Beaches, bikinis and a beverage in hand is how most envision beating the cold with a winter getaway. However, some avid runners chose to chill their buns while running a new trail race, Sun Your Buns for Prostate Cancer that hit the scene on Saturday, January 16th this year in the beautiful Niagara Escarpment.
The race boasted of 97% trails with a short section on dirt and featured 15.9 mile, 10.6 mile and 5.3 mile loops with walkers permitted in the two shorter distances. Forty-six racers in all braved the cold from the young 20s brood to the mature 60s folk.
John Swart crossed the line as winner of the 60+ age category for the 10.6 mile race and noted, “This is the only trail event on the calendar for a couple months either way, so it was a great chance for the racers to see old friends and stay in touch during the winter.” Swart additionally impressed with Niagara College as the start and finish venue said, “The location was amazing. Using the college meant great washrooms, lots of space in the cafeteria for awards and such, and [most importantly] warmth.”
Winter trail running can present some challenges with snow and icy conditions, but for many it’s an excellent way to stay in shape over the long winter months. Preparing for the weather with the right gear and teaming up with a friend, colleague or spouse can provide added safety, accountability and camaraderie.
A local husband-wife team, Drew and Rachel Bayley, completed the 10.6 mile race and used it in preparation for the popular Around the Bay 30 km competition in March. Drew remarked, “It was a great race! I loved the trail and it was marked out very well. Tony Power [the race organizer] did a great job as usual and I didn’t hear anything but highly positive comments and all for a great cause.”
A well marked trail is crucial for giving runners the confidence needed to focus their attention on the essentials of reading the trail and placement of their feet. As Swart put it, “A good road run will drain the body; but a good trail run flushes the mind as well.”
First time trail racer, Frank Hardy ran the 15.9 mile race and was likewise amazed with how well the event was organized. “It was really well marked with flags on sticks along the way to mark the race and the clock and timing was great. The trail was hilly but it wasn’t brutal.” Furthermore, Hardy commented, “The trails don’t have the dust and exhaust like the road and you see the deer, the critters and the scenery. Why don’t more people take advantage of it?”
Hardy raises a good point. With the resounding positive energy from the inaugural Sun Your Buns Race, Hardy might just find more runners joining him next year as others tackle their first trail race in the gorgeous Niagara region. – DS