Enjoy the latest KRRA news, including:

• AGM invitation
• KIDS RUNNING SERIES celebration invite
• 2023 membership is live
• Anniversary Run results and details

Click here to view the eNewsletter via MailChimp

“I want to pay my respects to the Kimmerer family as a result of another unexpected death from the Kingston Running community.

Dan Kimmerer a devoted husband and father to 3 wonderful children is gone at 59. He would have celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary to Marie, his wife on July 24th. I am ashamed to say that I had not stayed in closer contact with Dan in the last few years even though I considered him a close friend. The fact he was at Kevin Dunbar’s wake last month makes this even more painful.

The characteristics between them are the same. They promoted the same tools; Education and Athletics.

Dan a devoted family man, loving husband, a respected teacher and coach, a former elite athlete and age-grouper. He was a tenacious competitor as an elite athlete but also like me had a hard time accepting that we had become “broken down old warriors”. I promised his daughter Savannah this morning that “We will get the story right” about Dan for those who didn’t know him.

I first met Dan in November 1994 when Dan and Marie came in Kingston to house search. As two new teachers they would be moving to Kingston the following spring. He won the KRRA anniversary 7mile race on that visit to Kingston defeating me, the previous year’s winner. I shook hands with him and we became life long friends that day.

He taught at different elementary schools over his teaching career and established a strong x-country and track program, coaching basketball as well as other sports wherever he went.

He founded the Joe Goodfellow Memorial Race at Hinchinbrooke Public School to honour a young high school student killed in a car crash. This race was held annually for over a decade. He organized the elementary championship races with fellow teacher and friend Mark Ryan for many years.

As an elite athlete he formed the now defuct Cataraqui Track Club and competed with this small club. At the club he trained with Jeff Taggart, Dave Ruggles, Mike Myers, Derrick Spafford, Brent Workman, and Mike Keller. He won the Glen Tay 14.7km block race in a time of 49:16 in 1996 and again in 2000. He finished in the top ten at Beat Beethoven numerous times. In the 1999 Beat Beethoven he was runner-up to 21-year old future Olympian Simon Whitfield, by one second. He was also the overall KRRA race series winner in 1996.

He became a member of the KRRA board and was president before or after his good friend William Macdonald. He competed in the KRRA Running series doing well in his age-group but had a hard time avoiding injuries.

There were never enough hours in a day for Dan to complete everything that he had committed to doing each day. I can’t say that I ever saw Dan “relaxed”, he was always on the go.

Though running was his passion, it brought out the good, the bad, and ugly as his wife Marie said to me yesterday. Dan could be stubborn and could rant, even on a run, if he felt you were giving unwise advice.

As he said to me once when we were having a heated discussion. “Sometimes you don’t pick your friends, they pick you”.

Through it all, the one thing Dan loved the most were all the training partners and friendships he made along the way.

Marie, Christopher, Savannah, Roddy I am so sorry for your loss, Dan was a good man.”

— Al Cantlay

Read the Kingston Whig-Standard article:

Kingston running community loses another leader

The Kingston running community has lost another leader within its ranks. Dan Kimmerer, a retired teacher and active running coach, died peacefully in his sleep on July 18. He was 59. His death comes just two months after the passing of Kevin Dunbar, who was also heavily involved in the running community. – read the full article here.

On behalf of the KRRA board I’m deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of one of our own, Kevin Dunbar.

Kevin has been a part of the Kingston running community for almost 20 years and has always been a big supporter of the KRRA. As recently as this past Saturday, Kevin was volunteering his time to the club by certifying the race course for the Limestone Mile. Proud to wear the KRRA singlet, Kevin was a fierce competitor, an amazing athlete, and a friend to all.

Kevin will be fondly remembered by the KRRA as a truly humble person, devoted father and husband, and an encouraging friend to so many of us. Kevin will be deeply missed by all of his KRRA family.

Our condolences go out to Kevin’s loving and supportive wife Liz, his two beautiful daughters Ciara and Maggie and his wonderful parents Tony and Eithne.

