Ok a disclaimer, I was the only one in my age category. Well I was the only male doing the 10k.
Ok ok, I was the only person doing the 10k. 
I signed up for this event on Friday and really just wanted a decent run, after last week's awful race. The 2,k, 5k, and 10k were to start at noon, but I arrived around 11 because I wanted to see the longer events, which had started at 9. I had never been inside the York U Track Centre but had heard good things about it and thought it would be a cool place to run. I wasn't disappointed when I got there and looked around (aside from the changerooms, where there was a sign warning us about theft being an issue). After getting changed I headed to the main area where I heard a "hey Running Mania" from one of the runners (I had my black singlet on), I waved and gave her a thumbs up. The local Rogers Cable TV station came up to me and interviewed me for a few minutes, which was fun. A little while later they called for those doing the 'shorter races' to gather round, I jokingly chastised the woman for calling 10k a short race
As we met at the starting line (the inside 200m banked oval) I saw 2 young kids and 3 women (1 walker, and 2 doing the 5k) at the starting line, that was it. 
Plus me. Oh well, there were plenty of people in the facility so the atmosphere was great, and I wasn't alone out there. What can I say about the run, it was good enough to win
I simply tried to run a steady pace and use it as a good training run. It's funny though, pay some money and have a timer and I can't help but getting into the racing mindset. I started with some 5:25 kms but knew it would be too fast and the last few kms were a struggle, as my hamstring was acting up pretty bad. I completed 50 laps in 59:01, not great but for a training run, it was ok.I got a laugh when I finished ( the girl counting got my time wrong by 5 minutes..lol), the lap counters gave me a nice cheer, and told me to get my medal and have my picture taken. What the hell, I thought, it's not like I have ever had, or will likely ever have a podium finish, never mind standing on top of the podium. Even the photographer and a couple of the organizers had a laugh with me.
After I had a brief massage which helpd my hamstring, I met Cbaker1 and Mrs. Cbaker1, as well as Doublebellybuster and Cupcake Girl. We talked for a few minutes where DBB and Cupcake Girl and I went out for a Hero Burger
That was great, getting to know both of them in person 
It turned out to be a fun day, the event was in its second year. While there were a few hiccups they were minor. The volunteers did a great job, were extremely helpful friendly. I got in a decent run and met some great Maniacs.
And I have my first place medal.
Good for you, Doug!!
Too bad I didn't get the chance to meet you.
I will have to do more research before deciding. 
