Event and Race Reviews This is a growing collection of Race and Event Reviews. All of these reviews were written by our members and represent each author's experiences and opinions only. Back to Events Listing
21kmtl
(Montreal, Quebec)
Author: dgrant
Date: 2007-04-23
Comments for April 2007 event:
Date: April 22
Location: Montreal (Ile Ste-Helene)
Field: Roughly 1800 half marathon + 300 5K
Course: 100% closed roads, extremely flat, through parkland, the Olympic rowing venue, Expo 67 grounds, and the Formula One racetrack
Support: About 8 or 9 well-spaced, well-manned stations with water, gatorade, and gel at 11K. Excellent km marking on course (big flags).
Spectators: I don't know if there were many of spectators, but it seemed like there were because the course zigzags a lot so spectators could see you at several different spots on the course.
It seems like this race is still a work in progress (it's now part of the Canada Running Series and the major sponsor is Scotiabank rather than Nike), but it seems they're making good choices. IMHO it was very well organized and had a great vibe and atmoshpere.
My only caution would be that the course is quite "exposed" and I could see how it would be a challenge on a day with high winds.
Highly recommended! Author: Sir Crashalot
Date: 2005-11-09
It was my first attempt at 21km & not knowing any better, I thought it was a great event & on a nice course. Plenty of trees about, good parking available, good spot for public transport.
I'm not a big lover of shutting down streets for major events, even those I particpate in. I am certain that it inconviences many people, some of whom really need to get to work or are tired from a long day at work. I'm not talking about desk jockeys like myself but the little guy whose bus routes are shot to pieces.
Author: kzod
Date: 2005-11-07
Ran it this year, but the race didn't make a huge impression/ Here's what I recall.
Nike Sponsored race. So we got a great RM style orange dri-fit race shirt. They were serving Bowerman Waffles before and after the race. However, I wouldn't eat right before a half, and afterwards the line was huge as they couldn't keep up with demand. Many people in line right after me were actually forced to leave the line without pancakes and just take what they had so others could get some food. This wouldn't have been so bad if they hadn't been waiting 20 minutes for a #$^#^% waffle. Besides that, the race was very good. Great organization. Everything went off without a hitch.
The only problem in my opinion is the course. Located on I'le notre dame, the race is held on the grand prix's race tracks. So, we were just looping around most of the same roadways all morning. You get some nice views of Montreal. But, this is as boring as any race course gets in my opinion. I lived my whole life in Mtl, and never went to ile notre dame before. The only reason I can think of to hold the race there is that you aren't inconveniencing anyone. It would be great to have a marathon that crosses all the different residential areas of the city, maybe crossing over mt-royal on the way to a finish line at the Olympic stadium (where the Mtl. Marathon now ends)
It's an A- run event that I'll grade: B due to the uninspiring locale.
|
