Toronto Women’s Run Series Race Report – Crystal Spencer

Race: Toronto Woman’s Run Series

Runner: Crystal Spencer

Race Date: 05/21/2023

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Results: 2:18:16

Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/3UmulFUt4zb

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  • On time
  • Very well labeled route
  • Great swag

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

  • Lots of turn arounds
  • The route was open to the pubic, so other walkers, runners, bicyclists were on the route.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

You pass the same aid stations twice, but you could only get the water, etc. one direction.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Got a PR, 1 year from working with my Coach and being released to run from hip surgery.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Down hills and gravel are in the beginning and end of the race so save your energy for the last couple miles, you will need it.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Don’t go out too fast in the beginning.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s not a straight course, hills in the beginning and end, with lots for turn arounds.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s run in a park, so it’s nice to be out of the city hustle.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Not particularly, one good sized hill near the finish.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

On time by the second!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

It’s an all women race, I’d say good competition.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

They only allow 1200 runners between all three distances. The city is very busy, so you have to get there early to get there in adequate time.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Water and electrolytes at each station

Weather and typical race conditions

Normal race conditions. Was mid-60°

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Canada has weird reactions on race fuel so bring your own, don’t rely on getting any there and expect it to be the same.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes, very friendly course.

How’s the Swag?

  • Huge bag of snacks at the finish.
  • Puma is the main sponsor, so a nice Puma shirt.
  • Finisher’s medal for the 1/2 marathon was a necklace. 5k/10k were medals.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

4/5