Are you looking for a unique and exciting race experience?
Look no further than Her Majesty's Royal Races in Hamilton, Ontario, where on April 23, you can run like royalty and celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth II's birthday.
Kelly Arnott, race coordinator for the Royal Races, said the event is a way for runners – and walkers! – to commemorate the Queen, and also support a great, local cause. Funds raised will directly help the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry 62 Cadets.
“When the Queen died last year, we were all so devastated,” Arnott said. “I thought we should create an event and do something to celebrate her birthday, annually.”
The race, which includes 5K, 3K and 1K routes, begins on Hamilton’s Pier 9 in front of the H.M.C.S Haida.
The H.M.C.S Haida is the last of the 27 Tribal-class destroyers, and served in operations around the globe – including World War II, the Korean War and the Persian Gulf – for nearly a century.
Cadets will be helping assist runners, and to complement the British theme, cadets’ mums will be preparing marmalade sandwiches for runners as they trot across the finish line.
The British theme, and the warm appreciation for the Queen drew the attention of Simon Bentall, owner of the Scottish Loft in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The shop carries hundreds of Scottish products, British DVDs, tons of British food and candy and a tremendous assortment of British and Scottish gifts.
Arnott said when he heard of plans to commemorate the Queen, he quickly reached out to Arnott, signing on as the title sponsor of the event.
“We're going to carry this on with [Bentall], because he's so excited about the whole event,” she said. “It's a great partnership.”
The city of Hamilton is also getting on board with Her Majesty’s Royal Races.
“The city is opening up the Haida for us,” Arnott said. “And our runners and walkers are able to go on a private tour of the Haida.”
There are currently 100 spots available for the tour, which can be booked through the race registration website.
So far, over 400 people have signed up for the event, with just 200 spots left.
Arnott said that participants will also receive special tokens in their race kit. A custom-designed medal commemorating the event will be handed out to race finishers. The medal combines a crown with Royal colours of purple and gold. Entrants to Her Majesty’s Royal Races will also be treated with a Paddington Bear replica.
Getting the Royals’ Permission
After communicating with the press agent at Buckingham Palace, Royal staff granted permission for the races in the Queen’s honour.
“Although they weren’t able to commit to attending the race, with the King’s coronation just a few weeks away, they sent a beautiful letter,” Arnott said. “I have framed here, thanking us for putting on the event.”
Arnott said she hopes Her Majesty’s Royal Races turns into an annual event, with the potential of raising thousands for local groups, like the cadets.
“Our intention is to grow this,” Arnott said, adding that virtual racers can also participate.
“So far, we have about 100 people that have signed up from everywhere around Canada to do it.” she said. “We've got 20 People in Victoria, BC doing it, for example.”
Even virtual racers will receive both the finisher’s medal and Paddington, Arnott said, as race volunteers busily prepare to mail the kits this week.
“The virtual race is great,” Arnott said. “Runners can run with us on the 23rd in Hamilton, or they can run on the day of the coronation. It will be sort of a double celebration.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some frequently asked questions about Her Majesty's Royal Races:
What distances are available?
The event offers a 5K, 3K and 1K race.
Is the event open to walkers?
Yes, walkers are welcome to participate in all the events.
What is the course like?
The course is a scenic route through Hamilton, Ontario, with beautiful views of the city beginning at Pier 9.
Are there aid stations on the course?
Yes, there are aid stations located throughout the course, providing water and snacks to runners.
What time does the race start?
The 1KM event will start at 9:40AM The 3KM and 5KM event will start at 10:00AM.
How can I sign up? Registrants can sign up for Her Majesty’s Royal Races by visiting the web site.