5 Peaks-Albion Hills

[AirForceRunner]

Getting familiar with my new race surroundings. Who would have though I'd have to move closer to Toronto to find trail races.

5 Peaks Albion Hills:Who's in?

Sport








Enduro
AirForceRunner (if this nasty sinus infection clears up)







.

[dgrant]

Getting familiar with my new race surroundings. Who would have though I'd have to move closer to Toronto to find trail races.

5 Peaks Albion Hills:Who's in?

Sport








Enduro
AirForceRunner (if this nasty sinus infection clears up)
dgrant (may switch to the shorter distance if it works better in my overall training)







.

[Robbie-T]

Getting familiar with my new race surroundings. Who would have though I'd have to move closer to Toronto to find trail races.

5 Peaks Albion Hills:Who's in?

Sport


Enduro
AirForceRunner (if this nasty sinus infection clears up)
dgrant (may switch to the shorter distance if it works better in my overall training)
Robbie-T (possibly last race before baby, look for fireworks)






.

[Doonst]

Getting familiar with my new race surroundings. Who would have though I'd have to move closer to Toronto to find trail races.

5 Peaks Albion Hills:Who's in?

Sport


Enduro
AirForceRunner (if this nasty sinus infection clears up)
dgrant (may switch to the shorter distance if it works better in my overall training)
Robbie-T (possibly last race before baby, look for fireworks)
Doonst (just call my name, and I'll be there, with a limp and a grimace)

[Andes]

I am tempted to give this one a try, just to experience a trail race, but my trail running experience is very limited - how is this course for beginners? I don't need a fast time but would like to avoid getting hurt & disrupting my training. I was thinking about the enduro course but maybe that is too ambitious for a first time.

[Doonst]

I am tempted to give this one a try, just to experience a trail race, but my trail running experience is very limited - how is this course for beginners? I don't need a fast time but would like to avoid getting hurt & disrupting my training. I was thinking about the enduro course but maybe that is too ambitious for a first time.

Its a great first trail race. Mostly sandy hilly terrain. The hills make the challenge, it is best to be well trained for them but it is not a rocky, technical, dangerous course. Roots at worst. Fun though!

[Andes]

Its a great first trail race. Mostly sandy hilly terrain. The hills make the challenge, it is best to be well trained for them but it is not a rocky, technical, dangerous course. Roots at worst. Fun though!

That's great to know, thanks! I may give it a shot. My half training is going well so I think I am reasonably prepared. I just wish I'd gotten an earlier start on the hill repeat portion of my training!

[Sandra]

Getting familiar with my new race surroundings. Who would have though I'd have to move closer to Toronto to find trail races.

5 Peaks Albion Hills:Who's in?

Sport


Enduro
AirForceRunner (if this nasty sinus infection clears up)
dgrant (may switch to the shorter distance if it works better in my overall training)
Robbie-T (possibly last race before baby, look for fireworks)
Doonst (just call my name, and I'll be there, with a limp and a grimace)
Justme

[Sandra]

I am tempted to give this one a try, just to experience a trail race, but my trail running experience is very limited - how is this course for beginners? I don't need a fast time but would like to avoid getting hurt & disrupting my training. I was thinking about the enduro course but maybe that is too ambitious for a first time.

This was my first trail race and I was immediately hooked. Mind you, I started out with the sport course but I loved every minute of it.

[SALTY-DOG]

Just a quick update on the course distances. After a meeting with the park staff and some course measurements the distances are as follows
Sport 5.5 km with 1 aid station
Enduro 13.3 km with 4 aid stations
Updated course maps will be posted at racer check in on race day.
Albion is a great race for those new to trail running ... challenging but not technical. Have a great race and see you on the trails

[scrumhalfgirl]

So - let's say someone was going to be in the Toronto area on August 8th and staying at 1750 Finch Ave E (with a vehicle)...How hard is this race to get to? Worth the drive? And can I make it back to Markham for 1 pm?

[BJH]

So - let's say someone was going to be in the Toronto area on August 8th and staying at 1750 Finch Ave E (with a vehicle)...How hard is this race to get to? Worth the drive? And can I make it back to Markham for 1 pm?

It's about an hour drive. More than half is on hwy 50 which is is fast, but not a divided highway. You might not be able to stay for the whole awards and prize draw.

[dgrant]

So - let's say someone was going to be in the Toronto area on August 8th and staying at 1750 Finch Ave E (with a vehicle)...How hard is this race to get to? Worth the drive? And can I make it back to Markham for 1 pm?

