Runners at Sunday’s 40th annual Peterborough YMCA Half-Marathon were greeted not only by unseasonably warm weather, but also a new course.
“We have a new route and we’re really excited about it,” said Charlotte Van Spronsen, manager of community outreach and youth with the YMCA of Peterborough.
“A lot of the feedback we’ve been getting is that (runners) wanted to go downtown, and so we were able to change it up and have them go downtown but also run by the Lift Lock.”
The race is split into four categories, including the half-marathon (21km), the “half a half” (10.55km), the 5km walk or run and the ever-popular kids’ 1km “Fun Run.”
Race director Jeff Crowe says the revised course ups the excitement for competitors as it’s a change from what they’re used to.
“We just thought with this being our 40th year, we’d change the route a little bit, and we worked out a route that hopefully everybody is happy with,” Crowe said.
“We designed a route with a double loop and so (participants) know after the first time around what’s happening the second time.”
A lifetime runner, Crowe first competed in the marathon back in 1980. He has been the race director for the past decade, but notes this run marks his final year in the role.
“It’s definitely going to be really sad to see him go,” said Van Spronsen. “He brings so much experience not only to the Y, but also to the running community.”
More than 600 runners took part this year and all proceeds from the race go directly to support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.
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