co-RD's: Vince, Shep, Scooty
Our tenure as Race Directors has come to a close,
So I thought I’d pay tribute with some poetic prose.
For nearly a decade we have organized the Iroquoia Trail Test,
With these duties behind us, it’s time for a well-deserved rest.
If you’ve ever staged a run, you can appreciate the work required
To get every runner across the finish line satisfied albeit tired.
Preparations begin several months before the event takes place,
With registration forms, website updates and advertising for the race.
One must obtain trail permits and insurance, purchase awards and gifts,
These are but a handful of the items found on a race director’s checklist.
We pride ourselves on all the personal touches that go into this run,
Hand-painted finisher’s rocks and a free kid’s race only add to the fun.
After loading up the truck with pylons, tables, water jugs and cups,
We head to Kilbride School the night before the race to start setting up.
The course must be marked and a finisher’s chute put together,
We’ll only get a couple of hours sleep as we hope for good weather.
An army of volunteers is the key to the success of any competition,
To the members of the Burlington Runners Club we owe much recognition.
Every third weekend of August we could count on this fine mass
For runner’s safety, hydration and to ensure the trail test is passed.
The race is a 32 kilometer trek along the rugged Bruce,
An escarpment trail lined with maples, pine and spruce.
This event was a labor of love for Shep, Scoot and me,
If we went back in time, we wouldn’t do it differently.
As we reflect back on our own race directing experiment,
We now fully appreciate RD’s and their everlasting commitment.
Without these organizers there simply would be no races,
They allow us to carry out our passion and put smiles on our faces.
With the gear back in storage and the truck returned to Discount Car rental
Our era as directors of the ITT is over, the Effort has been Monumental.
Please, leave a comment.
Gotta run,
Vince
Busy on race day
Another successful Kids Quiz
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Vinny and the guys,
It was a real treat for me to run the race for the first time this summer and I feel privileged I had the chance to do it once under your reign!
Hopefully someone will take over and keep this great event alive!
Having organized many basketball events, I can appreciate the hard work you have to do behind the scene to make such an event possible. I thank you very much for doing it and I am looking forward to see all of you on the trails ! Well, to see you pass me on the trails….
Big V
Many, many thanks Vince, Geoff and Scott!
For me, and I expect for many others, ITT was what bridged the gap from road and trail running into the wonderful world of ultras. ITT was a great event over a wonderful course that really opened up my mind about what else was out there.
Thanks Derrick! I hope we didn’t keep you awake on those nights you and Sara camped out at the start area before the race and we were still setting up well into the night!
Vince,
Congrats to all of you and the commitment you made to run an event that might not have existed otherwise. Efforts such as those in all walks of life make a difference.
Cheers amigo,
DD
Thank you guys for a putting up a great race. Even though I got lost many times while running your race I always had a great time.
Iris
Gents
It was always a pleasure chipping in to help you with your event and it was equally enjoyable participating in it. The ITT is where I discovered trail running so I’ll always have fond memories.
Thanks to Shep for introducing me to the sport.
Dan
G’day!
Thanks for the encouraging words and this great event! I am still pinching myself
I was lucky to have my bro by my side the whole way and it was an amazing experience from start to finish!
Cheers,
Michelle.
Congrats on your run Michelle! An ultra next year perhaps!?
Gotta run,
Vince
Just read the ultra comment now… 2012 perhaps?!