Race Updates

October 3, 2011

Get Out There Magazine was at the Tenth Annual Run for the Toad and filed this video race report!

September 23, 2011

Hello Race Participants:

RE: Note Your Race Bib Number

Please do NOT send us any more e mails requesting event changes of any kind, extra meal ticket requests or cancellations. We will not be making any more changes – thank you. If you are unable to attend the race for any reason you can arrange to have a friend pick-up your Saucony Duffel Bag and race goodie bag (please provide a letter of authorization). Or you can join us as a spectator, cheer on your fellow runner/walker friends and enjoy the dinner. Thank you for your understanding. Please check our website for any additional race updates prior to race day.

On your arrival to Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, race participants, volunteers, spectators and guests are exempt of all park admission fees.

Race Day ONLY: Parking Marshals will meet you when entering the park interior, directing you to assigned parking areas. No drivers may simply pull over to the roadsides and park, you could be blocking the race course. We encourage you to arrive early (carpool if you can) to help facilitate in freeing up our parking marshals for other duties.

Expo opens Early:
Friday September 30 the Expo Opens at 12:00 (noon) and Closes at 6:00 p.m. Providing an opportunity for early race kit pick-up and some quality time to visit the many sponsors and other guest exhibitors. NOTE: You can Not pick up your "timing chip" on Friday.

Saturday, October 1 – Race Kit Pickup: Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 8:45 a.m. All that is required is for you to know your Race Bib Number. You can obtain your bib number on our website under side toolbar "Registered Participants". On race day when you arrive at the Great Forest Bistro Tent please join in the appropriate line that corresponds to your Bib Number. Then you will be directed to pick up your Registration Gift, etc.

Please don’t forget to PICK UP YOUR "TIMING CHIP" (Race Day ONLY)

Remember your Bib Number is also your Meal Ticket too! If you ordered extra meal tickets they have been attached to your race bib.

Pre-race massage is available at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in the medical tent located in the heart of Tent City between the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

If gourmet coffee is your morning desire, join us at the Expo Tent and enjoy Tim Horton’s coffee, donuts and cookies. Note: Young children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while receiving coffee or donuts. All spectators may join us for complimentary coffee and donuts.

Pre-Race Hydration Station will be available at the "Post Race Hydration Station" located at the Start/Finish area. This hydration station is for the Athletes and Volunteers only.

Pet Rule, requesting your cooperation – Dogs are NOT permitted to be in any of the Tents (Food, Expo, Thunder Tree Theatre or Medical, etc.) or on the race course. The Conservation Authority requires all dogs must be on a short leash at all times. Dog owners must maintain contact with their dog at all times.

Headsets – It is not a race rule but we are suggesting to people NOT to wear headsets. Consider the options – if you do wear headsets, one ear must be unobstructed at all times, while on the course.

NO Smoking Regulation: Due to numerous tent and display structures our fire regulations maintain the "No Smoking rule" in Tent City or at any of the Four Aid Stations. Individuals wishing to smoke may do so in the parking area.

Children: Parents or guardians must maintain contact with young children at all times. Parents or guardians will not be permitted to leave children in the custody of the race volunteers. We request you know where your children are at all times. If in the event that children do stray from a parent or guardian the children can get assistance by identifying themselves to our volunteers wearing the familiar volunteer badge identification.

Kids – Don’t Forget: To visit the Thunder Tree Theatre Tent, showing Toad Patrol movies. We have a big day planned for you!

Opening Ceremonies/Race Start Times
The opening ceremonies commence at 9:00 a.m. sharp. During this time, the pre-race massage and the registration area will be closed. The race Expo will also be closed during this time.

Please Note: The race commences at 9:30 a.m. sharp with the 50k runners first. The 25k runners and walkers will start at 9:40 a.m.

Drop Bag Area (Next to Aid Station #1) Sunset West Pavilion Aid Station #1 is located 200 Meters from the Start Line – under the Canopy of Aid Station #1, 50k race participants Only may use part of this facility for drop bag purposes. Please note this area is partially supervised.

Display your Medal with Pride – This is your personal accomplishment. Remember to receive your finishing "medal" you must finish the event you are registered in.

Post Race Party – The final preparations are now complete for all our menu planning; we are no longer taking orders for the dinner. Special guest appearance in the Bistro Tent.

Door Prizes – not to be missed - you must be present to win.

Awards: "NEW" Age Category awards, visit our web site. All award winners that are unable to attend the Award Ceremony should inform the race organizers of your early departure so that you may claim your award before leaving the park. If your awards are not claimed on race day the race organizers will not be responsible for getting them to you. Category Awards are listed on our web site.

Important Note: We will not be replying to any e-mails or office phone calls. Construction of Tent City along with the racecourse preparation commences starting Saturday, September 24 through race day. If you need us, please, visit us at Pinehurst!!!!!!

We hope you will share our enthusiasm and passion for this entirely new experience we are creating "just for you".

Kindest personal regards,
George & Peggy

August 14, 2011

No More Requests, Please

Dear Runners & Walkers:

Well, it finally happened. We are swamped with requests for race changes and more people wanting to get into the race long after the registration closing. Due to the implementing of the immense planning effort and logistic timeline needs we are unable to take any further event change requests.

Thank you for understanding,
George & Peggy

August 5, 2011

1350 people have registered for this year's event and the race is now SOLD OUT!

June 28, 2011

Run for the Toad and Training Day
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area

Park Opens: 8:00 am
Run/Walk Start Time: 9:00 am
Cost: $12.00 per person/pay on arrival to Pinehurst (Gatehouse)

RSVP: by July 11th if you are planning on attending

Dear Runners and Walkers:

The Toad offers one of the most exciting training runs on this 10th Anniversary year. You will definitely want to join us for training day. The Saucony and Montrail technical exhibits will open at 8:00 am, commencing throughout the day. The run/walk kicks off at 9:00 am sharp.

There has been a great amount of preparation ongoing in anticipation of very large numbers attending the training run/walk this year. Please reply to this email and let us know if you will be attending on July 23rd. We do need your cooperation for planning the scrumptious food, following the training. Don’t forget to bring a friend (R.S.V.P)!

Cool-down, the park has a beautiful spring-fed kettle lake that was formed during the last ice age. The Pinehurst Lake Conservation staff are pleased that you have chosen to experience the beautiful Carolinian forest and day at Pinehurst.

We look forward to seeing you in July!

Kind regards,
George and Peggy Sarson

April 28, 2011

Hello Race Participants:

Welcome to the 2011 edition of Run for the Toad. Please check back here for periodic updates as we prepare for another great trail experience.

Kind regards,
George & Peggy