125 years running: Here are some fast facts about the Around the Bay Road Race
There were no races during WWI and women weren't allowed to enter until 1979
For 125 years, competitors have been running around Around the Bay as part of North America's oldest road race.
It's an event that's covered a lot of ground while challenging the personality and character of thousands while developing a few of its own.
As the racers take their mark this Sunday, here's a look at some highlights from the kilometres of history the race, route and runners have covered.
The long and short of it:
The starter pistol first fired back in 1894 with the Hamilton Herald newspaper and cigar store owner "Billy" Carroll as sponsors.
Then called the "Herald Road Race," it welcomed betting and was run on Christmas Day.
- From 1894 to 1924, the course was 19 miles and 168 yards long.
- From 1936 to 1945, the course shrunk slightly to 18.75 miles.
- From 1946 to 1981, it returned to its original length.
Unexpected interruptions:
- From 1917 to 1919, no races were run because of the First World War.
- The race also didn't happen from 1925 to 1935.
- In 1962, the race was cancelled because of construction.
- The current 30 kilometre course has been adjusted several times due to construction and trains.
Catching up and pushing to the finish:
- In 1970, the course was stretched to marathon distance for the Pan Am trials.
- Women weren't officially allowed to enter until 1979.
- The 30 kilometre course was certified in 1982.
- The five kilometre course was added in 1993.
- The 2 x 15 km and 3 x 10 km relays were added in 2004.
- The finish line was moved inside the FirstOntario Centre (then Copps Coliseum) in 2006.
Along the way, the race has picked up a few traditions, from the exhilarating crush at the start to residents banging pots and pans along Beach Boulevard.
Then there's Stan Wakeman blasting "We Will Rock You" by Queen to help runners power through the rolling hills along North Shore Boulevard and down to Valley Inn Road.
As competitors face the 500 metre-long climb up the road again, they run into the Grim Reaper himself — well, actually two of them — who invited racers to give up, embrace eternal rest and enter the cemetery across the road.
Finally comes the finish to the cheers of fans and family.