This Canada Day weekend, the waterfronts in Hamilton and Burlington will come alive with an anticipated 1400 runners taking part in VRPro’s 15th Annual Canada Day Races. It’s a spectacle with hundreds of runners decked out in red and white. VRPro Race Director Kelly Arnott is excited about this year’s races. She says, “It’s a lot of fun. Runners are showing their patriotic spirit in their Canada Day hats and shirts.”
The race in Burlington will be held on Sunday, June 30th at Spencer Smith Park. The 5K race will start and end around the pier and will take 400 runners across the beautiful waterfront trail. Arnott says, “This year, people who can’t make the race in Hamilton on Canada Day can participate in the race in Burlington the day before.”
The big race day is Monday, July 1st at Confederation Beach Park in Hamilton, where more than 1,000 runners are expected to gather near the Edgewater Pavilion for the start of three different races. There’s a challenge suitable for everyone, from seasoned athletes to enthusiastic beginners.
Race Day in Hamilton
The events in Hamilton include a 5K and 10K race along the waterfront, beginning and ending at the Edgewater Pavilion. There is also a 1K Kids Run with 100% of the proceeds supporting the Oncology Unit at McMaster Children’s Hospital. The fundraising goal is $8,000 and so far, $3,000 has been raised.
Race Start Times:
- 8:30am Kids 1K races
- 9:00am 5K and 10K races
Arnott says, “It’s a great time to come out and celebrate Canada. The finish line is decorated in red and white, including Canadian flags. All the runners are excited to be a part of this event. At the awards ceremony, 150 small trophies will be given to the top 3 finishers in each age category.” Following the race, runners can enjoy a massage and a performance by musician Anthony Tullo.
Canada Day Race Keepsakes
The finisher’s medal is an innovative design which opens to reveal a special Canada Day celebration bracelet which symbolizes not only an achievement but Canadian pride. Arnott says, “After the race you can remove the ribbon and use the large medal as a jewelry box.”
The race kit tank top is also a hot item this year. It features a maple leaf, Canadian flag, and popular landmarks emblazoned on the front.
Race Kit Pickup
Race kits and bibs must be picked up before lining up at the starting line and all runners must have a bib pinned to the front of their shirt to take part in the race.
Race kits can be picked up at the following times:
- Friday, June 28th Stoney Creek Running Room, 1791 Stone Church Road East in Stoney Creek - Noon to 6pm
- Saturday, June 29th Stoney Creek Running Room, 1791 Stone Church Road East, 11am to 4pm
- Sunday, June 30th, Stoney Creek Running Room, 1791 Stone Church Road East 11am to 4pm
- Monday, July 1st (Race Day) Confederation Beach Park - 7am to 8am
The sooner one registers, the better the chance of getting their size in the tank top. Kelly Arnott will be at the race kit pickup locations on Friday and Saturday to greet people. “We get to meet our participants and have a chat with them. We’ve gained a large following over the years. The runners are always excited to see the finisher’s medals for the upcoming races.”
Having fun while showing Canadian pride
Runners come from across the Golden Horseshoe and for many it kicks off their Canada Day celebrations. It’s a fun and fitness-focused event where they can display the love for their country early in the morning. Arnott jokingly says, “It’s a healthier tradition than sitting around drinking beer at 9 in the morning.”
As the only races of their kind on Canada Day weekend in the GTHA the VRPro Canada Day Races have come to embody a sense of community spirit, celebration, and national pride.
VRPro’s Canada Day Races are presented by Mercedes Benz Burlington. For more information on race day events visit them online here.
