KILLARNEY—A stunning scenic course newly sanctioned as a Class A road race by Athletics Ontario, the Killarney Mountain Lodge Fall Classic boasts both road and trail runs. Three races will get underway on the morning of Sunday, September 24 with a 5km, 10km, and 21.1 Half Marathon attracting a cross section of runners. Each race features plenty of road running with some gravel trails, and a course that’s relatively flat with plenty of wildlife and magnificent fall colours on view.
Last year’s winner of the Half Marathon, James Morgan, says he’ll be back to defend his title. “It’s such a treat to come to this part of the country for the beautiful scenery and wilderness, not to mention that running in the fall is a lot of fun.” He adds, “I’m returning not only to keep the tradition alive and try and set another personal best time, but also because I love running and I love this event.” Morgan ran the Half Marathon in 1 hour and 48 minutes and his goal is to beat that, “I hope I’ve trained enough to set another personal best. I plan to give it my best shot.”
Organizers are also setting the table to ensure runners have the ideal diet both before and after the race. Athletes can look forward to carb loading the night before, when Killarney Mountain Lodge hosts a pasta buffet feast. General Manager Kelly McAree says it’s also becoming a bit of a tradition, “We’re excited to get the runners ready for race day by providing them with a pasta dinner ahead of the run, and once again our chef has planned a fish fry post-race to help them build back much needed protein after crossing the finish line. We’re also hearing the Fall Classic is an event runners are flagging for their race calendars.”
Information about the course routes will be posted on the Killarney Mountain Lodge Facebook page in advance. Registration is available via https://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=14708. The event is timed and bib numbers will be provided. The entry fee is $25, with proceeds going to The Children’s Wish Foundation. Last year over $1,100 dollars was raised. The winner of the Half Marathon receives a sunset cruise on “Stormy Night” from Killarney Mountain Lodge.
The Half Marathon departs 8 am, the 10km run departs at 8:30 am while the 5km run departs at 9 am.
