TO Women’s 10K: Food, Fun & Firefighters

When I first started this site, I contacted a number of races, publications, apparel suppliers and others dedicated to women and running. Cory Freedman, founder and organizer of the TO Women’s Runs was one of them (you may recall that Cory was a guest author not too long ago). When Cory invited me to participate in the TO Women’s 10K, I didn’t hesitate.

A cool, sunny August morning in Toronto’s Sunnybrook Park quickly heated up with the sharp crack of the starter’s pistol signaling the start of the TO Women’s 10K.

As a participant in the inaugural TO Women’s Half in May ’09, I knew what the race had to offer: a beautiful, scenic route away from roads and traffic, great camaraderie with other women (and even a couple of men), yummy post-race treats, and – of course – firefighters.

The race route for the TO Women’s Runs series, from the half marathon to the 5 km events, winds through Sunnybrook Park below the Don Valley Parkway, along the rolling, picturesque paved path that’s great for walking, running or biking.

Firefighters man the first water station around the 2 km mark. Since it’s an out-and-back course, we got to visit them twice, so don’t worry if you miss your chance to take a photo the first time.

There’s a stretch leading into and out of the halfway point that’s too narrow for waterstations or aid personnel, so if you’re planning on running this race, I’d recommend you grab some water at the 4 km station (distances may not be exact, so just remember it’s the one after the firefighters). The 2 or 3 km distance to the turnaround and back can get a little dry if you’re not carrying water, especially if it’s warm.

There aren’t many hills – it’s a relatively flat to rolling route – although there’s a nice little knoll that you get to crest, turn around at the bottom, then do it all over again as you head into the last half of the race (whose idea was that, anyway?). There are also a couple of bridges that toss in a challenge, but they’re nothing to be too concerned about.

Course spectators were few and far between along the route itself, but near the finish line was a great crowd that lit what fire I had left, and pushed me across the finish mats.

Smile, this is fun! This race had a number of snap-happy photographers along the route, producing some of the best race photos I’ve seen yet.

If you’re looking for a great day out with other Gurlz and fun, food and firefighters, I highly recommend you sign up for one of the TO Women’s Runs.

Many thanks to Cory, her team, and the tons of volunteers for making these races such great fun to run, and I’ll see you again soon!