Hamilton’s ‘Around the Bay’ 30km run is the oldest road race in North America. Photo credit: Facebook/Around the Bay
After being cancelled in 2020 and held virtually last year, Hamilton’s iconic ‘Around the Bay’ road race is back in-person this Sunday, March 27.
First held in 1894, the annual 30km run around Hamilton Harbour is the oldest road race in North America, preceding the Boston Marathon by three years.
Each year, it attracts some of the best long-distance runners in the world, including Olympic gold medalists.
Sunday’s installment will feature over 6,500 participants. A typical turnout in pre-pandemic years saw about 9,000-10,000 people participate.
A virtual race will be held in tandem with the day’s in-person events. Approximately 1,000 runners are expected to take part in the remote version.
In addition to the 30km signature race, there will also be a 5km run and a 2x15km and 3x10km relay.
The main in-person 30km race will have only two water stations this year, down from the normal eight, and pacesetters will not be allowed.
Despite some of the changes, it was recently confirmed that the course’s notorious ‘Heartbreak Hill’ will be a part of this year’s event, after construction of the Valley Inn pedestrian bridge was completed just in time by the City of Hamilton.
“It is with great pleasure that the City of Hamilton reopens the Valley Inn pedestrian bridge,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger on Friday. “Our community and visitors have enjoyed a bridge at this location since 1897, and this newly constructed bridge will give a safe and sturdy crossing to pedestrians and runners for generations to come.”
The infamous incline that follows the bridge stretches from Valley Inn Road up to York Boulevard.
Near the end of the course, Heartbreak Hill has been the lament of many exhausted runners over the decades.
“Whether you love it or hate it, the Hill is such an important and iconic part of the Bay Race,” race director Anna Lewis told CHCH News last week.
“When you reach the top and start heading down York Boulevard, you know that you’ve made it…you’ve overcome something truly daunting. I think we can all relate to feeling that way as we start to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions.”
All proceeds from the sold-out event will go to Hamilton’s St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, returning for its 17th year as Around the Bay’s official charity partner.
Since 2005, over $4 million has been raised through the race to support patient care and research at St. Joe’s Hospital.
Funds raised through this year’s installment will support the expansion and renewal of the hospital’s Emergency Mental Health Services, which, according to the organization, is “a service that has never been more important than it is right now as we all cope with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The hospital has set a 2022 fundraising goal of $225,000.
The 30km race begins at 9:30am Sunday.
