Legendary ‘Around the Bay Road Race’ back this weekend

The Around the Bay road race kicks off this Sunday, with the 30km, 15km and 10km races getting underway at 9:45 a.m.

A 5km race is also scheduled for 8:30 a.m.

Commuters can expect some changes to transit routes and road closures, and are being asked to plan their travels accordingly.

Affected HSR routes include:

• Route 4: Bayfront (Phase 1) – 7:30 – 11:30 a.m.
• Route 4: Bayfront (Phase 2) – 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Route 8: York – 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Route 11: Parkdale – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Route 20: A Line Express – 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Route 41: Mohawk – 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Several roads downtown will also be closed for the race:

• James Street – 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Bay Street – 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Strachan Street – 5 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Burlington Street – 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Woodward Avenue – 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Beach Boulevard – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Eastport Drive – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
• North Shore Boulevard – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• York Boulevard – 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Dundurn Street – 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

More information about traffic and transit disruptions can be found on the City of Hamilton website.

Around the Bay began in 1894 when Hamilton Herald newspaper and cigar store owner “Billy” Carroll created and sponsored the first race.

CHCH’s Matt Ingram speaks with race director Anna Lewis about the event that’s older than the Boston Marathon.