A true fan favourite, this year’s race will once again be held in conjunction with Privateer Days, Queens County’s largest festival, after being operated as a separate event in recent years.
Jack Fancy, who has served as event organizer for the past four years, said the route for the traditional five-mile road race will essentially remain the same as in previous years, something that has proven popular with the runners, especially from a safety aspect.
“It goes around our river . . . it goes from the east side of the river and then on the west side of the river so it makes, basically, an oval, and you’re always running on the inside, so you never cross the flow of traffic.”
Another popular aspect of the road race is that the route is essentially flat.
“If you want to run fast times,” Fancy said, “this is a flat course so you can get one of your fastest times ever. It’s totally flat, no hills.”
A true fan favourite, this year’s race will once again be held in conjunction with Privateer Days, Queens County’s largest festival, after being operated as a separate event in recent years.
Jack Fancy, who has served as event organizer for the past four years, said the route for the traditional five-mile road race will essentially remain the same as in previous years, something that has proven popular with the runners, especially from a safety aspect.
“It goes around our river . . . it goes from the east side of the river and then on the west side of the river so it makes, basically, an oval, and you’re always running on the inside, so you never cross the flow of traffic.”
Another popular aspect of the road race is that the route is essentially flat.
“If you want to run fast times,” Fancy said, “this is a flat course so you can get one of your fastest times ever. It’s totally flat, no hills.”
The decision to move the race date to once again coincide with Privateer Days is also expected to appeal to runners, especially those from away who may be travelling to the event with their families. Immediately following the race, the Privateer Days Grand Street Parade will be held, for example, and a wide variety of other events will be featured throughout the weekend.
In addition to the five-mile route, the race also features a two-mile course for youth and people who are just getting into running. The two-mile course is named after Joe Mason, the founder of the five-mile race.
Long-time favourite
As for the history of the race, it certainly has longevity on its side.
Fancy said they are currently seeking information on when the first event was held, but it’s believed it dates back to at least 1970 – meaning it’s one of the oldest in the province.
Fancy said feedback from past participants has also been very positive.
“For the last two years, it’s been voted, through Run Nova Scotia, as their favourite race in this category.”
Last year, about 150 people took part in the race.
Participants in this year’s Joe Mason Two-Mile Fun Run will receive a free water bottle, while the first 150 people to register for the five-mile race will also receive a T-shirt. Fancy added that anyone interested in a T-shirt who is not able to run the longer race can register for the five-mile course but run the two-mile.
The race will start by the Liverpool Legion at 43 Henry Hensey Drive, with an 8:30 a.m. start time.
Did you know?
To register or for more information on the Liverpool Privateer 5 Mile Road Race, visit http://raceroster.com/events/2016/7636/2016-liverpool-privateer-5-mile-road-race, check out their Facebook page or contact Fancy by phone at 902-354-7216 or by e-mail at [email protected].
