Crossing Borders Run - 5K race

This race was a part of my training for a 10K race in Mississauga. I couldn't find any better race closer to home, so I went to the lovely Park in Waterloo to participate in the race which will donate profits to benefit AIDS relief in Africa.

Everyone living in Ontario knows that weather wasn't very kind this spring. But in the middle of this week somebody made a mistake up there - clouds were removed from the sky and we were reminded that there is a sun. The temperature climbed to more than 20 C during the day - perfect weather for all outdoor activities.

I have arrived earlier for this race which was scheduled to start around 11 a.m. It wasn't a crowded event. Last year they had more than a 100 people, this year I am not sure if they have reached 30 participants.

My first surprise was that this wasn't a road race, the course went through hilly, grassy hills and flat trails. I had my racing flats and I would feel much more comfortable on this uneven ground in good supporting trail shoes.
My second surprise was that organizers didn't bring any map and the course wasn't marked in any way.
Right before the race I went for a jog to see at least some of the trails we were supposed to run on. I met some volunteers, seeking directions to the start line, and this was the third, funny surprise, as they role was to help racers with directions.

Organizers said that map was posted on the web, but it was a last year course map. So we were joking on the start line that one of the organizers of Kenyan descent will lead the pack to show us where to run. Finally we were told to follow young fellow on the bike.

Both 5K and 10K races, made of 2 and 4 loops respectively, started together, through the labyrinth of park alleys. We were passing weekend runners and walkers. I think that number of runners not participating in the race was bigger than the number of racers. At one point 5K leader went the wrong way, when he lost sight view of the directing cyclist. He lost his position. I felt sorry for this young man. I am happy to report that he was able to run back to the front of the pack and win 5K race.

I finished second and received cash card from Running Room as reward. It was good addition to the race cotton t-shirt which was given to all runners. I had also a massage, compliments of the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy.

3 top place women in a 10K race were faster than the first place man in that race.

Overall a good experience and nice training on this uneven ground, I was hoping to see where I am before my 10K on the 12th of May. I am not sure how to translate this trail running to a road race results, although I slowed down significantly on my last kilometer and and isn't a good sign before my 10K.