——See you Next Year!

Thanks very much, I had a great time.  I really appreciate the work that you do each year, (this was my second year)

and I am definitely planning on coming back.

——Runner Expresses Thanks!

GOOD MORNING!

I wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU  to all who assisted in the event.

The absolutely positive mood from all involved was amazing and uplifting.

It had to be cold being in those tents  at such an early hour, and to those out on the course in the windy cool temperatures; I am very thankful for your effort.

This was my 2nd Hamilton Half-Marathon and I look forward to next year.

Thanks again for a great time,

——New York Runner Says Thanks!!

Hello Road2Hope Coordinators,

 

I just wanted to write to say Thank You for an amazing marathon weekend in Hamilton! I was one of the New York marathoners who ran the Road2Hope Marathon on November 4th. I'm sure you have heard many of these stories in the past few days, but I wanted to share my marathon experience with you and thank you again for everything you all did.

 

My father is a marathon runner and it has been my dream since I was 13 years old to run the Boston Marathon. After qualifying for the 2012 New York Marathon at the Ottawa Army Run, I set my sights on re-qualifying for 2013 New York Marathon (like Boston, the qualifying times were raised this year) at the Ottawa Race Weekend half marathon. I followed a longer, more intense training regime, desperate to beat that elusive 1:27:00 time. The training went really well and I was feeling very confident as the date approached. Then, two weeks before the race, I was hit by a car while returning from one of my speed runs. The driver failed to stop at a stop sign and, already halfway across the street, there was nothing I could do to get out of the way. As well as many cuts and bruises, I tore a ligament in my ankle. For the first time since I started running, I was on the sidelines for race weekend, cheering on my Mum as she ran the race I had been training for. After three months of physiotherapy (and countless hours spent on a stationary bike) I was allowed to start training for New York. The week before the race had me glued to the weather network and New York Marathon website, checking constantly for updates on Hurricane Sandy. After seeing the devastation I was sure it would be cancelled but when the announcement was made that the marathon was officially on I was absolutely overjoyed. On Friday I caught my flight from Halifax, where I am at university, to Ottawa to meet my Mum. The plan was to drive from Ottawa to New York. Just as we were pulling out of the Ottawa Airport, my Mum's cellphone rang. It was one of her colleagues informing us that the marathon had just been cancelled. To say that I was devastated would be a massive understatement. I had already experienced training for a race only to be unable to run it once this year and that was quite enough. Undaunted, we drove to the nearest Running Room store and asked about marathons that weekend. As they only have access to Running Room sponsored events, we were informed that the only race this weekend was a half marathon in Markham. Upset, I called my fellow running friend, who lives in Toronto, and told her that my marathon had just been cancelled. Her response was immediate: there was a marathon in Hamilton this weekend, why not run that one instead? She looked it up for me and found that I could still register at the Expo the next day. Determined to be there right when the Expo opened, my Mum and I got in our car (this is at 9pm, mind!) and drove from Ottawa to Hamilton, arriving at 3:30am. By the time we found a hotel and checked it it was 4:00am. We got up the next morning at 6:30am and went to the Expo before it opened. When we arrived, hassled and panicky,the volunteers were absolutely amazing. They told us right away that an extra 250 spots had been opened for New York runners and not to worry. Euphoria. That is the only way to describe my feeling upon realizing that all of my training had not been for nothing and that I was going to be able to run a marathon after all. I then found out that this race was the number one Boston qualifier in Canada...even better! I had been prepared for 12 degrees and sunny in New York and the forecast was calling for cloudy and 2 degrees in Hamilton. Fortunately, I was able to buy a pair of longer pants and a long-sleeved shirt at the Expo so I was all ready for the race. The actual race itself was incredibly well organized, especially for a race which was operating over-capacity. Because of all the mayhem in New York, I would have had to have caught the bus to Staten Island at 4:30am, then waited around in the cold for five hours before my start. In Hamilton, I arrived an hour early and was able to sit in a nice warm gym before the race started. Everyone was so incredibly friendly. In line for the portapotty, I met another New York runner running his first marathon and another lady who had run 14 marathons, including Boston 8 times! Everyone, it seemed, had a story to tell. The race itself was a beautiful course. I had no idea there was so much lovely countryside around Hamilton! I was amazed at how smoothly the water stations worked, especially since they weren't expecting quite that many runners! My goal time was to qualify for Boston (3:35), although I was hoping to beat 3:30. In the end, I ran the marathon in 3:14, absolutely smashing my previous personal best and qualifying for Boston in style. Not only that, but I won my age category so I got a little bit of extra hardware to take home with me!  A special thanks must go out to the 3:15 pace bunny who I stuck with for the entire race. All in all, it was the most enjoyable race I have ever run. The atmosphere was wonderful. I have seen since that this little race has been getting a lot of publicity and you absolutely deserve it. It seemed that everyone was going out of their way to accommodate the stranded New York runners. Throughout the day, the person on the loud-speaker kept thanking the New York runners for coming. However, it is US who should be thanking YOU. This race absolutely saved the day. The first thing I did upon getting my bib and realizing that I was, after all, running a marathon this weekend, was to make a donation to your chosen charities. I sincerely hope that other runners did the same and that you greatly surpassed your fundraising goal. After everything you did, you can be sure that I will be back to run this race again next year. What's more, I'm definitely bringing my whole family (we're all runners!).  After the despair of thinking the hurricane would cancel New York, followed by relief that it was on, followed by heartbreak when it was ultimately cancelled and then euphoria at finding another race, I can promise you that crossing the finish line at the Hamilton Marathon was a hundred times sweeter than finishing in Central Park could ever be. 