If you don't mind paying the 5 or 6 bucks to take the 407 to Markham, I think you'd be looking at about 40-50 minutes from the race site to Markham. (15-20min from the race to the 407 along hwy 50, then another 30 minutes on the 407.)

[scrumhalfgirl]

Thanks for the tips - I will ponder and see if I can swing the logistics. I shouldn't have to worry about traffic on a Saturday morning, should I? (esp on the 407)

[BJH]

Thanks for the tips - I will ponder and see if I can swing the logistics. I shouldn't have to worry about traffic on a Saturday morning, should I? (esp on the 407)

Only if you have a problem with speeding.

[AirForceRunner]

Subtle change as this darn sinus infection is still sidelining me (2 runs, albeit one really hard, hilly one, in the last 3 weeks).

5 Peaks Albion Hills:Who's in?

Sport

AirForceRunner (if this nasty sinus infection clears up)



Enduro

dgrant (may switch to the shorter distance if it works better in my overall training)
Robbie-T (possibly last race before baby, look for fireworks)
Doonst (just call my name, and I'll be there, with a limp and a grimace)
Justme




.

[AirForceRunner]

While its fresh in my mind, is there much to see or do near the race start area should the wife and kids decide to venture down to watch daddy make a fool of himself on trails?
I see a beach on the map. Are there play structures for kids, or anything along these lines?
Thanks.

[Doonst]

I will most likely switch to the short course. I'll decide after I run tonight, first time in 12 days.

There are playgrounds and beach etc, details here:

http://trca.on.ca/enjoy/locations/albion-hills.dot
http://www.thehillsofheadwaters.com/albionhills/

Looking for a jam packed day of recreation or just a nice day at the beach? Then Albion Hills is the place for you. Ontario’s first Conservation Area, Albion Hills is set in the Caledon Hills on the banks of the Humber River. The 446-hectare park is the outdoor enthusiast’s dream! You can do it all at Albion Hills:



* Swim
* Fish
* Mountain Bike
* Cross Country Ski
* Bird Watch
* Hike


Amenities

The park has something for the whole family, including:



* Playgrounds for the kids
* Sandy beach
* Volleyball and badminton courts
* Horseshoe pits
* Snack bar and convenience store
* Boat rentals

[AirForceRunner]

I will most likely switch to the short course. I'll decide after I run tonight, first time in 12 days.

There are playgrounds and beach etc, details here:

http://trca.on.ca/enjoy/locations/albion-hills.dot
http://www.thehillsofheadwaters.com/albionhills/

Looking for a jam packed day of recreation or just a nice day at the beach? Then Albion Hills is the place for you. Ontario’s first Conservation Area, Albion Hills is set in the Caledon Hills on the banks of the Humber River. The 446-hectare park is the outdoor enthusiast’s dream! You can do it all at Albion Hills:



* Swim
* Fish
* Mountain Bike
* Cross Country Ski
* Bird Watch
* Hike


Amenities

The park has something for the whole family, including:



* Playgrounds for the kids
* Sandy beach
* Volleyball and badminton courts
* Horseshoe pits
* Snack bar and convenience store
* Boat rentals

Awesome! Thanks Sheldon.

[Andes]

Do any of you know whether any of the trails will be open to the public during the race? Just wondering whether my husband could take his bike out while I'm racing.

I am 80% in for the Enduro. I made my long run a trail run the last couple of weeks and lived to the tell the tale, so I think I can do it!

[scrumhalfgirl]

now the big decision...sport or enduro?

[Doonst]

5 Peaks Albion Hills:Who's in?

Sport

AirForceRunner (if this nasty sinus infection clears up)
Doonst (just call my name, and I'll be there, with a limp and a grimace)


Enduro

dgrant (may switch to the shorter distance if it works better in my overall training)
Robbie-T (possibly last race before baby, look for fireworks)
Justme



I have switched to the Sport 5.5 K.

[scrumhalfgirl]

Well, I spaced out and didn't realize that last night was the online registration deadline. The website says you can sign-up in person - does anyone know if it might fill up on race day? I would hate to drive all the way out there for nothing.

*smacks self in head!*

[Doonst]

Well, I spaced out and didn't realize that last night was the online registration deadline. The website says you can sign-up in person - does anyone know if it might fill up on race day? I would hate to drive all the way out there for nothing.

*smacks self in head!*

dgrant would know, he often volunteers at the registration booth. His name is Dave

[dgrant]

Jesse, I think you'll be okay. They're usually pretty good about updating the website re: sold out registration. I'll be on site at 7am and can send you a text then to confirm if you want, so you'll know before you leave Markham.