After two years of pandemic restrictions and virtual races, the Around the Bay Road Race is officially back for a hybrid in-person/virtual race on Sunday, March 27.

Race Director Anna Lewis says preparations are in full swing. The in-person field is approximately 6,000 while the online contingent represents another 1,000.

Heartbreak Hill, which is a signature element of the 30k course, will be a part of this year’s event. The city of Hamilton confirmed construction of the Valley Inn Road bridge will be completed before race day.
“Whether you love it or hate it, the Hill is such an important and iconic part of the Bay Race,” said Lewis. “When you reach the top and start heading down York Boulevard, you know that you’ve made it…you’ve overcome something truly daunting. I think we can all relate to feeling that way as we start to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions.”

Race organizers say St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is also back as the Bay Race’s feature charity partner for the 17th year running.

Organizers say more than 50 St. Joe’s staff have registered to walk, run and raise funds for the hospital.

Organizers say the Bay Race has been a half-million-dollar fundraiser for the hospital, but the 2020 race cancellation and the virtual event in 2021 saw significant declines in pledge-based fundraising.

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton says it hopes to raise $225,000 through the Bay Race to expand its Emergency Mental Health Service and make room for a CT Scanner inside the Emergency Department.

Organizers also say four anonymous community members are matching the first $45,000 in donations made to any member of the hospital’s team in the Around the Bay Road race.
Other charities raising funds through the Bay Race include Cassie & Friends, the Canadian Cancer Society, and Autism Speaks Canada.

Public health protocols and procedures for race day will be announced the week of March 21.