Nearly 9,000 participants took part in North America’s oldest road race Sunday in Hamilton.
The 30k Around the Bay Road Race, which culminated inside FirstOntario Centre, was won by Kenya’s Haron Kiptoo Sirma in a time of 1:35:11. Vanvouver’s Dayna Pidhoresky finished first among the women, winning her second consecutive Around the Bay, in 1:49:39.
Toronto’s Ross Proudfoot won the men’s 5k event for the second year in a row in 14:37. Gladys Tarus, also of Toronto, was the first woman over the finish line for the 5k in 17:47.
As a community partner, 900 CHML broadcasted live from the race.
The 30-kilometre course follows the Hamilton Harbour into Burlington and along North Shore Boulevard back into Hamilton.
Previous winners include world-renowned marathoners and Olympians.
The race raises money in support of St. Joseph’s Healthcare.
“We’ve been a partner of the race for 14 years,” said Adam Tillich, senior events officer at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation. “We’ve been able to raise $3.3 million by tapping into the corporate community, as well as hospital teams and their friends and family. Participation has really increased.”
Tillich believes the money raised this year will surpass the $500,000 raised last year.
Race director Anna Lewis says while corporate participation has been a driving force in raising funds, local community groups have stepped up, as well.
The top five finishers in the Around the Bay Road Race receive cash prizes, with the top runner receiving $4,000. There are additional prizes for record setters, as well as top finishes within respective age groups.
The top finish in the race’s 124-year history occurred in 2010. New York City’s Alene Reta finished in one hour 32 minutes and 22 seconds. Lanni Marchant of London, Ont., set the pace for women with a time of one hour 44 minutes and 40 seconds in 2010.
The last time a local runner took the top prize was 2012. Olympian and Hamilton-native Reid Coolsaet finished in one hour 33 minutes and 21 seconds.
Road closures
- York Boulevard from Plains Road West to Dundurn Street (eastbound only) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- York Boulevard from Dundurn to Queen Street reduced to one eastbound lane; all York eastbound traffic to be detoured south on Queen, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- York Boulevard from Queen to Bay (eastbound only), 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- York Boulevard westbound traffic detoured to Hwy 403 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Hwy 403 York Boulevard on-ramp, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Bay Street between King Street West and York Boulevard 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rolling closures
- East on York Boulevard, north on James Street, east on Guise, south on Ferguson, east onto Burlington Street
- East on Burlington Street (2 eastbound south curb lanes)
- Exit onto Woodward ramp onto Woodward Avenue
- North on Woodward Avenue west on Beach Boulevard
- Burlington road closures: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Off-ramp from QEW Toronto northbound that exits at North Shore Boulevard East, beside Joseph Brant Hospital. Traffic detoured to the Fairview Street ramp
- Spring Gardens Road from Plains Road West to Valley Inn
- North Shore Boulevard eastbound from King Road to the QEW Niagara bound off-ramp
- King Road southbound, south of Plains Road to North Shore Boulevard
- Westbound on Plains Road at York Boulevard (into Hamilton)
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