Alana Callan (middle) at the start of last year's YMCA Half MarathonThis weekend, I decided to try out the new YMCA Half Marathon route. I have never run an unfamiliar race route before race day, and since the route has changed and runs through the city of Peterborough this year, I decided to give it a try.

The 21.1 km route begins at the YMCA located on Alymer street and takes runners through familiar aspects of the city. Many parts of the route are regular running routes for locals (around the Lake, out to Trent etc.). Runners leave the YMCA and run up Alymer Street to Perry Street and proceed down Crescent Street past the Little Lake Cemetery and then head to Lansdowne Street. From Lansdowne, you run up to Ashburnham Road past the canal and turn on Hunter to go through the Lift Lock tunnel and up and over "Museum Hill" and turn down Armour Road. Runners take a long trip down Armour Road to the turn-around.

It is an "out and back" route, and on the way out I had decided I hate "out and back" routes. But once I turned and headed back, I decided I quite liked running "out and back," as the run back was nicely familiar. Runners who have run the YMCA Half Marathon in the past few years will enjoy this new route for the change of scenery. I don't think I'll need to "draft" behind another runner this year as I have done in the past while running out by the airport and battling the wind.

There are four water and toilet stations this year, and I've been told that the local fire department will be taking care of the water station near the Peterborough Lift Lock.

The 33rd annual YMCA Half Marathon in Peterborough is in support of the YMCA's Annual Strong Kids Campaign, which encourages the healthy growth and development of Peterborough's youth. There is still time to register for this great event. It takes place this Sunday (February 27) starting at 12:30 p.m. and you can choose either the 5 km or 21.1 km race. There is also a kids 1 km fun run which is very fun to watch.

Click here for a PDF of the detailed route map.

[Contributed by Alana Callan]

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