Garden City Classic
Cross Country Race
Saturday, October 21, 2023​
Whether you're a seasoned runner or new to the sport, cross country running offers a unique and exhilarating experience. It is the purest form of distance running and challenges you, builds character, and instills a sense of accomplishment. So, lace up your running shoes (or spikes), embrace the opportunity to explore the heart of Niagara in its largest park with a rich history of cross-country events.
Sign up as an individual, or recruit 3 other friends to form a team of 4.
Race Details
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The event will take place in Burgoyne Woods, on the east side of the park, near the picnic shelter and dog park.
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Race Bib Pick-up will be open from 8:00 - 9:30 am, beside the picnic shelter.
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Participants and spectators must park on the west side of the park as you enter Burgoyne Woods.
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This will help avoid non-essential vehicles near the event site and keep the driveway clear for pedestrians looking to use public washrooms.
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Public Washrooms near the main lot as you enter the park will be open, as well as 2 portable toilets near the race site.
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Registration will close on October 19th at 11:50pm​
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The course is composed of a 1-kilometer and 2-kilometer loop, creating an engaging and varied route. While generally flat, the terrain can be occasionally bumpy, adding an element of challenge to the race. The course winds through the backfield, following the natural contours and providing a scenic and captivating running experience.
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Course Map & Tour Coming Soon...​
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1km Kids Race
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Start time at 10:00 am.
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For children ages 12 and under.
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Individual and team competition (4 runners).
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Prizes for 1st Place individual and team.
5km Race
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Start time 10:30 am.
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To ensure safety and manage high registration numbers, we will implement a staggered or wave start system. This approach allows for a controlled and organized beginning to the race, enhancing participant safety and optimizing the overall event experience.
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Individual and team competition (4 runners).
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Prizes for 1st Place individual and team.
*see Liability Waiver
The original footrace
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Once upon a time, in a land not too far away... Cross-country running is a sport that involves racing over natural terrain, typically through fields, trails, forests, and sometimes even over hills and mountains. Runners navigate a marked course, following a route that often includes a combination of grass, dirt, mud, gravel, and sometimes even streams or water obstacles. Unlike track and field events that take place on a closed course or stadium, cross-country running embraces the challenges and beauty of the great outdoors. The sport originated in the early 19th century in England as a way to test endurance and stamina. It quickly gained popularity and spread to various parts of the world. Today, it is practised at the high school, college, and professional levels, with competitions ranging from local meets to national and international championships. In cross-country races, both individuals and teams of up to seven participants take part. In Ontario, high schools combine the scores of their top four runners, while in collegiate and international competition, the team score is determined by the top five runners. The distances covered can vary, with high school races typically spanning 4-6 kilometers (3.1 miles), collegiate and international races ranging from 6 to 12 kilometers (5 miles), and a standard 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). During the World Athletics Cross Country Championships from 1998 to 2006, two races were offered: a 4-kilometer short course and a 12-kilometer long course held on subsequent days. Kenenisa Bekele holds the record for the most successful runner in the history of the championships, securing six long course titles (12 km) and five short course titles (4 km). These races are highly regarded as the most competitive in the world, as each country fields up to seven athletes competing simultaneously, compared to the 2-3 athletes seen in other world athletics events.
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