Canada Day 2025 Run

Introduction

This year’s Canada Day 1K/5K Run was an unqualified success.

Race was once again held on the north end of the Brock Trail at the Rotary Field House at the Pat Beasley soccer fields on Laurier Blvd. in Brockville.

Preparations 

A team of club stalwarts did the initial vital preparations. There was an early hurdle to overcome as our regular race director for the event, Murray Tait, was heading out of town on a family trip on June 27 and would not be back for July 1st itself.

Murray did share his advice and expertise. In fact before leaving, Murray  performed some of the initial tasks: secured award medals and refreshments, provided a course map, etc. 

President Liam Cullen looked after the city permit  to use the trail, including insurance coverage. Liam also negotiated our use of the Rotary Field House and patio with the Brockville Soccer Association.

Race Director Role

The major portion of the race director’s function was carried out by the resourceful Ed Eby. Ed ensured all would be in place for race day. This included: course design tweaks with markings, pickup and delivery of course hardware – pylons, flags, and those special bicycle bells (an Ed innovation!).  Ed also recruited a team of 20 volunteers as: race timers, results compilers, course marshals, water station attendants, etc. Ed also found time to help Shane in the production of some of the last of the special race shirts (see below).

Special Shirts

Another major contributor to the success of the day was Shane Curless, who in addition to setting up Trackie registration and loaning his 2 PA systems, was responsible for the design and production of those classy race shirts complete with the original club logo.to mark the club’s 40th anniversary.

And of course Shane also competed in the 5K itself and ran a fine 17:45 for the distance.

Visiting Runners

In the 1K there were 26 of the 63 entrants not resident in Brockville itself. Many were from the surrounding areas: Prescott, Lyn, Mallorytown, etc.  Most notable from afar visitors were 2 from each of Barrie and Hamilton. 

In the 5K there were 57 of the 117 not resident in Brockville itself. Many here again were from the surrounding areas: Prescott, Lyn, Mallorytown, etc.

Most notable visiting runners in the 5K were the 8 from the Russell Run Club who had previously expressed a wish to participate and support our event. This was to reciprocate for the number of our club members who had participated in 2023 and 2024 in the October Annual Russell 1.2/5/10K. Russell is SE of Ottawa close to Embrun.

We obviously were delighted to see these runners on the Brock Trail for our special event.There were also runners from Kingston, Cornwall and the Ottawa and Toronto areas among others. 

Race Details

Race Director’s Summary

Race Director Ed Eby kindly shared some thoughts on the day: Clouds covered the skies and wrapped the area in a blanket of hot humid air. Racers of all ages arrived early with a goal to run their best race. With the help of the team of volunteers, and after a stirring rendition of ‘O Canada’ by Julia Bremner, the event started at 09:00 with 63 of our finest young runners. Loud cheering met these young runners at the 1K finish line. Along with a popsicle stick, they received a bicycle bell as a unique gift and memento. After Julia repeated her fine performance of the national anthem, the 5km got under way at 9:15 with 117 racers. Some very respectable finishing times were achieved in both the kids race and the open 5km . Many young racers stayed after their own race and used their new bicycle bells to ‘ring’ their siblings or parents along. Medals were awarded to 1st place finishers in the respective age groups.  A special shout out to Shane for his production of the race shirt. Sportsmanship and the spirit of camaraderie in the sport of running were felt throughout the event. So many smiles, a sure sign of success. Thanks to all for your help and contributions. (Ed Eby).

Photos by Brady Viau  – Thanks Brady

A Selection of 5K Photos  

A Selection of 1K Photos