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

Kingston and KRRA runners converged upon Burlington ON to tackle the Chilly Half, Frosty 5K, and Frigid 10K, and the event did NOT disappoint.

Perhaps the only thing that didn’t happen as advertised, was the weather. It was NOT very chilly, frosty or frigid. The day was bright, little wind, and pushing close to plus degree temperature. Many runners commented on how perfect the conditions were for the race.

This event’s size is that perfect sweet spot: It is big enough to have an amazing vibe, but small enough to be able to easily access parking, the start line, washroom facilities, and other amenities. Big enough to draw elite Canadian runners, and small enough to find friends and mingle amongst elite athletes; adding to the excitement.

The Chilly Half course is brilliant. It has a few gentle and easy little hills to throw in a challenge, but is fairly straight and flat. The start took us through a neighbourhood which made for an interesting start. They removed lat year’s turnaround within a park which was a bit of a bottleneck and too tight; definitely an improvement to the course.

Reid Coolsaet won the Chilly Half at a blistering 1:04:34.0
Krista Duchene was the 1st place female at 1:16:20.0

Kingston Chilly Half finishers of 2875 (gun times) full results

18th overall, Clay Patterson (9th age cat) 1:14:34.0
64th overall, Tim Gillespie (6th age cat) 1:20:00.0
130th, Caleb Huard (35th age cat) 1:25:29.0
174th, Graham Hawkes (20th age cat) 1:28:04.0
178th, Trevor Cornelius (21st age cat) 1:28:13.0
186th, Greg Lemoine (23rd age cat) 1:28:32.0
226th, Robby Breadner (12th age cat) 1:29:35.0
239th, Trevor Davis (29th age cat) 1:30:01.0
314th, John Sadler (45th age cat) 1:33:17.0
542nd, Aurelio Cunha (47th age cat) 1:40:22.0
583rd, Rick Royce (14th age cat) 1:42:44.0
652nd, Greg Luchuk (51st age cat) 1:43:31.0
752nd, Lana Saunders (29th age cat) 1:45:44
794th, Rianne Bates (11th age cat) 1:46:47.0
884th, Angela Eames (36th age cat) 1:49:31.0
897th, Tammy Pigion (44th age cat) 1:49:47.0
954th, Janet Shepherd (15th age cat) 1:51:22.0
1946th, Sonal Patel 2:20:27
1985th, Louise Good 2:22:41.0

Frigid 10K (chip times) full results
77th, Pam Mundell (6th place age cat) 56:40.0
380th, Matthew Richardson (15th age cat) 1:10:06

Frosty 5K (chip times) full results
7th overall, Noah Booth (1st age cat) 17:19
21st overall, Bryan Lambert (2nd age cat) 19:00.0
26th overall, Ché Breadner (4th age cat) 20:01
39th, Luis Paico Avilez (5th age cat) 23:14.0
41st, Sophie Saunders-Lambert (1st age cat) 23:28.0
51st, Jill Ferguson (4th age cat), 24:10

Race Director, Kelly Arnott is to be commended for a superbly run, and very enjoyable event. The feedback from Kingston participants was very positive and no doubt, Kingston will descend upon the 25th Anniversary Chilly Run in 2021.

The Chilly Half, Frosty 5K, and Frigid 10K event is highly recommended.

Join us for our Annual General Meeting being held on Thursday November 22nd, 2018. This year the new location is Tir Nan Og Irish Pub which will have more space for everyone to bring a friend.

Hi-lights for this evening…

• guest speaker Eric Gillis 3X Canadian Olympian
• KRRA 2019 memberships come w/ FREE gift
• KRRA singlets available for purchase
• free munchies, beginning at 5:30pm
• Race Series Awards
• Board report on updates with the club

Munchies are served at 5:30pm
Event begins at 6pm

Thank you to sponsors Runners’ Choice Kingston, New Balance.

Also thanks goes out to these sponsors who – throughout the year helped to support the KRRA and the charities we all assist…

• Align Orthotics Kingston
• East Side Mario’s
• Pam Mundell Financial Planning Services
• Saucony
• DrugSmart Pharmacy
• The Kingston Brewing Company Ltd.
• 365kingston.com
• The Water Store
• K-Rock 105.7
• Downtown Kingston!
• Peter Stokes << our dedicated photographer

Peterborough Half, Half-a-half and 5K: talk about amazing weather. Who knew February could be so beautiful. And considering the Runners’ Choice subsidized bus left Kingston in freezing rain conditions, the break for this race couldn’t have been more welcomed.