Kevin, you’re truly a remarkable human being who touched so many and will never be forgotten. You’ll always be KRRA family.

– Lana Saunders,
KRRA President

The KRRA Board of Directors, in cooperation with the Race Directors of the Canada Day Limestone Mile, has earmarked 50% of the 2022 proceeds from the Mile Event (the other 50% to the Kingston Interval House), which will be committed to Youth Diversion, a cause requested by the Dunbar Family. The KRRA will be honouring Kevin, in conjunction with the family, at a later date.

Friends who knew Kevin say…

“My heart is heavy. Yesterday our group, and our community at large, lost a beautiful soul. Kevin was one of the kindest, most selfless people I know. I feel truly blessed to have shared so many miles with him – from long runs on Middle Road and Tremblant training camp to racing our first Boston marathon together. We’re all better people for having known Kevin and our group won’t be the same without him.” — Elaina Raponi

“Kevin was one of my original Strava follows. It meant a lot to meet him and start running with him. What a wonderful person. I think back to Glen Tay when Kevin and family took it upon themselves to solve our water station shortage issue.” — Robert Almas

“We spent part of yesterday (the day before Kevin’s passing) together enjoying a coffee, working on the MILE course, and I began my soft-sell with him maybe taking over the RACE DIRECTOR position for the Limestone Mile running event, for 2023. Kevin was such a terrific guy in every way. The Kingston running community is heartbroken.” — Robby Breadner

“I had the honor of training and becoming friends with Kevin the past year. We ran, cycled and XC skied. Kevin had a kindness about him that is unmatched by most. His sincerity was infectious and he was always encouraging and supportive. Truly a one of a kind person. My sincerest condolences go out to his wife and 2 daughters.” — Kyle Harding

“I met him when he started coaching the XC/Track team at Queen’s in my first year. He made running fun, and he was a genuine friend as well as our coach. He had a significant impact on my athletic development, and more importantly with my relationship to the sport of Athletics. Although he only coached at the school for 18 months, there is a reason that he’s remembered fondly by those of us who were there during that time. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I’ll miss seeing him around Kingston on my future visits. Fortunately, I still have this t-shirt featuring him that was made years ago by Michael Bentley. I wanted to take this opportunity to share it as a reminder of the good times spent in his company.” — Jeff Mountjoy-Stringham

“We often joked about “KDE” aka Kevin Dunbar energy. An energy that Kevin brought to any interaction through his selfless acts of kindness, calmness and knowledge. His acts of kindness and patience was something I always looked up to and will continue to strive for in my daily actions. For anybody who didn’t know Kevin, he was the definition of “superhero” energy. Kevin Dunbar will continue to live in my heart and memory as a wonderful friend, training partner, father to his 2 daughters and inspiration to us all to give acts of kindness in each day. I challenge you to channel your inner “KDE” through a random act of kindness today- from giving a compliment to somebody at the grocery store to giving your time through volunteering or helping a colleague or friend with a task.” — Kim Krezonoski

“So many miles shared with my friend Kevin Dunbar.I will always remember those long runs together in the winter if 2018. Kevin and I didn’t miss a Sunday long run all winter despite frigid temps and blizzards. I would wait for him to text me to cancel so I didn’t have to go but he never did. I learned so much about endurance sport and life from DBar. He was very humble and giving to everyone around him. When we came up with the crazy idea to ride to Ottawa and back as a fundraiser last summer, Kevin and his wife drove in their vehicle for support ….all day. He leaves behind a community of close friends who will miss him dearly. Our thoughts go out to his wife (Liz) and 2 girls (Maggie and Ciara).” — Nick Cosman

“I remember seeing Kevin, when I lived in Kingston in the Kingston Court House when I was a military attending officer, he would wave hi, every time running by him you could hear him saying, “Go Lancers Go” (no matter how slow I was running) and him with his family pre-COVID at the Fort Henry Race with his family supporting my KRRA event. I’m indebted to him and to the Lancers community for keeping me running. I’ll always miss the Go Lancers Go from Kevin. RIP Kevin.” — Luis Paico Avilez

Kevin Dunbar Saturday June 4th, at Kingston Memorial Centre. Kevin is shown while volunteering his time to measure and certify the Canada Day Limestone Mile.

