Unexpected change extends Around The Bay race once again

With the Around The Bay road race just hours away, an unexpected situation in Burlington is going to challenge runners even more this year, as the route grows even longer.

Runners were full of excitement Saturday as they picked up their bibs at Tim Hortons Field, but they were met with a surprise “little route change” because of an issue on Burlington’s North Shore Boulevard.

A sinkhole that appeared on Friday has closed part of the road, which means runners will now have to run up King Road and later rejoin North Shore Boulevard.

“Because of that change, we have to go around the golf course, and that is not shorter. It’s longer, so we are going to have to do that for everyone’s safety.” explained race organizer Anna Lewis.

The 30 kilometre race was already extended four kilometres this year because of the new start location of Tim Hortons Field, but this hiccup adds even more distance, with an additional 1.4 kilometres bringing it to a new total of 35.4.

“We’ve trained for it , so now we just have to adapt.” said one participant.

“By the time you get to 25K you’re pretty tired, so it will be an extra little push.” said another.

For those taking part in the race, there are areas along the route to fuel up and hydrate.

The 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m. and will be followed by the 10, 15 and 34K races set to begin at 9:30 a.m. from outside of Tim Hortons Field.

The following road closures will temporarily be in place on Sunday to allow for the safe passage of runners:

• Cannon Street from Gage Avenue to Lottridge Street, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cannon Street from Lottridge Street to Stirton Street, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Eastbound Burlington Street from Bay Street to Birch Avenue, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Bay Street from Stuart Street to Burlington Street, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Eastbound Nikola Tesla Boulevard from Birch Avenue to Parkdale Avenue, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Westbound Barton Street from Inchbury Street to Queen Street, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Westbound Stuart Street from Queen Street to Bay Street, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• North Shore Boulevard East on-ramp to the QEW Niagara
• QEW Niagara-bound off-ramp to Woodward Avenue, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• QEW Toronto-bound off-ramp to North Shore Boulevard East, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• North Shore Boulevard closed from QEW ramps to Plains Road

The westbound lane of North Shore Boulevard will be left open for emergency vehicles and resident access only, as through traffic is not permitted.

Around the Bay is raising funds for St. Joseph’s Healthcare to go towards renewing its Emergency Department.

The department reportedly serves more than 60,000 patients annually, and is starting to show signs of wear and tear after two decades of use.

St. Joe’s is on track to raise more than $350,000 for the Emergency Department renovation project.