Fast
forward to December 2001. I’m driving to Orillia to participate in the second
race of five races slated for the 2001-02 series. Following Barry Dobson’s
verbal instructions, I snake from highway 11 down toward Lake Couchiching
on a lazy sun drenched Sunday morning, surprisingly mild and free of snow, a
rarity for this part of Ontario. I
was coming to satisfy an itch, to see first hand what this series was all about
and to get my racing fix, encouraged by
friends in North Bay who had competed here previously.
Finally,
as I reach Couchiching Park, I
start to see the familiar signs of a nearby race, runners of all ages and sex
warming up in the parking lot and surrounding park and roadways. I pay my entry
fee at the registration table located in the parking lot, manned by Marilyn
Dobson, Barry’s better half and Toni and Dieter Shultz who regularly drive up
from Aurora to volunteer to help with the races. Barry admits later, that on
some of the colder days, propane heaters are placed by the registration table to
keep everyone warm. Dobson admits
“it isn’t ideal in adverse weather but the 5km lollipop shaped course
designed by Norm Patenaude and measured by his able assistant Daniel Boone is an
ideal course for the winter. It is safe and allows all runners, especially
children who run the 5km to be accompanied by their parents. It also allows
runners with support and assistance if necessary, in the odd race like the time
it was –28c and we had a few people with frost-bite”
There is
a family atmosphere as many of the 81 runners gather for final instructions
under the watchful eye of local Ontario Provincial Police, present to observe
and ensure the race is run in safe fashion.
There is a hint of embellishment in Barry’s voice, encouraging the
runners to be mindful of the instructions from the police. What many of us
don’t know is that the series has come perilously closed to being cancelled
after six successful years. Despite
never having an incident of any kind, and a steady growth in the average
participation rate per race from 12 to the current 80-90 runners, it took only
one complaint from a resident to jeopardize everything.
The complainant ,subsequently garnered the support of five other
neighbours to ban runners from running in their neighbourhood.
The
option offered to Barry Dobson and his volunteers was that they would have to
apply and get a permit for each race separately. The police would then review
the previous race before approving any subsequent application. This was a far
cry from having a blanket approval for the entire series and unacceptable to
this dedicated group of volunteers.
What
followed next was a letter writing campaign to the local paper, city officials
and Police Services Board and culminated with a presentation before the
Police Services Board by Barry Dobson.
The appeal was successful and the series was saved. One can’t help but
wonder if Stephen Leacock would have found some humour in this absurd scenario.
The race
features a unique twist, a simultaneous but slightly separate start for the men
and women. Reminded me of the
rolling start at the former Alphie’s
Trough race in St. Catharines. Uniqueness in a race is always appreciated by
runners. Soon we were sent on our way on the first of two “lollipop shaped ”
5km loops, through a scenic residential area that feature enough variety in the
terrain to provide reprieve for tired muscles and mental lapses without slowing
runners substantially. Well-marked
and marshalled by the volunteers and police, we would learn later, the police
had given the venue a thumbs-up- in this first test race after the appeal. A
victory for the running community.
With
times promptly recorded by their regular timers David and Ann Kennett and
warm-down completed, I head to the nearby YMCA, with the other runners to an
option of a hot shower, hot tub and sauna. I settle for the sauna, not
surprising for a Finnlander and reflect on the race.
The organization and ambience remind of the Metro Toronto Road Runners in
the early 1970’s who held a similar series that stretched year around. There
is something satisfying in participating in a well- organized and accurately
measured race, put on by volunteers who really want to be there with your best
interest at heart without all of the hyperbole of the big races. The post race
refreshments and awards ceremony held in the cozy confines of the Y
lounge, take place promptly, amidst friendly bantering by fellow
competitors. Future race news are shared and recruitment of volunteers for
future races completed. I leave feeling as if I have just attended a family
picnic.
The
growth of the race has been steady despite no advertising.
According to Dobson, “a third of the runners are from Orillia area and
we get the other two-thirds from around the province. While we are thrilled to
see new runners come out, there is concern that our current success may strain
our resources and require a review of our current capabilities”. Likewise the
course is perfect to accommodate the current number of runners and the weather
we may face, to keep an eye on younger runners and old alike, in case of
inclement weather or injuries”. Dobson and his side- kick Daniel Boon aka
known as the equipment manager and course measurement expert, take time out to
participate in the race themselves, placing in their age groups regularly. In
fact, they are the only two runners who have completed every race in the series
over the seven years.
The
Snowflake Series offers a selection
of 5km, three 10kms and a 15km on
New Years morning to test the fortitude and commitment of the devoted masses.
Current numbers are hedging on a
100 runners per race. A 5km race is always available to younger runners during
the main race.
In
reflecting on the growth of the race, Dobson quickly quips, “ If you start
something good, don’t let anyone stop you. Also, I encourage a loop course,
particularly in the winter. . It’s safer, easier to marshal and requires fewer
volunteers, all prime considerations especially in winter”.
Somehow,
I think Norm must be up there and smiling down approvingly. Barry would welcome
comments or questions from any looking to start a race(s) and can be reached at
(705) 326-5821
submitted
by Tim Uuksulainen lifesport@efni.com
