HAMILTON, ON, April 3, 2016 /CNW/ - The energy and community spirit of the 122nd Around the Bay Road Race fueled runners, walkers and spectators alike on this cold, but sunny, morning along Hamilton's waterfront. The Bay Race drew in over 11,000 participants, including a long list of elite runners, all participating in the historic 30k event, the 5k race, or one of the relays.
A veteran Around the Bay champion, Paul Kimugul, of Toronto, won the 30k again this year with a time of 1:35:16, two minutes ahead of another well-known Around the Bay participant, Daniel Kipkoech of Lethbridge, who came in second place at 1:37:22.
The women's 30k race was a close finish with winner Risper Gesabwa of Dundas clocking in at 1:47:37 and second-place finisher Krista Duchene coming in at 1:47:47.
In the 5k portion of the race, Josh Bolton of Paris and Victoria Coates of Hamilton were the top male and female finishers with times of 15:03 and 17:08, respectively.
While the athletes were cheered on by the crowds, St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation was rooting for the countless individuals and teams that raised funds in support of St. Joe's. That's because the real winners of the Bay Race are patients. All funds raised through Around the Bay support patient care, the purchase of much-needed equipment, and healthcare research at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.
"This year, we had an incredible 72 teams all raising funds for St. Joe's," said Sera Filice-Armenio, president and CEO of St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation. "We are so grateful for their efforts, and for the individuals collecting donations, because they've propelled us toward our fundraising goal of $480,000. We'll be tallying funds all week but we are close to reaching our goal and I'm confident that the community will, once again, outdo themselves in support of hope, healing and discovery at our Hospital."
New race director, Anna Lewis, introduced some new elements to this year's race that made the lead-up to race weekend unique in many ways. Whether it was the kids' race during Saturday's Health and Fitness Expo, the introduction of the Neighbourhood Challenge, or the significant presence on social media, race participants and the community were engaged year-round and on race day.
"The Bay Race is a springtime tradition for runners, for the community and for St. Joe's," said Anna Lewis, director of the Around the Bay Road Race. "By engaging with race participants in new ways, we intend to keep the Bay Race tradition alive and growing year over year."
Next year's Around the Bay Road Race will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2017.
SOURCE St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation
Image with caption: "122nd Around the Bay Road Race in support of St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation - Premier Kathleen Wynne with Hamilton Firefighters who raised over $5,700 for St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and ran the 5K in their gear. (CNW Group/St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160403_C7280_PHOTO_EN_656333.jpg
Image with caption: "122nd Around the Bay Road Race 30K starting line on April 3, 2016. (CNW Group/St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160403_C7280_PHOTO_EN_656334.jpg
Image with caption: "122nd Around the Bay Road Race 30K medals. (CNW Group/St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160403_C7280_PHOTO_EN_656335.jpg
For media inquiries, contact: Laura Pagnotta, Director, Marketing & Communications, St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation, 905-379-3509, [email protected]
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