THUNDER BAY - The newest running event in Thunder Bay was in full stride, challenging athletes to a 10k course while also raising money for local runners and skiers.
On Sunday, the Lakehead University Thunderwolves Running Team and the National Team Development Centre hosted the inaugural 10k Road Race. Organizer, Nancy White, said the newest race fills a gap for the running community in the city.
“We decided to do a joint venture,” White said. “There used to be a 10 k fresh air but it stopped about 10 years ago so we decided we wanted to start a new tradition.”
More than 60 runners participated in the race that also serves as a fundraiser for the Lakehead University Running Team and the NTDC.
“There is an elite aspect of it and a recreational aspect of it and that it becomes a lucrative fundraiser for both clubs,” White said. “It’s really hard to find those dollars in the community and these kids work really hard and we work really hard to get them to that top international position.”
The course took the runners around the Lakehead University campus, on to the Confederation College campus, and back. Finishing in first place for the men was LU Running Team member, Trevor Zimak, who finished with a time of 32 minutes and 48 seconds.
“Given the conditions I’m kind of happy about it,” Zimak said after the race. “Obviously, you always want to run faster, but it was super cold out there and the wind was blowing pretty hard, so it was a good effort.”
Zimak added he was really impressed with the course, though it did offer its own set of challenges.
“There was a good variety of hills and straight stretches, but definitely one of the tougher courses I’ve run given all the hills,” he said.
Finishing first for the women was Kayla Gallo, a member of the LU Cross Country and Indoor Track team, with a time of 40 minutes and 48 seconds.
“I went in with no expectation,” she said. “It was just to get a good effort out. On the way out, it was a little bit fast, but on the way back it was a little more challenging with the hills. It was a good mix, but overall I’m happy with my effort today.”
Both Gallo and Zimak hope to see the race grow and after the success of the first year, White is confident the number of participants will continue to increase.
“Next year our goal is to be over 100 and then for every year just keep building up,” she said. “There’s no reason why eventually we can’t get more than 300 runners here.”
For Gallo, any new race is great for the running community, and not just for competitive athletes, but for anyone who wants to hit the track looking for a new personal best.
“Anytime there is a race it is an opportunity for runners in the community regardless of what training group you are from or what level you are at,” she said. “Any additional running event in the community is great to get people out and active and supporting the sport.”