This year the Peterborough event Race Directors changed up the course. It was a double loop and some extra hills definitely upped the drama on this race. Fort Henry Hill had nothing on the big hill Half Marathon runners had to face, TWICE. Ugh.

“On the second hill, I thought walking would have been faster than my running” – BL.

“It was a kick in the shins that when I crested that big hill, I got a blast of headwind in the face!” – RB.

2018 has been a tough winter for training but the crew who took on this race had to be doing something right. KRRA Member, Tim Gillespie finished Top Three Overall, and there were several Age Category medals brought back to Kingston.

There was a bit of a brush of fame with Canadian Champion Ross Proudfoot winning the Race with time to spare.

Credit to coach Al Cantlay for the training and sponsoring the bus.

Enjoy the full photo gallery, here.

The KRRA 2017 Race Series has come to a close. Once again, competition was greater over 2016. More members and a greater participation in the series amped the drama with a number of Age Categories decided at the last race.

This year’s Series Winners received New Balance running pants, embroidered with 2017 SERIES WINNER. The Awards Ceremony took place at Kingston Brewing Co., with guest speaker Reid Coolsaet sharing his trade secrets and best stories to a packed house.

Top 5 Men, Overall

1. Clay Patterson, 559pts
2. Scott Wilkes (tied with Tim, determined 2nd place with 1 more win over Tim), 527
   
3. Tim Gillespie (tied w/ Scott for points), 527
   
4. Mike Mackett, 481pts
5. Robby Breadner, 471

Top 5 Women, Overall

1. Suzanne Kerr, 567
2. Heather Ostic, 518
3. Lyndsay Glazier, 495
4. Cheryl La Force, 492
5. Lana Saunders, 461

The following are the Top 3 in each Age Category; by gender.
Top 5 Overall have been removed from Age Categories.

Top 3 Women <19

1. Sophie Saunder-Lambert
2. Juno Aiken*
3. Sierra Trueman*

Top 3 Men <19

1. Liam Bootsma
2. Cooper Barrie
3. Ché Breadner

Top 3 Women 20-29

1. Casey Kidson
2. Julie Bates
3. Alanna Kader

Top 3 Men 20-29

1. Alexandre Voinot
2. Jeff Shepherd
3. Robert Talarico

Top 3 Women 30-39

1. Kathleen Dorsey
2. Lesley Rudy
3. Andrea Rochon

Top 3 Men 30-39

1. Shane Gale
2. Ryan Dorsey
3. Luis Paico-Avilez

Top 3 Women 40-49

1. Tammy Pigion
2. Annie Riel
3. Stacey Berdan

Top 3 Men 40-49

1. Kevin Beatty
2. Kevin Webster
3. George Semple

Top 3 Women 50-59

1. Nancy Ball
2. Pam Mundell
3. Janet Shepherd

Top 3 Men 50-59

1. Wayne Rice
2. Richard Prinsen
3. Rick Royce

Top 3 Women 60-69

1. Deb Holtom
2. Shirley Myers
3. Mary Jane Phillips

Top 3 Men 60-69

1. Al Cantlay
2. Ken Hook
3. Ed Brand

Top Woman 70+

1. Liz Walker

Top 3 Men 70+

1. Richard Sunderland
2. PJ Marshall
3. Tony Dunbar

This is the first time this challenge is being offered in the Kingston area. The Tri-Island Race Series (or the Triisland as some are calling it) launches this year (2016). Made up of THREE road races, the Tri-Island Series takes place on three different Islands between May and August. Participation is the key to this series as runners who complete all 3 events will be awarded the Tri-Island Series medal.

Howe Island Hustle – An 8k race on the south shore of Howe Island in May. This event is the first of the three races. Anyone who participated in this race is well on their way to earning the Tri-Island medal. A kids 1 mile race ensures fun for the entire family.  Click here.

Wolfe Island Classic – Sunday July 3rd, 2016.
The 5k Wolfe Island Classic is race #2 of the Tri-Island series. There is also a 10k race and Kiddie Kilometre (does not qualify for the Tri-Island). If you haven’t run this race before, it’s fantastic! www.wolfeislandclassic.com

Wooly Bully Races – Sunday August 14, 2016
Located on Amherst Island, there is a 5K, 10K and 1K for the kids. This is a great family event. Please note that you need to complete the 10k distance to be awarded the Tri-Island series medal. Click here.

