The Scarecrow Invasion and Meaford Apple Harvest Craft Show were not the only invasions into Meaford this past weekend. On Saturday, October 1, more than 330 athletes registered to race at the 11th Annual Georgian Bay Coyotes Track Club Cross-Country Race. The old GBCS track was buzzing with excitement as athletes and spectators poured onto the field to race, watch, and cheer on some amazing races.
For the first time in recent memory, race day was sunny and warm and unusually beautiful for the annual race, but volunteers were more than willing to throw off their jackets and roll up their sleeves to help make the day such an amazing success.
The day was filled with some incredible racing, wonderful examples of sportsmanship, determination, self-control, gratitude, friendship, and compassion. It was amazing for the Coyote Track club coaches who struggled to keep the club going through lockdowns, to see 11 of their athletes step onto the podium this year with many others just missing out by a few seconds. Even more rewarding was to get to see hundreds of kids come out and race to the best of their abilities with smiles on their faces.
“There is a long list of volunteers who helped make this year’s event possible and the Coyote Track club can’t thank them enough,” said organizers of the event. “Matt Martindill, who helped lead our race rabbits and turtles; a wonderful group of volunteer high-school students who showed incredible leadership and encouragement towards the kids. Thank you to our two mayoral candidates, Ross Kentner and Paul Vickers, who both came to congratulate the athletes and help with the medal ceremonies. To Paramedic Scott Luce, who patched up scrapes and scratches with compassion and humour, as well as Paula Luce, who always lets the crowd know when to expect to see the runners coming out of the trees by ringing the cowbell. To Spencer Book and Mike French, our MC and colour commentator for keeping the crowd wondering what was coming next and making us laugh. To our many race marshals who ensure the athletes stay on track and run a fair and clean race, the many volunteers who helped with registration, set-up, take-down, snacks, and every issue that arose during the day; I wish we could name you all. Special Thanks go out to A-1 toilet rentals for providing much needed relief, the Fourth Canadian Division Training Centre for providing the big clock and a very big Thank You to Godard’s Your Independent Grocer and Grandma Lambe’s for supplying every participant with a donation of water, bananas, and apples at the finish line.”
For more information about the club or for complete race results please visit their website: www.georgianbaycoyotes.com
