Spectator Tips

Where are the best places to watch the races?
  1. Corner Victoria Ave. and Burlington St. (approx 3.2km)
    How to get there: From downtown Hamilton, head east on Main St. to Victoria Ave. Turn north and follow to Burlington St.
  2. Near ramp from Burlington St. to Woodward Ave. N. — 10km. This is the 1st relay point
    How to get there: From Downtown Hamilton, head east on Main St. to Parkdale Ave., turn north on Parkdale to Barton St. then east on Barton to Woodward Ave., turn north on Woodward and proceed to ramp area Woodward Ave.
  3. Beach Blvd — 15km. Near the Lift Bridge
    How to get there: From Downtown Hamilton, head east on Main St. to Wellington St., turn north, follow to Burlington St. then east on Burlington, to the cut off for Woodward Ave. north on Woodward, which changes to Eastport Dr. Follow Eastport to the Lift Bridge area. Note: You should leave for this area prior to the race start.
  4. Lasalle Park (Burlington) — 21km
    How to get there: From Downtown Hamilton, head west on King St. to Hwy 403 Toronto cut off. Proceed onto the 403 and follow to Waterdown Road in Burlington. Turn right then follow Waterdown road to Lasalle Park (approx 1.3km).
  5. Dundurn Castle (York Blvd. at Dundurn St.) — 28km
    How to get there: Follow the course backwards on York Blvd. (approx 1-1/2 km) from the Start line. Parking available at Dundurn Castle.
When and what streets are closed?
  • Valley Inn Rd CLOSED from City limit to York Blvd. from 10:30am till 3:30pm
  • York Boulevard from Plains Rd West to Dundurn St. (eastbound only Hamilton bound) CLOSED 10:30am till 3:30pm;
  • York Boulevard from Dundurn to Queen Street reduced to one eastbound lane (south curb lane); all York eastbound traffic will be detoured south on Queen St. 6:00am to 4:00pm
  • York Boulevard from Queen Street to Bay Street (eastbound only) CLOSED from 6:00am to 4:00pm
  • York Blvd. west bound traffic detoured onto Hwy #403 10:00am to 4:00pm
  • Hwy 403 York Blvd On Ramp CLOSED 10:00am to 4:00pm
  • Bay St. between Main St. W. and York Blvd. CLOSED 6:00am to 4:00pm
What is the 30K course like?

The first 20k of the Around the Bay Road Race is an exciting, scenic, and fast route. The last 10k includes rolling hills through scenic North Shore Blvd.

The race begins on York Blvd west of Bay St. The race proceeds east on York Blvd then turns left, (north) onto James St. N. Runners run north on James St. N., east on Guise St, east on Dock Service Rd, south on Ferguson Ave. N, then east onto Burlington St.

Runners proceed east on Burlington using the overpasses to the Woodward Ave. on ramp.

Runners exit north onto Woodward Ave. and then turn right onto the Beach Strip.

After crossing the Canal lift bridge the race turns onto Eastport Drive to Northshore Blvd. The race turns west bound onto the rolling hills of Northshore Blvd., and then west onto Plains Rd. Runners continue on Plains Rd. to Spring Gardens Rd. up the Valley Inn Rd Hill, entering Hamilton on York Blvd. and finish into FirstOntario Centre at York Blvd. and Bay Sts.

Where are the aid and water stations?

Water and NUUN Hydration stations will be available at the 14K and 21K mark along the 30K course. Water will be available at the Finish. Water and food are located in FirstOntario Centre upon finishing the race.

Where are the toilets located along the route?

There are port-a-potties located about every 5K along the 30K course.

Are the kilometres marked?

Yes, each kilometre will be marked along the route.

Where does each event start?

30k: York Blvd at Bay St N
5k: Bay Street in front of FirstOntario Centre

Are there entertainment and bands on the course?

Various groups and individuals are along the course, some playing music, some in costumes to entertain as well as encourage the runners every year.

When, where and what are the awards?

Finisher medals will be distributed to each participant upon completion of their event. This will take place inside FirstOntario Centre. Relay finisher medals for all members of the team will be given to the final participant of that team. Age Group Award Certificates will be mailed out.

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