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that race director Mike Zajczenko Bay is a premier running event in world.” Mike also acknowledges the and this past March I laced up my wants everyone to know. Passion- Canada and it is part of our his- interest and flavour the elite run- shoes and raced with some of the ate about the history, Mike’s a gift- tory.” He wants to promote both, ners bring, but maintains that the world’s best. ed organizer with a vision. In 1996 sees the value in both. race is geared for everyone to enjoy. The horn goes and my running a grant from the Ontario Trillium Associate race director Graydon He also recognizes the boost to the partner John and I file onto the road. Foundation allowed the team to Stephens makes the fair observation community. He’s especially proud We jog east past Hamilton’s Copps bring Mike on full time and the that, “You can’t get on the ice with of the partnership established with Coliseum along Wilson Street. race as we know it today began a NHL player but you can run The St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation. Those faster weave and dodge to to take shape. As Mike says, “The Bay with some of the best in the “The partnership gives the hospital run ahead. The road gradually dips, a fundraising venue. Local celebri- offering a slightly elevated view of ties are involved and that creates the crowd. It’s spectacular, a sea of general interest.” bobbing heads. To turn dreams into reality, I Then we’re into the heart of began training in September 2007 Hamilton, along Cannon Street At the halfway point with the Skyway Bridge in the background, Deborah Serravalle and running partner John enjoy the non-competitive side of the race. Photo by Carol Ross Running south on Valley Inn Rd., racers Runners wind down Spring Garden Rd. last March in the follow the curve Around the Bay Road Race that has taken place annually around the west end since 1894. Training for this race begins in the fall. of Hamilton Harbour. Photo by Mike Davis Photo by Mike Davis By Deborah Serravalle Hamilton’s “Around the Bay:” A Road Race That Rocks! They come from Hamilton and surrounding cities, towns and hamlets. Others from farther afield, the States, Kenya and Ethiopia. They’re bio-physics engineers and truck drivers, homemakers and office workers. Running is a great equalizer. But races pull communities together. And none does it better than Hamilton’s Around the Bay 30k Road Race held annually in March. A five-km run/walk and 10 and15 km relays are also offered. Participants numbered 8,600 in 2008. Organizers expect 9,300 for 2009 and 10,000 for 2010. Once a half-day event, “The Bay” has turned into a three-day celebration. have memories of the race as a Older Than Boston rule. But spectators child. The Bay is an anticipated The Hamilton Herald newspaper- still continue to line Hamilton affair, like the La- and cigar-store owner Billy Car- the route. Ibour Day weekend Ticat-Argos roll created and sponsored the It’s the oldest of its kind match or the Christmas Parade. first Around the Bay Road Race in North America, older than Certainly when it came round I’d Christmas Day 1894. Times have Boston, as the colourful, cov- Tired but elated runners on York entertain fantasies of running but changed. The course is altered; eted T-shirts participants receive, Blvd. with less than 3 km to go. never dreamed I’d ever participate. women compete and the Kenyans proudly proclaim. And that’s a fact Photo by Mike Davis Escarpment Views 18 ❧ Autumn 2008 ❧ Autumn 2008 19 Escarpment Views Hamilton’s “Around the Bay:” A Road Race That Rocks! years it works out well, but not all. tions must resume after the agreed- it’s dry, late March is great running 25 km marker. Fans line both sides It’s painful but we’re up and out The bridge went up during the race upon three-hour hiatus. weather and today is no exception. of the street. onto York Boulevard. From the in ’61 and then again in ’96 when a Revellers line Northshore Bou- Warm from exertion, I’m down to High Level Bridge, we enjoy the number of runners decided to turn levard. A series of hills now lies my long-sleeved shirt. But for those Heartbreak Hill distant view of the Skyway Bridge, around and re-trace their steps. ahead and whether you’re running staffing the water stations and lin- Helene starts singing Queen’s “We amazed we’ve run so far! They were disqualified. “What can to win or simply finish, it’s here the ing the route it’s chilly. Will Rock You” even before we get to The signs announce him and you do?” Graydon says. “They left race truly begins. Our friend He- We take on the hills and then Valley Inn Road. Helene knows that soon the black, flowing robes of the the course.” Although some of the lene has agreed to offer moral sup- turn onto Spring Garden Road. Stan Wakeman will be there, a little Grim Reaper appear. Standing in slowest runners and walkers were port by running alongside. Waiting Within minutes we’re passing East- person with a big boom box blasting front of the Hamilton Cemetery, trapped on the Hamilton side this at LaSalle Park, she’s chilled and erbrook’s Hot Dog Stand, trailed by the famous tune. Faithfully, each year he’s become a race tradition. It’s a year, Mike is confident the problem bounces onto the course grateful the smell of French fries. My mouth Stan encourages participants before bit of fun that lifts tired runners’ is solved, claiming normal opera- for the opportunity to defrost. If is still watering as we approach the they climb Heartbreak Hill. spirits. Helene scurries into his embrace and I follow. John snaps a photo and it’s on to the home stretch! We’ve come full circle. It’s down the ramp and into Copps Coliseum to cross the finish line. Our names are announced and family, friends, those we know a little and many we don’t know at all, together emit a cheer of congratulations. It pays to dream a little. n Deborah Serravalle is a freelance writer, aspiring novelist and runner Photo by John Johnson John by Photo living in Burlington. At the 26-km mark, running up Heartbreak Hill requires strength of mind and will. Photo by Mike Davis East and Britannia Avenue. Resi- The Grim Reaper has a hug dents are clapping and cheering. A for Deborah and Helene. short jaunt down Parkdale brings us Photo by John Johnson to Melvin Avenue and then Wood- ward where there’s a steep ramp that crosses the QEW. Ahead there’s a white-haired, wiry little man going a good clip. We pick up the pace. “Is this your first Bay Race?” I ask. Dave informs us it’s his fifth. Out of shape, he decided to spend his retirement time training. Now 68 years old, he has also participated in a number of marathons. Tin Pan Alley Beach Boulevard stretches before front boulevard was home to the Hamilton is responsible, but hasn’t us. This strip got the nickname Herald’s five-mile marker. We scan followed up yet. He’s unconcerned, “Tin Pan Alley” from the residents the area but the sign’s gone. Later, claiming, “Someone has it!” who line the street clanging pots office manager Gary Pickett tells The Skyway Bridge soars above and pans. One group has created an me it disappeared during the demo- and the Burlington Lift Bridge is entire booth. Supportive enthusi- lition. Organizers did attempt to just past the halfway point. The asm is invigorating and we continue remove it but were thwarted by its Bay office sends out notices to the on rejuvenated! underground concrete base. When mariners and coast guard inform- Runners in the home The old Dynes Tavern was de- they returned with appropriate ing them of the race, requesting stretch return to Hamilton’s molished this past year, making way tools, the marker was gone without their cooperation in keeping the Copps Coliseum. for lakefront condos. For years, the a trace. Mike suspects the City of bridge down during the race. Most Photo by Mike Davis Escarpment Views 20 ❧ Autumn 2008 ❧ Autumn 2008 21 Escarpment Views.

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