Just signed up for it. It's in late October. Anyone got any advice/opinions of this race?
Also, I will be flying from Chicago. Any idea on flight options? Hotel Options? Thanks.
Just signed up for it. It's in late October. Anyone got any advice/opinions of this race?
Also, I will be flying from Chicago. Any idea on flight options? Hotel Options? Thanks.
The weather is a crap shoot in late October and will somewhat determine your race day strategy. I have run it with a tailwind, into a headwind, in rain and snow. It's too late since you already booked but I think the Waterfront marathon is the better event in September.
Also they changed the course since I ran it so I can't comment much on the course but it is still net downhill so there can be some fast sections to the course but the time gained is negligible if you burn your quads. Train on some hills a bit because there are some rolling sections along Younge street and the hogs hollow hill is significant. Other than the deceptively long gradual uphill finish it is not too bad. Very good job done by the officers closing the intersections.
I don't know the city well enough to recommend hotels. You could try the Holiday Inn on Front street since it's not far from the finish and I believe the shuttle buses to the start leave from there. The expo is there.
thanks. anyone else?
I've never stayed in my own city, but I think you'd actually be better off staying in midtown or North York for this one. It starts in North York at 8 or 9 am, and the subway doesn't run before 9 on a Sunday. Even if it did, you'll save time and money on Sunday morning by staying close to the start line. You can take the subway back to your hotel after the race, or shower by the finish line at Hart House. Look on Expedia or Orbitz for a hotel in North York. The race starts on Yonge Street, so you should find some good options. Try the Novotel North York.
The course is a bit tricky, and this is definitely not nearly as good a race as the Waterfront Marathon, but you'll be fine. Just be sure to run a smart race.
Added to point out that it's a point-to-point race from the north end of the city to the downtown. The course is mostly downhill for the first half with a big hill at around 2 miles. At the halfway, you reach Lake Ontario, where it can be windy (it was windy last year). You'll run west along the lake from about mile 14-18 and then back the way you came, reaching downtown again at around mile 22-23. From there, it's a slight uphill finish up University Avenue for the last few miles. It's almost unnoticeable, but it can wreck you if you didn't leave something extra for this. You'll go around the building you see from 2 miles out. That's not the finish.
thanx for all the info.
any other advice?
Coming from Chicago, you're well-prepared for any weather issues. Have a good look at the elevation map and plan accordingly.