Last time on the blog, we looked back at the 2018 Long Lake Park Family 5k, and looked forward at the 2019 edition that was to come. We hoped for a great turnout, we hoped for better weather, we hoped that everyone present would have a great morning and enjoy the park we love so much. This time, now that the event has come and gone, we’re going to look back and talk about the event! Once again, we will also look forward to what is to come this summer in Long Lake Provincial Park, Long Lake Village, and the entire Armadale area.
Spring has been off to a slow start, and beautiful spring days have been seemingly few and far between. So when the forecast predicted 6 straight days of rain and cloud before the event, optimism was not at an all time high that we would have great weather the day of the run. However, as the week progressed, and the long-term forecast turned into short term, one bright patch appeared on the schedule; Saturday June 1st, the day of the race. Somehow, despite being surrounded by clouds on all sides of the forecast, that morning became one of the warmest, sunniest days we have had to date this year, and people showed up to celebrate in the park.
On a weekend with three other events on the Run Nova Scotia calendar, about 250 runners joined us in the park to celebrate spring, enjoy the outdoors with family, and run an awesome 5k race route. This event presents a challenging course, full of turns and hills, many many hills, (this was pointed out by more than a few runners as they came across the finish line).
Photo 2: “This event presents a challenging course, full of turns and hills, many many hills, (this was pointed out by more than a few runners as they came across the finish line).”
Despite the tough course, there were smiles to be had all around, from the first people to arrive for on-site registration, to the last family to leave the playground after the event.
After the race, coupons, prizes, and t-shirts were handed out to the crowd in the parkette on Hadley Crescent. As the snacks, drinks and coffee began to disappear from under the Aerobics First food tent, the playground continued to fill with children and parents alike.
Host Stan Sarty breathed life into the event from early morning to early afternoon, calling out encouragements and race times as runners crossed between the finish flags.
Several lucky winners left with 50 percent off coupons to Aerobics First, and others left with $50 gift cards to Station 6, a local favorite restaurant named for the nearby fire station.
Photo 4: “Several lucky winners left with 50 percent off coupons to Aerobics First, and others left with $50 gift cards to Station 6, a local favorite restaurant named for the nearby fire station.”
Just like that, another edition of the Long Lake Park Family 5k has come and gone. But if you couldn’t make it this year, don’t worry! There will be plenty of action taking place in the park this summer. The Long Lake Adventure Company will return to the boat launch to provide paddleboard and kayak rentals to all. Spryfield Days will also return to the park this July with the Polycorp duct tape canoe races as one of the marquee events!