Big news – the Laurier Loop is changing dates, venues and courses in 2016. The event is moving from September to March, and to the main campus. Why is this happening, and why should you be excited about it?
1. Your fall racing schedule
The fall racing schedule is very crowded. So many events, inside and outside of RunWaterloo, take place during the prime running months of September and October. This move will allow Laurier Loop to carve out its own identity in the month of March, and narrow the focus on other fall events, like Harvest Half and Octoberfast Run. If February (Re-Fridgee-Eighter) is too early for you, March is a great time for a tune-up race to test your after-winter fitness.
2. Early Bird Run
Did you know that before the Laurier Loop, there was another road race on Laurier’s campus? The Early Bird Road Race was held in March and also supported the MDRC. It was also widely used as an Around The Bay tune up race. If you participated or were involved with this run, we would love to hear from you!
3. Separation from Laurier Homecoming
The Laurier Alumni Association is the founding partner and presenting sponsor of this event. Together, we have decided to try to leverage the race in a way we haven’t before, by separating it from the busy Homecoming weekend. It fits in well with our plan to balance our racing schedule and tap the almost-spring running season.
4. Varsity participation
The new date will also make the event more appealing to Laurier’s (and other universities’) varsity runners, as it no longer conflicts with their competitive seasons. This is a great outcome for the race, and also for those athletes, as it gives them an opportunity to race locally and support their school!
5. March weather and a new course
Although March is (usually) great racing weather, it is also too cold for an outdoor venue like University Stadium. This is a great opportunity to move to the main campus, which is a nice throwback to the original event. This also allows us to update the venue and course: the venue is the beautiful Science Atrium and the start/finish is just outside on Bricker Avenue. Once it is finalized, it will be a more urban and faster than the previous windy Waterloo Park course.
We’re optimistic about these changes! See you on March 20!
