This year’s Georgina Spring Fling marathon, half-marathon, 10k and 5k race was blessed by the weather gods. The rain and winds held off and delivered a perfect running day for over 1075 runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators who registered to come out early on Sunday, May 5th. Race photos by Mike Cheliak Photography are available free here.
The race organizers and course crew were out at 4:00am finishing the set up started the night before. Tents were put up, water and Gatorade was hauled, aid stations put in place, bananas, bagels, and medals set out in anticipation of the race start. As the park began to fill up at 5:30am with runners arriving for kit pick-up, last-minute inspection of the course was conducted to ensure all vehicles had cleared and the marshals and volunteers were in place. Enfield Timing had the clock on count down to the start.
By 6:30am Greg Nicol took the mic and began announcements. There were sponsors to thank, officials to introduce, course safety and etiquette reminders and calls to line up in the starting chute. Mayor Quirk and Councillor Neeson welcomed everyone to Georgina and the party got started.
At the front of the pack, first time marathoners mixed with returning champions, all ready to hit the start button of their watches and make the two-loop journey of the course. Alongside them, the half-marathon runners took their place, eager to jostle for position and stick with their pace bunnies.
At 7:30am sharp, the start horn released almost 600 runners on to Lake Drive and along the shores of Lake Simcoe. The quiet of the morning came alive with the sound of running shoes on pavement, deep breathing, and calls of encouragement. Ten minutes later, another 500 pairs of feet belonging to runners and walkers of all ages and sizes were launched on to the course chasing their first or best 5k or 10k time. In 15:19 minutes, Lukas Vadeika of Mount Albert crossed the finish line in first place, followed by Jack Ormsby of Brechin and Doug Allan of Huntsville. Moments later, defending champion 12-year-old Gabriela Sayers-Cubillos of Newmarket won the ladies 5k race, followed closely by Vanessa Cotter of Enniskillen, and Daniela Sayers-Cubillos (Gabriela’s twin sister) defending her 3rd place finish.
Tristan Markov of Oro Station won the 10k men’s race, followed by Jacob Nazarenko of Newmarket and Frank Pearson of St. Catherines in third place. In the women’s race, Laurel Buchanan of Toronto finished in first place, followed by Lindsay Manning of Stouffville, and Audrey Fung of Toronto in third.
The race directors didn’t have much time for a rest before the half-marathon winners were thundering across the finish line. Fernando Bralha of Aurora came in first place at 1:14:40, followed by David Panici of Toronto, and Joe Chappell of Port Elgin. Rachel Hannah of Port Elgin defended her title in first place in 1:17:40, followed by Sarah Beairsto of Collingwood and Danielle Ryzer of Richmond Hill in third place.
Moments later, the marathon leads were making the turn-around under the finish arch to complete their second loop of the course. Spectators were treated to lots of action as half-marathon finishers continued to pour in as marathoners made their turns.
Ric Mansuetto of Whitchurch-Stoufville came across the finish line in 2:47:14 to win the men’s marathon, followed by Jonathan Bouchard of Orillia, and Dylan Haynes of Hamilton. Just over the three-hour mark, the women’s race winner, Ellen Guytingco of Toronto finished at 3:03:14, followed by Alyssa Neudorf of Waterloo and Shannon Miller of The Blue Mountains in third.
Welcoming in the winners was thrilling and the stories don’t end there. The range of emotions runners carried across the finish line were a privilege to witness. Athletes of all shapes, sizes, and ages each had their own story and unique reason for being there. There were tears of joy, tears of gratitude and tears of anguish. Leaps, staggers – even a cartwheel – in celebration! Couples, run buddies and kids holding a parent’s hand came across the finish line together. Nobody cared if a hug was sweaty – it was well deserved.
The marathon finishers included the famous Dr. Rick Rayman who completed his 403rd marathon (!) and a first-time marathoner who was escorted to the finish line by the course crew, marshals, race directors, and announcer- in Georgina Spring Fling and Georgina Marathon tradition – right into the arms of her excited family and daughter. That, right there, makes everyone’s sore feet worthwhile.
Greg Nicol on the microphone called out each runner as they approached the finish and gave them a reason to raise their arms and smile for their finish photo. The race directors made a point of catching the finishers with a cheer or a supportive arm to ensure they stay upright. Medics were right there if someone needed a little more help to recover.
Teresa Baerg presided over the awards presentations, working with Dan Pollard of KCountry 93.7 radio who was doing live cut-ins from the park to interview runners and share their stories. Buchner Manufacturing created selfie-frames for runners to use against the backdrop and Rally Beer provided samples of their non-alcoholic Dry Run for finishers. There were even reports of an Alligator sighting…!
Keith from TriSwim brought out his race gear and provided prizes. The Fix coffee cart sold coffee and muffins to the crowds. Georgina Motors took over an aid station on the course and provided awards for the marathon winners, along with Floky socks and Marsquest sunglasses. CL Performance Training provided six-week training sessions to age group second and third place finishers to encourage them to get after the top place next time!
The atmosphere in the park was friendly and celebratory. Even the Georgina fire department, York Region Police recruiters, and Paramedics teams brought out the big trucks to add to the safety and the excitement.
