September 27: Sudbury hosts Pre-OFSAA Cross-Country Race

Sudbury is getting ready to host the second largest sporting event for Ontario high school students for the very first time this fall. Close to 1,700 athletes from more than 300 high schools will participate in the OFSAA Cross-Country Running Championships on Saturday, November 2, 2013. 

A Pre-OFSAA Cross-Country Race will be held on Friday, September 27, 2013. More than 825 athletes from over 50 high schools will get a preview of the courses on the trails surrounding the Laurentian University Community Track Complex.

Races will begin at 10:30 am in the stadium area and will continue through to the Senior Boys race at 1:45 pm.  There will be shuttle buses to the race site from the Bell Park parking lot on York Street. (Please note: With classes in session, there is limited parking on the Laurentian University campus.)

“Runners will be coming from the four corners of the province to see what Sudbury has to offer,” says Co-Convenor David Gallant.  “We were expecting the pre-OFSAA event to primarily attract northern high schools, but were pleasantly surprised by the distances some schools are travelling to run the upcoming OFSAA course. We are delighted with the enthusiastic participation.”

David Gallant of Espanola High School and Kerry Abols of Lockerby Composite School are convening the OFSAA Cross-Country Running Championships with a committee of volunteers from Rainbow District School Board, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board and the community at large.

Only OFSAA Track and Field is bigger than the OFSAA Cross-Country Running Championships. “In addition to the athletes, an equivalent number of coaches, trainers, parents/guardians and spectators will attend,” says Gallant. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to our great community as we showcase the best cross-country runners in Ontario.”

Students will compete in seven races ranging from the three kilometre Midget Girls race to the seven kilometre Senior Boys race as well as the three kilometre Para Race for athletes with developmental disabilities. 

 

“The races are free to the general public and will feature Canada’s future Olympians,” says Gallant.  “Only the top four individuals and the top two teams from each of Ontario’s 20 different associations make their way to the starting line. That makes for some very fast, competitive and exciting races.”

The first race of the day will be the Midget Girls race beginning at 10:15 a.m. and the Senior Boys will close out the day with their race at 2:15 p.m.  Following the competition, awards will be presented to the top eight individuals and the top eight teams in each race.

Adds Gallant: “The course will be quite a bit different than what most athletes from southern Ontario have had a chance to compete on.  It’s a gritty, hilly course that will push athletes to their limits.  It will be an exciting day.” 

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Media Contact:

David Gallant, Co-Convenor,

OFSAA Cross-Country Running Championships,

Work: (705) 869-1590 ext. 6244

Home: (705) 869-3109

Cell: (705) 862-0074

Email: [ mailto:[email protected] ][email protected]