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Bob Hartwell Challenge (HalfM)
(Aurora, Ontario)
Author: dgrant
Date: 2007-04-16
Comments for 2007 event:
Size: Roughly 800 total between half marathon run, half marathon walk, relay and 5K events
Course: Mostly residential roads. Course not fully closed to traffic but traffic control was adequate IMO.
Aid Stations: I think about 6-8 spread over the half marathon course, with water and Gatorade. Aid stations were mostly manned by high schoolers, and they were very good.
Post Race: Bagels, Yogurt, Bananas, Pancakes
Swag: tech shirt and medal
Chiptiming: Yes
The overcast weather this year was quite good for the running itself, but seemed to put a bit of a damper on the overall festive atmosphere. Oh well, that's April for you. If you like the more intimate "county fair" style races like Paris Grand or London Springbank then you'll like this one too.
Highly recommended. Author: dgrant
Date: 2006-04-09
This is a somewhat small (300-500 runners or so) half marathon in Aurora, just north of Toronto. It's named for a local runner who died during a marathon.
I believe this was the fifth year. The race has tons of small town charm, but the organization is very professional. Nice Brooks tech shirts (they gave me one even though the website said raceday registrants weren't eligible), well-spaced aid stations with very cheery teenage volunteers, some good samples (Clifbar and such) in the goodie bag, bagel/yogourt/banana/pizza at the finish. Just a very positive vibe throughout the day.
The defining characteristic of this race is the very hilly elevation profile. It's up and down the entire way. Very challenging!
Aurora seems like a nice place to hold an event, and I can see this race growing and growing in popularity over the years. I give it an A+ for sure.
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