Top photo credit: Peter Stokes.

On behalf of the KRRA (Kingston Road Runners) board, I am pleased to announce that due to the BEAT BEETHOVEN road race remaining a virtual event for 2022, the KRRA has decided to include the Napanee Heritage 5K and Kids 1-Miler as a KRRA RACE SERIES event for 2022.

Being included in the KRRA RACE SERIES means KRRA members can run the Napanee 5K race, and the SERIES points will be factored in, and included runner race results.

If you are unfamiliar with the RACE SERIES,  learn more here. Here is the points system explained.

For those who are interested in participating in the SERIES, it is not too late in the season, As of May 15th, here are still EIGHT upcoming events as part of the SERIES.

AND it should be noted that the KINGSTON KIDS RACE SERIES includes the Napanee Heritage 1-Miler.

Visit the event page, here.

KRRA director, PJ Marshall, and the Kingston Road Runners are pleased to announce the installation of the Tony Bourne Memorial bench. The effort was spearheaded by PJ Marshall on behalf of the KRRA initiated the project in the spring of 2021.

Tony Bourne was an avid runner and dedicated volunteer who passed away on July 17, 2017, and is dearly missed by family and friends. Because of this, the decision was made to plant the tree and install the bench, in Tony’s memory. Funded by the family and organized by the KRRA, the bench is located on the waterfront path near the park run at Breakwater Park – close to where Tony volunteered for KRRA events and Kingston triathlons. The tree was planted just north of Maitland Street, near the Yacht Club.

So when you need a rest in Breakwater Park, look for Tony’s bench to take a break, and think of Tony.

Thanks again, PJ for helping to make this happen.

The KRRA Board of Directors, and Race Directors are always working hard to ensure the health and safety of members, while organizing KRRA Series races.

Due to the challenges our communities have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Race Events being live, cannot be 100% predictable. (The Resolution Run was – unfortunately – shifted from a live event to virtual.) Such decisions are generally beyond the control of the KRRA. Our Club heeds direction from protocols handed down by the Province, the City of Kingston, and venues we book.

Presently (as of January 16th, 2022), all future Series races are slated to be live events (with virtual option available). If circumstances and protocols require the KRRA to shift any events from live to virtual, it is with regret. The KRRA Board and Race Directors will not shift a race to be virtual unless absolutely necessary. Members need to be aware that their live registration may move to virtual.

Series changes: 6 race max + virtual (Resolution Run)

The KRRA’s optimism includes expectation that most (if not all future) Series races will be live. All live Series races will allot the points as detailed below. Typically, a competing runner can tally points to a maximum of SEVEN (7) races. For this year (2022),  a member is only required to tally the points from SIX (6) races. Award recipients are also required to participate in a minimum of four events.

The Resolution Run VIRTUAL finish counts toward a member’s year-end Series points tally.

In addition to the tally of SIX live Series races, any KRRA Series race that shifts to a VIRTUAL-only event will now count toward a competitive runner’s final tally. Each virtual finish will award FIVE (5) points toward a member’s tally (both overall and age category). This is a flat FIVE points to every registered runner who finishes the race.

UPDATE: Resolution Run = is the only virtual race giving 5 points to be added + points tally of SIX best live race finishes.
If Twosome Run switches to virtual: Res Run 5pts + Twosome 5pts + SIX best live race finishes.

