Missing our traditional large cross-country meets at Trinity College School, the Senior School harriers team and coaches found a new way to celebrate their love of running this year. On Friday, October 23rd, they staged the first ever TCS Relay Marathon.
One of our coaches, Ms. Tiffany Bathurst, had the idea that the team could take part in the virtual Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Relay, but with that event quickly selling out, the coaches decided to create their own relay for our TCS runners. Ms. Bathurst designed shirts and medals for all of the participants!
In teams of two, three or, mainly, four, the runners completed a 42.2 km course in any fashion they chose, with the only rule being that just one runner per group was on the course at any time. Some teams completed the relay in legs of 1km, while others broke the relay into 2km or 3km legs. The circuit is what is affectionately known as the “FD loop” – a 1km route used by our school chaplain, Father Don, which was measured out and certified by coach Justin Murphy.
The highlight of the day was that all of the groups completed the marathon! A total of 37 runners, including 31 students, five of the harriers coaches and Director of Athletics Cristy Drake made the most of the sunny fall day, with each individual runner logging between 10km and 21km. With 10 teams taking part, the harriers ran a grand total of 422km throughout the afternoon.
The fastest time was posted by the team comprised of students Andrew Richards and Nolan McReelis, and coaches Justin Murphy and Matt Fox, who completed the marathon in 2:41:12. Teams were recognized for having times that would have qualified them for the prestigious Boston Marathon (under three hours for men, and 3.5 hours for women). Prizes also recognized perseverance in finishing the run, with shout-outs to Luke Vrooman and Greg Kagaris for each running the equivalent of a half-marathon, and Savanna Barker, Kaitlyn Chan and Kristie Lam for each running 14km. And Mr. Fox was nominated for having the “Best Dance Moves” of the day!
Thanks go to the injured team members who volunteered to assist with the event: Aidan Small, Liam Small, Ava Becker, Larissa Rahe and Ebube Onyeka. As well, kudos to coach Renee Hillier; although unable to run due to injury, she biked about 50km during the afternoon, cheering the groups on along the course.
Coach Steve Patterson notes that there was a great sense of accomplishment for everyone who completed this challenging event!
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