First Race Back 5K
BARRIE, ON (September 12, 2021) – Congratulations to Carol and Bosona for having great races this morning in the First Race Back 5K, in Barrie, Ontario (a one hour drive north of Toronto)! There were a total of 200 runners, primed up and excited to race their very first real race in over two years!! The race had several heats because of Covid protocols. Carol and Bosona ran in the first heat (9 runners) for the fastest runners ~ sub 20 minute 5K.
Bosona won overall in a time of – 16:15, and Carol came in 2nd female in – 22 minutes!
There was a problem with the chip timer, due to the “staggered” start and Carol accidentally set off the timer while standing on the chip mat, waiting to run. Consequently, the time posted for Carol, based on the chip results are incorrect. Runners were sent out one at a time, 10 seconds apart, to keep safe and “socially” distant from one another. No water was served on the race course, due to Covid and you had to arrive 2 minutes before your heat (nobody was allowed to stand around anywhere near the start line area).
Times have certainly changed from the way races used to look like two years ago but both Bosona and Carol were extremely happy to participate in their first “real” race in over two years. Kelly Arnott kindly offered both Bosona and Carol complimentary entry to her race and admittedly said it has been very stressful organizing a COVID safe race. It costs a lot more money, especially mandating all the safety and health protocols in place for all the runners, medical staff and race volunteers. Masks had to be worn at all times around the start and finish line area. Your mask could only be removed, when you were on the chip mat and it was your turn to run!