Welcome to June !
Started off the month with an amazing garden party with my Weather Network ladies (Saturday) and a half marathon the following morning.
If you are thinking, those two things probably shouldn’t happen in the same weekend- you are right ! Ha ! But look at this fun bunch, how could I resist a girls day!?
So Sunday morning I was a little sleep deprived and dehydrated, but it was time to get to the start line for my 11th half marathon.
The Barrie Half Marathon, now called Honda Half Marathon features a scenic route that offers 1 k, 5k, 10k and half marathon distances.
It’s capped at 1300 runners and this year was a sell out.
The course takes you along Kempenfelt Bay which is a part of Lake Simcoe. There are a couple out and back stretches for the half marathon runners.
Runners experienced a mix of pavement, trails and this year construction! Some of the roads had been ripped up which led to pretty uneven ground. Thankfully it was only for a short part of the course!
As for elevation, the course is fairly flat but runners should be prepared for hills as some were fairly steep. I didn’t mind them too much, they keep it interesting !
The views of the lake are amazing and a breeze off the water keeps it comfortable for a June run!
Overall I had a good run! The atmosphere was nice, the volunteers were great and the event was well organized. For a small race there was a ton of people cheering along the route and the finish line had lots of spectators.
There could have been better direction at the 10k and half marathon split as I did get tied up on the wrong path here. But I quickly realized where I needed to be.
The last 8-9 km of the course is on a trail, out and back, along the water. It’s super pretty and it gives you a chance to really enjoy the day! I really enjoy this stretch of the course, it doesn’t really feel like a race here, more of a casual Sunday run! Perfect shade and breeze!
Why should you run the Honda Half Marathon next year in Barrie ?
- Multiple distances offered
- Easy parking and kit pick up
- Capped event at 1300 runners
- Great medals & race shirt
- Friendly staff and volunteers
- Perfect amount of well stocked aid stations
- Free pizza for runners post race !
- Free race photos by Zoom Photo
I also like this race since it’s in June. I find that there is a ton of action through May and then it’s harder to find well organized runs! Barrie definitely delivers!
I came in just under 2 hours at 1 h 56 min. I was pretty pleased with the time considering my lack of attention to the race on Saturday.
I actually got to the start line and realized I forgot to eat breakfast, not my best decision! The post race banana never tasted better.
This is a great spot to run on a Sunday and then enjoy the waterfront with family and friends post race.
You can check out the event website here : barriehalfmarathon.ca
RACHEL SCHOUTSEN 