Thanks, Ramblers of Reddendale!

Sleepy, bucolic Reddendale-- a post-war, lakeside suburb in Kingston's west end, and the neighbourhood where I live-- received a modest livening up last Saturday when P-K (with the help of co-hosts, the St. Andrew's By-The-Lake United Church)decided to turn its winter training loops into a race course, and invited runners from across the city and province to join us. Edition one of the Reddendale Ramble 5k was a modest success in terms of numbers but, we think, a great success in terms of concept and execution. The Kingston road race scene, while well established and vibrant, has been lacking a summertime, evening fixture. We think the Ramble's 6pm start time, and Summer Solstice scheduling (to say nothing of its beautiful location), is sure to make it a big hit among Kingston racers in years to come. And we aim to support this basic appeal by ensuring that it is the best executed and most affordable event on the local calendar-- which, thanks in principal to race director extraordinaire, Clive Morgan (with support from Neal Scott, yours truly, and an ample crew of volunteers supplied by both St. Andrew's and P-K), it is well on its way to becoming. The course, which hugs the lakeshore until just past the 4k mark, was accurate (including the individual kms), well marked, and extensively marshaled (including lead and rear cyclists) right up to the highly visible finish line on Redden St., immediately adjacent to the awards area on the lawn of the church. And, for the modest fee of 22.50 (including online registration fee)for the Ramble, and a mere $5 for the kid's Metric Mile, a runner could not have asked for more in terms of awards and draw prizes (thanks to our main sponsors, Mizuno Canada and Gears and Grinds Cycle Shop). We can't speak for them, of course, be we think our runners, young and old, had a great first experience with the race, and will be back-- along with friends, family, and training partners-- in 2012. A core of satisfied first-time customers, along with a full year to eliminate our weaknesses and build on our strengths, is sure to make the second edition of the Ramble bigger and better. Among our goals for next year and beyond is to become part of the Kingston Roadrunners Association annual series, and to secure a prize money sponsor. Stay tuned!

Among the 2011 Ramble Highlights were:

-that we managed to raise around $300 to support the costs of running the no-fee Junior P-K group (with another $300 going to St. Andrew's).

-the fact that very close to half of the finishers ran under 20mins, despite a very rare (for this time of year) southeast wind on the predominantly eastward course.

-the near perfect weather (the K-town airport, which is less than 1 mile from the start line, was the cool spot in southern Ontario that day, as it always tends to be at this time of year).

-the great battle for the men's win between P-Kers Mike Gill and Richard Minichiello (a masters runner, no less), with Mike securing the inaugural title over the final 250m.

-the strong, negative-split win on the women's side by junior Clara Langely, who showed a welcome return to form following a year of injury and iron deficiency.

-and outstanding battle for the masters women's win between 50 year old P-Ker and local ace Heather Ostic (won over the final km by Heather).

-the turn-out for the kid's race, and the extremely strong performances by the winners and runner's up-- Kieran L'Abbe and Ben Workman on the boys side, and Christina Papadakis and Branna McDougall for the girls.

Full results are at runnningbydesign.ca

See you all in 2012!