 

Thank you once again for everything you did. I will definitely be spreading the word about this race to all of my running friends!

The changes to Boston Marathon
qualifying times are announced.

Look at the new qualifying times for Boston 2013. And check out the process for 2012. This is more incentive to sign up early to the Hamilton Marathon Road2Hope — Ranked #1 Boston Qualifier in Canada!

http://www.baa.org/news-and-press/news-listing/2011/february/boston-athletic-association-announces-new-registration-process.aspx

Earlier Posts from
Hamilton Marathon Road2Hope — Friends

Hello:
I'd like to pass on my most sincere thanks for the excellent job with the Road2Hope Hamilton Marathon yesterday. It was my second time running the marathon (and my second marathon altogether), and enjoyed how well organized it is.
Yesterday was the race of my life... well, hopefully just so far :) But it was a pleasure running, and I look forward to 2011!

Mark

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I just want to congratulate you on another outstanding Hamilton race weekend. I ran the Marathon and finally qualified for Boston on my 12th attempt - so it's now my official favourite race!
Many many thanks to you and your team of volunteers ( especially the christmas themed water station!).

Jo

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Hello,
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for a wonderful marathon. It was a beautiful course and everything was extremely well organizedÉ I have run a number of races in the past and this now one of my favourites. I will be sure to tell my friends about it in the future.

Sincerely
Chris

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Thanks for all your work! And please pass on my thanks to Esther too. (Tell her it's from the 'sock' girl.) It was my first time - also my first half-marathon - so will remember it well! See you next year!

- Maureen

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I think you did a fabulous job preparing us for the event. Thank-you very much!

- Harmony

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Even though myself and my sons arrived late, we ran the race anyway. It was really well organized and we had a great time. I only wished that we could've made it to the dinner in the evening. Maybe next year. I hope to run this again with both of my children next year. I'll be looking for information in Sept. next year. Thanks for your efforts! Love the shirts!

- Lori

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The volunteers were terrific, from the cheering, people on their bikes, people in their vans asking if I needed anything, It truly was a great day!!!! Thanks again!