If the KRRA cancels the Series

In order to ensure the KRRA Race Series best recognizes our top competitive members, the decision has been made that if Series races are obligated to shift to virtual, a minimum of seven live races need to take place. That means the following:

Resolution Run – virtual = 5 points   << COMPLETED

Twosome Run – << LIVE EVENT COMPLETED

Limestone Race Weekend – Waterfront 10K  << LIVE EVENT COMPLETED

Limestone Race Weekend – 5K  << LIVE EVENT COMPLETED

Limestone Race Weekend – Historic Half << LIVE EVENT COMPLETED

Howe Island Hustle  << LIVE EVENT COMPLETED

SIX subsequent events must be live to ensure Series continuation. The events include:

• Beat Beethoven  << REMOVED FROM 2022 SERIES due to being virtual-only
• Napanee Heritage 5K  << ADDED to 2022 SERIES as a Beat Beethoven replacement
• Limestone Mile
• Wolfe Island Classic 5K
• Wooly Bully 10K
• Glen Tay
• Brockville Half (confirmed – info to be updated)
• Fort Henry Cross Country 5KXC
• Anniversary Run

Important to note

Please keep in mind, in order to keep the KRRA healthy and viable, registrants need to understand refunds cannot be offered. The KRRA is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization. Revenue generated goes to community charities.

Thank you for your participation and understanding.

Visit the Race Series points system page, here.

KRRA annual general meeting 2021 was a terrific evening with guest speaker and local legend Kevin Dunbar.

Topics covered at the meeting include…

• Live and virtual race series confirmed for 2021;
• The KRRA Student Bursary was announced;
• New Kids Series announced;
• Coach’s Choice Awarded;
• 2021 Series Participants list, congratulated;
• Member gifts distributed;
• Twosome Race Director John Sadler announced;
• Lifetime membership update discussed, voted, approved by members;
• 5KXC glasses and medals handed out;

…and an overall good time had by everyone.

Thanks goes out to President LANA SAUNDERS for organizing the event, and for a successful year – making the most throughout the pandemic.

Don’t forget to renew your 2022 KRRA membership. New members welcome. Click here.

Join in on the fun!

Show off your creative side by printing off this awesome colouring sheet designed by Zoe from @darlindoodlez. Submit your completed colouring page by April 16th in order be entered in to win an Indigo Prize Pack.

Must be registered for the Tom Compton Memorial 2K to be eligible for the draw.

All ages welcome!

Winner will be announced April 18th.

Participants can submit up to 5 complete colouring sheets into the draw. Winner will be chosen at random. Email submissions to socialmediaracedirector@gmail.com or send a private message through the Limestone Race Weekend social media pages on facebook & Instagram.

Have fun and get colouring!

KRRA-TCMcolouringContest << Downloadable PDF.

Or click for large JPG file:

How can I register for Limestone Race Weekend ?

Registration is now open! << Please visit Trackie.com for registration details.  Limestone Race Weekend Virtual 2021 event will take place between April 1 to April 30, 2021 (a whole month) and includes a 5K , 10K and ½ Marathon.  New for this year, is the 2K family fun run/walk and the Limestone Spring Challenge (which is a 5K, 10K and ½ Marathon).

I understand this event is virtual – What if we are able to hold public events before the race starts ?

There are a lot of moving parts and aspects that need to be considered when holding “in person” events such as permits , road closures, community support/police and arranging volunteers.  With the event less than 2 months away this will not be possible.  For 2021 Limestone Race weekend will be a virtual event.

What is the registration fee for each event and what is included ?

Registration fees are available on the KRRA.org website or Trackie.com and range from $10 for 2K Family Fun to $75 for the Limestone Spring Challenge (KRRA members receive a $5 discount for all events except 2K Family Fun Event). Included in the registration fee is the cost of the Finisher Medal for each race, Technical Shirt, $5 KRRA admin fee, processing fee paid to Trackie and a donation to our two Charities.

Included in your 2021 registration race kit:

• A stunning 2021 medal
• A free training plan available on the website and on trackie
• A personalized race bib available on line for you to print
• A technical running shirt (for all races except the 2K family fun event)
• Ability to submit your time to qualify for “middle to the pack” running shoes generously donated by Runners Choice Kingston (for each race)
• Contests via Social Media leading up to the race
• Share your experience , bragging rights and the LOVE of exercise 😊

When does registration close ?

