as the first runner, Spencer Summerfield (London) crossed the finish line just before 10:30 am. The atmosphere at the finish line was just what the Race Committee was hoping for – fun, upbeat and lively. Awards, including 1 of a kind Run The Edge beer tankards by Goose Creek Pottery were presented to the fastest male and female runners in each group. The fastest relay teams were presented with paddles, hand burned with the race logo by the race committee’s own Terry Heffernan. And while they didn’t make the podium, FULL CODE, a local relay team made up of Dr. Jonathon Thomas (Lions Head), Dr. Ali Appelton (Lions Head), RN Rusty Campigotto (Lions Head) and RPN Goldie Bain (Lions Head) won the relay team draw prize of gift certificates to the Tobermory Brewing Company and Grill. And Craig Moore (Cambridge), a half-marathon runner won the overall draw prize package which included accommodation, boat rides and meals courtesy of Dan Welsh and The Blue Heron Company.

The fun continued bright and early the next morning as just before sunrise 72 racers and several volunteers loaded onto one of the Blue Heron zodiacs to head to Flowerpot Island for a sunrise run and breakfast. Huddling for warmth against the early morning chill the racers were treated to peacefully still waters as they charged off towards Flowerpot. There they were met by their safety crew from Parks Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard and just as it got light enough at 6:50 am they took off on the trail for a 5 km loop and a half of the island. The race ended at the Lighthouse Keepers cottage with a delicious breakfast served by the Friends of Bruce District Parks. Again all racers completed the course with Jack Van Dorp (Wiarton) coming in first, just as the race volunteers got the finish line banner tied up. The racers were then treated to a tour by boat around the island and then it was back to the shore for awards and more coffee. It should be noted that 13 of the racers actually competed both days!!

The goal of the race was not only to raise money for its beneficiaries Tobermory Primary Place Daycare and The Friends of Bruce District Park. It is also to share the beauty of the Bruce Trail in this area and encourage outdoor sport on the Bruce Peninsula. It is through events like this that PASA is able to support programs like the gear library currently housed at the Outdoor Education Centre that schools can rent winter outdoor gear from.

The race committee hopes to continue with this great event, which would not have been possible without the dedication of the race committee, the hours and hours of volunteer time given and the generosity of the local community. The race committee, Tobermory Primary Place Daycare and the Friends of Bruce District Parks would like to thank all the volunteers, sponsors, land owners, partners and the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club who made this event possible. The race raised over $6,500.00 for Tobermory Primary Place Daycare and over $1,200.00 for the Friends of Bruce District Parks.

Full Results can be found here.

Thanks everyone!