Each race recognizes top overall and age category winners, earns you KRRA Race Series points* (see events to specify) and has lots of prizes and giveaways. The best part of completing this mini race series is the achievement medal earned. This new medal has been custom designed and is awarded only to runners who complete all three races in the same year.

Be the first runner in your crew to achieve this trifecta and enjoy these three excellent race events!

Please note: kids races are not included in the series.

Organizing a running event is similar to training for a running event in a number of ways. It takes dedication, a bit of obsession, a lot of hard work, the support of family and community… and, beautiful weather certainly helps. The inaugural Howe Island Hustle 8K event which took place on Saturday May 7th had all those components (and more) and came together so smoothly and enjoyably, it’s like The Hustle always existed.

130+ runners (kids and adults) navigated the ferry with ease, to arrive at the beautiful location on Howe Island. Howe Islanders were fantastic hosts as the main volunteer crew, pulling out all the stops to make runners and their families’ visit most enjoyable. Fire trucks flashed and managed traffic (thanks to Howe Island Fire and Rescue) and food abounded on the pristine south shore of the Island.

The first race was the Kids 1-Mile Run drawing runners from 12 years down to toddlers. All the children receive an excellent race kit of toys courtesy of Toy-Sport Agencies. As well, all top five finishers are invited to contact Limestone Mile Race Director robbybreadner@krra.org to receive FREE race entries to Canada Day Limestone Mile.

Top 5 Kid finishers

1. Leo Kilburn (M10)
2. Thomas Coulter (M8)
3. Sophie Saunders-Lambert (F9)
4. Willow Breadner (F9)
5. William Kerr (M6)

Full Kids race results can be found here.

Immediately following the Kids Race was the main event. The 8K Hustle had 107 runners take on the challenge. Comprised mostly of local participants, runners did arrive from as far as Montreal and St. Catharines to race. Conditions were warm with a bit of a west wind providing a nice breeze on the 4km out and a helpful tail wind on the 4km back.

Much of the course hugged the Island’s south shore for an almost distractingly beautiful vista. Though the course was fairly flat, there was one challenging hill about 2km from the finish, where much of the drama unfolded as some runners used it as passing point.

Once again, Runners’ Choice coach Al Cantlay’s influence could be seen as the top two competitors duked it out for a one-two finish. While our beloved Twosome Race Director Kevin Webster held the reigns for much of the race, upstart Jeff Shepherd came from behind and battled him for the win.

Top 3 male finishers

1. Jeff Shepherd (30:18)
2. Kevin Webster (30:38)
3. Sebastian Scott (30:55)

 Top 3 female finishers

1. Veronica Allan (30:39) < 3rd overall
2. Beatrice Cigagna (31:10)
3. Suzanne Kerr (31:55)

Overall results can be viewed here via Running by Design.
Results by age category can be viewed here via Running by Design.

The consensus by runners was that course was fast (don’t worry, it was triple measured) and there were more than a few personal bests set.

Following the race, a fantastic barbecue was served including choices from the grill, salads, desserts (with East Side Mario’s own Dan Lambert at the helm) and iced cold beer (complements of another sponsor, Steam Whistle Brewery) which went down very easy on such a warm sunny day.

Awards were distributed to top finishers, along with many giveaways. Thanks to photographer genius, Peter Stokes who documented the entire day, capturing the very positive community vibe.

Be sure to visit Peter’s photos here.  They are amazing.

Thank you…

KRRA President Lana Saunders managed the Hustle as Race Director like a pro, bringing together two communities (runners and Howe Islanders) for a memorable experience. Profits from the event are going to the Howe Island Baseball and Recreation Fund, to bring basketball to the island.

Special thank you’s go out to all the volunteers, runners, fans and families who attended. And of course, the day wouldn’t have been a success without support by generous sponsors (as yet mentioned): Runner’s Choice, DrugSmart Pharmacy, the Ferry crew, Novellis, Running by Design and to the residents of Howe Island who welcomed our invasion.

(editor: Now you’ve done it. We’ve discovered your beautiful Island paradise and we’ll be back next year for Howe Island Hustle 2017 or possibly sooner.)

Next up…

If you liked the Howe Island Hustle, you’ll love the TRI-island Race Mini-Series. Run the Wolfe Island Classic and the Wooly Bully Run on Amherst Island this summer and receive a special medal ONLY for those who participate in all three island events.

The KRRA’s next race is the Canada Day Limestone Mile event. The roads are closed, there are three races in the morning: Kids, Women, Men. It’s fast, furious and fun. Build a team. New this year: medals for Masters (40+) for top three men and women. Registration opens very soon.