Registration closes with Trackie.com on Friday April 16, 2021 at 5pm.  At this time the final order for shirts and medals will be processed.  If, after April 16^th you decide you would like to participate in Limestone Race Weekend please send an email to janetracedirector@gmail.com.  Please note that the shirt and medal will not be available to you but we would gladly register you for the event with the proceeds directed to the Charities we support.

I see KRRA in the information – What does it stand for ?

KRRA stands for Kingston Road Runners Association which anyone can join for an annual fee.  The fee provides many benefits including discounts to our Kingston Race Series. The KRRA is the original running club in the Kingston Area since 1981. It has a constitution, elected board members and an active membership base. All of our activities are managed by volunteers both runners and non runners.

What is involved in the KRRA Series, for 2021 ?

There are 10 Virtual run/walk events scheduled for our race series this year.  Everyone who is a KRRA member and registers/participates in all 10 events will qualify for the end  of the year award.  This prize will replace the traditional year end Series Award Winners swag item.  In short participation will be recognized in 2021 rather than race performance.  For specific race details please visit the KRRA.org website.

Can I walk my event ?

YES! You can run, walk or even hike the event, around your neighbourhood, on a trail or even inside on a treadmill.  Wherever your feet take you! But remember to keep safely apart , follow your public health guidelines and have fun.  Because this event is virtual there are no time limits to complete the event.

When will I receive my 2021 Race Kit ?

All race kits will be available for pick up at Runners Choice Kingston approximately two weeks following April 30, 2021. This is a projected time and not within our control. We ask that you PLEASE do not contact Runners Choice Kingston directly- We will send out updates and communication with specific details. Other pick-up locations will be announced closer to the event as options are determined following public health guidelines.  If you live outside of the Kingston area you may want to have your race kit mailed directly to you.  Paying for postage is being added as an additional option to the Trackie registration website. The exact number of shirts and medals will be ordered following the registration close date to reduce ordering more than required which takes away from the proceeds donated to our two charities.

Will there be race results for the virtual event ?

Yes! A few days before the event is active you will receive an email from Trackie with your own personalized link to your Runners Dashboard with instructions on how to submit your time.  Your time can be submitted using Strava or Garmin but this is optional – if you don’t have these simply submit your time – this is strictly on the honour system.  To qualify for the “middle of the pack” running shoes you must submit your time but if you don’t your race kit will still be available to you.

What is your cancellation policy ? Can I get a refund ?

Entry fees are non-refundable under all circumstances. That means that once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund for any reason and you will not be able to defer your entry for another year.

Does this event support charities ?

Yes, the Limestone Race Weekend supports the Start2finish Reading and Running program as well as The Boys and Girls Club of Kingston & Area.  Proceeds from the event will be donated to both of these excellent programs.

I registered in 2020 for the Half Marathon, but would like to change this to another distance – is this possible ?

Yes , we understand that our training and abilities change from year to year.  Please keep in mind that this event has no time limit which would allow for breaks to stretch etc.  However, if you would like to change the distance please contact janetracedirector@gmail.com no later than two weeks prior to the beginning of the event (March 18, 2021).  Please note that refunds, even partial, will not be available.

When I registered in 2020, the LIMESTONE SPRING CHALLENGE was not part of the series. Can I register for all three races ?

Yes – MOST definitely 😊, please email janetracedirector@gmail.com with your request and we will determine the additional cost based on what you paid in 2020 and the registration fee for the Limestone Spring Challenge (LSC) in 2021.  We will be happy to provide you with this information to help you meet your running/walking goals.

I’ve read all the Q&A’s but I still have an unanswered question. Who can I send this to ?

Please email Janet Shepherd at janetracedirector@gmail.com with your question and we will be happy to assist in any way possible.

Greetings KRRA Members,

As 2020 comes to a close we, the Kingston Road Runners Association Board of Directors, are excited to announce our 2021 Virtual Race Series. With the uncertainty of what the future holds for public gatherings, and given the current restrictions, we felt this was the best way to give our members the opportunity to compete/participate in local running events next year.