- Peggy

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The Hamilton Marathon was amazing -- still can't believe how they were able to pull it off without a glitch -- everything from the early start, the shuttle bus, the many volunteers on the route -- at the fluid stations, on bikes, medics at each fluid station, the police. The race organizers were smart to invite high schools to work the fluid stations -- each school had a very enthusiastic cheering -- there were minimal spectators on the route, but there were some. It was a small race of 2500 for the full, half, 1K, 5K, and 10K.

- Louis

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I would just like to say thank you for this well organized event. I hope it will become an annual event. I really enjoyed taking part in the race. The volunteers were always happy to help you and to be there. Hopefully if the race takes place next year they can can use a larger venue for the expo. I am very proud of finisher's medals and had to bring it in yesterday to show it to the students at the school where I work. Bravo on job well done. I loved the technical shirt the expo, the volunteers who helped to ensure a smooth running of the event and the after race food was great. Thank You once again and I look forward to being a part of this event again.

- Patrick

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Just to let you know that you did a fantastic job as did Gord, Esther and everyone else involved in the weekend events. Everything went very well - my grandchildren and I did the 1K Children's run and I did the half and were pleased with the events. I particularly also wanted to comment on the high school groups and what a great job they did at the start of the half and at the water stops. Their enthusiasm was very welcome and contagious! I don't know how/who is responsible but please pass on my gratitude for the great job they did.

- Brenda

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I enjoyed marshaling on Sat and running the marathon on Sunday. I'll be back for more fun next year.

- Chris G

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Congratulations to you !! You looked fantastic crossing that finish line...you were so focused that you likely didn't see us, but we were all there cheering! Thank you as well for all the hard work you have put into this event. You have done an amazing job. I should have thanked you before now, I really appreciate all of your news letters and updates. I'm sure Gord and Esther appreciate all you have done. I can't stop talking about it...to me everything was perfect...the weather, the crowds, the volunteers, the water stations....I have not heard a negative word. Everyone had a blast...and about that course??? well we can all say we did it !!! I can't wait to see Esther to give her a big hug....all of the hard work that she and her team put into this paid off. Alot of money was raised, it was great for Hamilton and all the runners loved it. Thanks again

- Lori

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You did a great job! The race was a huge success. I had no trouble with directions coming in from Burlington, and parked at GT French. I didn't have to wait long for a bus either. I was skeptical about race day chip pick up but even that went well. I agree that the HS kids looked great. They were also very enthusiastic and encouraging. The food afterwards was packed in neat little bags which also doubled for garbage . hint: maybe a garbage can by the bus stop next year. Oh and yeah, can you flatten out those hills. Cheers!

- Deborah

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I enjoyed the marathon (my 11th), the fans and the high school students. The Volunteers were great and i really enjoyed the route. The uphill finish was tough but as a first time - the organization was super and the event a huge success.

- David

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I moved to this area from London a year ago but had not been up to the Hamilton Mountain area yet. I printed out and followed your directions on race day and they were perfect. They led me right to Limeridge Mall and there was a shuttle there waiting. Thank you for the emails and the time dedicated to the event. I saw you cross the finish line too - congrats on your race! Anyhow very nice job for the charities and for the runners - I had a fabulous day!

- Liz

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Good morning. I just wanted to compliment you upon such a wonderful race on Sunday.. I'm originally from Hamilton and recently taken up running.. my wife and I came in from Sarnia (with 4 other friends) to run in the half on Sunday.. the volunteers were great.. the kids on the route were enthusiastic as can be.. the venue, while a little cramped in the entrance way while everyone tried to keep warm, was a great place to hold the start finish.. the course was challenging as we don't grow any hills in Sarnia..lol.. but the day was fabulous.. you and your volunteers pulled off a great feat.. If you are looking for an improvement of any sort.. the turnaround at Upper Gage was a bit of a bottle neck due to the aid station located there, with the tight turn (and the very enthusiastic kids..lol) it was a little cramped.. the station just slightly before or just after the turn would have worked out a little better I thought.. but really.. the only issue that I could see.. congratulations.. we look forward (well, after the aches and pains go away..lol) to next year.

- Steve