Short and fast walking races of spring

Six years ago when I started WoW Power Walking I never thought that a Sunday would come in southern Ontario where we could choose between two races with walking divisions on the same day.

Well, on June 1 the 6th annual Alfie Shrubb Classic 8k race in Bowmanville is being held at the exact time that the Art Keay Memorial Racewalk 5k race is being held on Toronto Island.

Oh, the boundless walking riches!

Several years ago Al Storrie - he of legendary enthusiasm for legendary runner Alfie Shrubb, decided to welcome walkers to his memorial race with a walking division that included walker registration, walker start, walker results, and prizes for top three male and female finishers. Just this year the Art Keay Memorial Racewalk event has added a 5k power walk!

I have been struggling over which race to walk. It's like choosing between Dufflets' toasted almond torte and Dufflets' banana cake - it's a difficult choice because they are both so enticing! The good news is I can't lose by either choice.

For this year, I have decided to attend the Alfie Shrubb because Al is just so enthusiastic (did I mention that he is legendary for his enthusiasm?) and because I will be acting as a guide for Myra Rodrigues. Myra and I need to practice before our half marathon together at the Mayo Sun Run on June 21 in Mayo, Yukon. (More on that later!)

I hope that those of you who can't make it out as far as Bowmanville will take a trip over to Toronto Island. It's so exciting to have the race walking community recognize the efforts of power walkers. I think it will be exciting for the power walkers to see race walking in action.

Be sure to post here any thoughts on either race as well as your own plans for the upcoming short distance race season.