By Kinga Miklos

I started running in 2002 to get in shape and stay active. After about four years of road running and shin splints, I ran my first 25k trail race and immediately was hooked. I’ve always been an outdoorsy person, grew up around mountains and loved hiking; so trail running has been a good substitute for the lack of mountains in Toronto. If I could help it, I would never run on pavement ever again, but living and training in Toronto keeps me pounding the pavement for more than I care to admit. Thankfully, there are some great trails within a few hours drive of the city, especially around the Niagara Escarpment, so my husband and I drive to a lot of trail races and fun runs year round. We are very lucky to share this great passion for trail running and ultra marathons.

When I first heard about the Sun Your Buns Trail Run I was so happy that there is finally a race that feeds my trail running addiction during the cold season! I’m currently training for my third 100 miler coming up this February in Huntsville, Texas, so Sun Your Buns would be a great little race to work on getting a faster pace. I love races, especially ultras, because they are like a celebration of my training and I get to challenge myself and my abilities. Races are special days and a chance to socialize with like-minded people and this time was no different.

My race goal was to finish anywhere under 3 hours, with secret hopes to break 2:50. I figured a 15.9 miler (25.5k for those metric minds) would feel like a summertime 30k, so anything under 3 hours is good, but under 2:50 would be awesome. With three weeks left until my 100 miler in Texas I was looking for one last tough run before I start the dreaded taper.

On race day the trail conditions were great and temperatures were hovering around +2C, chilled slightly by the NW winds. In some spots the trail was rocky and root filled, but the snow cover made it nice and even. There were a few icy spots, but nothing really dangerous.

The course was a 5.3 mile loop starting on the Niagara College campus and climbing up the Escarpment twice per loop. The trail switched to a dirt and grass trail along the forest at the foot of the Escarpment. Once you turned up into the forest you gradually climb the Escarpment on a winding trail for about half a kilometre or so. These are prime trails right on the famous Bruce Trail and along some side trails! We jumped through another little section with some forest trails on top of the Escarpment and then we headed down along the foot of the hill for about half a mile only to head up again on the rocky trail. At around the 5km point on the loop there was a well stocked aid station with peanuts, chips, cookies, candy, Gatorade and water. It was perfectly placed and the volunteers taking turns manning it were so helpful. Mmmm…potato chips and cookies!! Between keeping an eye on the footing and the trail ahead, we got to enjoy great scenery for a few brief moments until we headed down a steeper hill towards the duck ponds and the start/finish area on the campus.

My race went well. I ran my first loop with a fast group that included the female winner in the 15.9 mile distance. My walk-the-hills “ultra training mantra” flew out the window as I followed them. First loop time was 56:30. Their pace was much faster than mine. They took off on me on their second loop and I never caught up with them again. My second loop was a bit slower and I wasted a couple of precious minutes taking a much needed bathroom break behind a tree. Second loop was 57:38 and felt like a bit of a struggle on my own. The temperatures were rising by the time I went out for my third loop. By now it was past noon. The snow on the trails was turning slushy and there were a couple of muddy spots on the course. I tried to push on this third and final loop, hoping to break 2:50:00, but my quads were yelling no! Final loop time was 56:48. I crossed the finish line as the second female in a time of 2:51:04. I was so hyper I could have gone for one more loop, but I glad I didn’t have to.

Once inside the cafeteria, I was looking forward to the post race socializing. I quickly changed into dry clothes and joined a few fellow runners, the organizers and the volunteers to unwind and talk about the race. There was home-made chili (3-4 types supplied by the organizers and volunteers!!), buns, coffee, sweets and salty snacks, and water. Oh, it was the tastiest chili I had all winter and totally hit the spot!

The organizers put on a great event and they mobilized their local running club who really stepped up to the plate. This event has the potential to grow and I definitely think it will in the years to come. The snow and ice might slow the pace, but the forest trails and the Escarpment are gorgeous in the winter! I am definitely looking forward to next year’s event and I’m telling my running buddies about it.