Toronto Pearson Runway Run

There were just too many cool events in June, we couldn't pick just one. So in addition to the Mud Run, last weekend we did the Toronto Pearson Runway Run. They actually close a normally active runway. Runway 06R-24L to be precise. If you're familiar with Toronto, it's the one closest to the 401. Click here for an overhead view.

They had the runners and walkers gather before the race at one of the garages where they house the airport maintenance equipment, so we got to see some of the giant snowplows and other large objects. And lots of orange cones.

Step away from the snowplow!

Security was actually surprisingly low, considering we were about to walk out into an airport. There were police and security scattered around outside. But there was no x-raying or frisking or checking of strollers and water bottles. There was a security pup, but he didn't seem to be taking his job too seriously.

After an "opening ceremony", all of us (1200 runners and 800 walkers) were led out in a group to the runway.

Walking out to the runway. Plane is not moving. :-)

At the starting line.

Probably the world's flattest 5k course.

The race involved... running in straight lines. Run down to the FedEx plane and turn, run past the Air Canada plane and keep going to the end of runway and turn, and come back to the Air Canada plane! Shif had an awesome race and obliterated her previous best 5k time by several minutes. I did pretty well too, 20 seconds faster than my time for the Achilles 5k in March. We're happy to not be at the very back of the pack anymore!

After the race, everyone wanted to pose by the plane and on the runway. It had to be done....

The run was really fun. It was definitely a cool family event, too - there were lots of families with kids doing the 2k walk. Highly recommended to everyone for next year!

A few more pics here.