Virtual races are events that can be run (or walked) from any location you choose

Participants can run/jog/walk the course of their choosing whether it be on the road, trail, track or even the treadmill. The virtual concept allows people to run their own race, at their own pace, while timing it themselves. We ask that everyone follow recommendations set by KFL&A Public Health Unit regarding social distancing and adhere to general road safety.

The 2021 KRRA Race Series will consist of the following races

• Resolution Run
• Twosome 5K
• Limestone Race “Weekend” 5K
• Limestone Race “Weekend” 10K
• Limestone Race “Weekend” Half Marathon
• Howe Island Hustle 8K
• Limestone Mile
• Amherst Island Wooly Bully 10K
• Hold the Fort 5K
• Anniversary Run 10K

In an effort to simplify things, registration for each of the above listed events, as well as 2021 KRRA membership registration, will be available exclusively online. To register as events become available, please visit here. here.

Not to worry, the 2021 Virtual Series’ shortened list of Race events is for this virtual year, only. 2022 will see the return of the traditional list of your favourite local running events.

Participants will have a minimum of 7 days to complete each virtual event. This format gives runners the opportunity to complete every race in the series. For example, an individual would have the ability to complete all 3 Limestone Race Weekend events: the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. Keeping this in mind, for the first time ever, a participation medal will be made available to everyone who registers for the virtual races listed above. All medals will be unique and designed by members of the KRRA.

To add to the excitement, a year 2021 end ‘prize’ will be awarded to KRRA members who have registered and completed every Series race. This prize will replace the traditional year end Series Award Winners’ swag item. In short, participation will be recognized in 2021 rather than race performance.

Runners’ Choice will be resuming their ‘middle of the pack shoe giveaway’. To be considered for this prize simply email the race director after your race with your completed time. Winners can collect their prize in person at Runners’ Choice Kingston or can have it mailed if they live outside the Kingston area.

Membership fees remain the same at $35 per person of $45 for a family

For membership purposes “family” is defined as 2-6 people that may include a spouse/common-law partner and/or any dependent children under the age of 25 whom all reside at the same address.

Benefits of being a KRRA member

• You will receive a KRRA car magnet to display on your vehicle, with pride.

• Discounts off the pre-registration fees for KRRA-organized virtual races: Resolution Run, Twosome 5K, Limestone Race Weekend 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon, Howe Island Hustle 8K, Limestone Mile, Amherst Island Wooly Bully 10K, Hold the Fort 5K, and Anniversary Run 10K.

• Upon showing confirmation of your 2021 KRRA membership, receive 10% off regular priced footwear at Runners’ Choice Kingston. (Applies to in-store purchases only, excluding new release carbon footwear and special orders.)

• Members are eligible for all KRRA Facebook and Instagram race entry giveaways contests.

• You will be supporting an organization that promotes a healthy lifestyle through fun and fitness for adults and children and one that directly supports many local charitable organizations, with a focus on elementary and high school students.

By becoming a member during the KRRA 2021 Virtual Race Season you are helping ensure the KRRA will remain intact until we are able to host an in person event. Your membership dollars help cover our fixed costs such as: the rental of our storage locker for equipment, club liability insurance, the KRRA website, our P.O. box, membership gift and High School Bursaries. Since 2009 the KRRA has awarded two bursaries (1 male and 1 female) to high school students who are active in the running community, graduating from a Kingston area Secondary School and have enrolled in post secondary education the following school year. Proceeds from KRRA Race Series events support various charities and organizations within the Kingston Community. We would not be able to provide this contribution without your participation and support.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR 2021 MEMBERSHIP

Join our board

We are seeking volunteers who may be interested in joining the KRRA Board. There is no better way to let your voice be heard and help diversify our club. We invite interested parties to attend one of our monthly meetings without having to make a commitment prior. KRRA Board meetings are currently conducted via Zoom on the 2nd Monday of the month. Our next meeting is Monday, December 14th at 7pm.

If you’re interested in sitting in on a Board meeting or have any feedback or questions regarding any of the above please reach out to our President, Lana Saunders, via email , prior to Sunday December 6th.

Regards,
KRRA Board