this is not a local post...
seems like 2007 / 2008 will be a challenging time for outdoor sports enthusiasts.
I am reminded about this topic as I wandered in High Park Jefferson , and we came across ice as thick as two feet in certain places at the foot of the infamous "spring hill road".
if you haven't found yourself at the bottom of this hill, after an exhausting 7.8 km's. then please excuse this posting. One of the longest-standing races on the Toronto
For the first time ever, the race set-up will be moved elsewhere in the park, as snow is still packing the area where the pre and post-race activities are concerned. Even worse, the course is un-passable to the fleet of foot in several locations, no worse than the bottom and part-way up the tough hill that covers the race course 2x, in the first km and last, crucial 200 metres.
big deal?
not if you're the poor guy who has to shovel and pick thru this the day before the race....
It won't be the first time that a race has been adversely affected, and it seems to be a disturbing trend (are you reading this Al Gore?):
- 2007 Boston Marathon came oh-so-close to being out-right cancelled a mere 12 hours prior to race day, extreme high winds and bone-chilling rain created a double-whammy for not just the runners, but the medical team and volunteers who would be called upon to provide a safe environment for the runners
- 2007 Chicago Marathon is actually cancelled in mid-race, extreme heat and humidity forces race organizers to urge runners to stop on course, thousands heed the advice while many stubborn runners wind their way on sidewalks to the finish line
- Raleigh , N.C. Marathon - 1998 edition cancelled due to last-minute snow storm, the one and only snow plow could not clean all the city streets!
- 2008 Beijing Marathon ) threatened to be cancelled and/or boycotted by elite athletes due to oppressive heat and pollution
Many triathlons of course are affected, usually with a cancelled swim due to high winds and dangerous, un-safe swimming conditions
this is not a local post...
seems like 2007 / 2008 will be a challenging time for outdoor sports enthusiasts.
I am reminded about this topic as I wandered in High Park Jefferson , and we came across ice as thick as two feet in certain places at the foot of the infamous "spring hill road".
if you haven't found yourself at the bottom of this hill, after an exhausting 7.8 km's. then please excuse this posting. One of the longest-standing races on the Toronto
For the first time ever, the race set-up will be moved elsewhere in the park, as snow is still packing the area where the pre and post-race activities are concerned. Even worse, the course is un-passable to the fleet of foot in several locations, no worse than the bottom and part-way up the tough hill that covers the race course 2x, in the first km and last, crucial 200 metres.
big deal?
not if you're the poor guy who has to shovel and pick thru this the day before the race....
It won't be the first time that a race has been adversely affected, and it seems to be a disturbing trend (are you reading this Al Gore?):
- 2007 Boston Marathon came oh-so-close to being out-right cancelled a mere 12 hours prior to race day, extreme high winds and bone-chilling rain created a double-whammy for not just the runners, but the medical team and volunteers who would be called upon to provide a safe environment for the runners
- 2007 Chicago Marathon is actually cancelled in mid-race, extreme heat and humidity forces race organizers to urge runners to stop on course, thousands heed the advice while many stubborn runners wind their way on sidewalks to the finish line
- Raleigh , N.C. Marathon - 1998 edition cancelled due to last-minute snow storm, the one and only snow plow could not clean all the city streets!
- 1995 New York City Marathon - extremely high winds closed the Verrazano Narrows bridge to wheelchair athletes and any/all foot traffic and police motorcycles, the weather at the start was so cold hundreds of runners who waited around all morning decided to bail on the race and jump on the baggage buses, for a warm ride back downtown!
- 2008 Beijing Marathon ) threatened to be cancelled and/or boycotted by elite athletes due to oppressive heat and pollution
Many triathlons of course are affected, usually with a cancelled swim due to high winds and dangerous, un-safe swimming conditions. But this doesn't really count...
Welcome to the un-predictable sport of endurance athletics!
PD
peter@mynextrace.com
