Around the Bay

2024 - 3 - 24

Sinkhole Drama and Olympic Dreams: A Thrilling Recap of Around The Bay Race 2024

Around The Bay Race - Burlington - Canadian Olympians - charity fundraising - Cori Blake - historic event - Phil Parrot-Migas - Rachel Hannah - road race - running events - sinkhole - St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation

Find out how Rachel Hannah fulfilled her dream of winning the annual race despite sinkhole obstacles and how the event raised $400K for charity! #AroundTheBay #RachelHannah #SinkholeDrama

The 130th edition of the iconic Around the Bay Road Race in Burlington witnessed unexpected challenges just before the starting gun. Amidst sinkhole chaos on Northshore Blvd, determined athletes like Rachel Hannah and Phil Parrot-Migas tackled an extended 35.4-kilometre route, pushing the XL-sized event to new limits. Canadian Olympian Rachel Hannah expressed her elation, stating, "It has been a dream of mine to win this race." The community rallied together as the race, unaffected by weather hurdles, raised an impressive $400,000 for St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation.

Despite the sinkhole incident, over 8500 brave souls defied the cold to participate in the race, with some opting for shorter distances and others challenging themselves with the full 35.4 kilometres. The historic event, dating back to 1894, continued its legacy of uniting runners on the continent's oldest road race course. Sunshine illuminated the day, providing warmth for spectators cheering on the runners, including Cori Blake and Shelly Carenza from Burlington, adding to the infectious energy of the event.

In a twist of fate, the sinkhole dilemma added an extra element of excitement to the race, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of both organizers and participants. The event's fundraising success, reaching $400,000 for St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation, highlighted the community's unwavering support for local causes. The race's enduring legacy as North America's oldest road race serves as a testament to the dedication of organizers and the unwavering spirit of runners who continue to make history with every stride.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "TheSpec.com"

Around The Bay, XL sized (TheSpec.com)

Last-minute adjustment to deal with sinkhole bumps annual race to longer than 35k.

Rachel Hannah and Phil Parrot-Migas speed to wins at the 2024 ... (Canadian Running Magazine)

"It has been a dream of mine to win this race," Canadian Olympian Rachel Hannah said.

Weather not a factor as Around the Bay Race raised $400K for St Joes (The Bay Observer - Providing a Fresh Perspective for Hamilton and Burlington)

Even the last-minute discovery of a sinkhole on Northshore Blvd. in Burlington couldn't stop the 130th running of the Around the Bay Road Race.

Over 8500 runners brave the cold for Around the Bay Road Race (CHCH News)

Some did the 5, 10, and 15-kilometre races while others chose the longer 35.4-kilometre route. This year the course was 4 kilometres ...

Sunshine helps crowds stay warm to cheer on Around the Bay runners (Burlington Today)

The Around The Bay is the oldest road race on the continent running since 1894. Cori Blake with friend Shelly Carenza of Burlington, who is awaiting her ...