Firefighters 10 Mile Road Race
With spring around the corner and winter finally releasing it's grip on our city, Thunder Bay and region runners are ramping up their training in anticipation of the spring running season. Once again the May long weekend is a focal point for their efforts is one of the city's most revered sporting events, the 81st running of the Fire Fighters 10 Mile Road Race, scheduled for Monday May 19 at 9:00am.
This premiere running event debuted in 1910 and was initiated to "promote clean and healthy sport" at the head of the Great Lakes. The inaugural running of the 10 Mile Road Race boasted 21 elite runners toeing the line. Although elite runners continue to lead the field, the race has grown over the years to include a broad cross section of the community, with women and men equally represented. Many are running to celebrate fitness and their commitment to a healthy life style.
Those who braved the wind and rain that welcomed runners during the 2013 event were rewarded with the closest finish in the history of the event. Returning champion Gilbert Kiptoo out sprinted fellow Kenyan, and good friend, Paul Kimayyo to win by 0.25 of a second, about the length of a shoe.
Gilbert Kiptoo clips Paul Kimayyo at the 2013 finish line
On the women's side, first time entrant Morgan Place, from Wisconsin, out paced multiple 10 Mile champions Kate McGee (Duluth) and local runner Nicki Wilberforce for her first victory.
Other highlights included new course records for Nicki Wilberforce (women 45 - 49), Kathi Madden (women 50 - 54), Arjan Gelling (men 65 - 69) and running veteran Vi Turner (women 80+).
The 2014 race will feature more of the same excitement. Early reports indicate that Gilbert Kiptoo will be returning to attempt to tie the record of 5 consecutive titles, currently held by local Fire Fighter Jonathon Balabuck. Winning will not be a sure thing however as some of Gilbert's fast friends may again accompany him to Thunder Bay. The women's line-up, as usual, will be strongly contested among local runners and entrants from the American mid-west.
The race route will once again follow tradition and connect the former cities of Fort William and Port Arthur. Runners will follow a looped course, starting on Simpson Street at the intersection of Donald Street East. The course continues along Fort William Road and then Water Street. At the intersection of Cumberland Street and Water Street, runners will turn right and travel up the Marina Park Overpass, make a loop around Marina Park Drive and then return to the start.
The Fire Fighters 10 Mile Road Race would not be possible without the support of the community. Event organizers are proud to once again announce that the Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association as the title sponsor and Half Way Motors Nissan as the presenting sponsor.
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