To the excitement of many, the Burlington Chilly Half Marathon resumed as a live event, held on Sunday March 5th 2023. Kingston runners have collectively decided the Chilly Half is a choice race to participate. Directed by the effervescent Kelly Arnott, the Chilly Half is the perfect medium sized running event. It has all the hoopla and vibe of a big race, but it’s small enough to be accessible connecting with friends, watching the finish, moving about the downtown area. The event is well managed and every detail is considered.

A good number of Kingston runners converged on Burlington and participated in the Race. Despite the weather scare the day before with the substantial snowfall, the Chilly Half conditions were excellent. The course itself is reliably flat. The wind was minimal, temperatures were optimal, and even the sun came out to shine on all the smiling runners. A runner couldn’t ask for anything better. 

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Kingstonian hi-lights from the weekend

• Rob Kanko is considered an honorary Kingstonian who ran in Kingston for years. Although he moved away, the Kingston running community cheered him on ecstatic to see him win the Chilly Half. Congrats Rob.
  
• Kyle Harding ran a 3:36/km pace to land an impressive 1:15:43 finish; placing 30th overall, and 6/203 in his age cat; AND a personal best. This also landed him 77.1% age percent.
  
• Robert Almas was the next Kingston runner finishing at 1:21:36 (3:52/km pace), placing 79th overall, and 7th in his age cat; giving him 75.8% age percent.
  
• Robby Breadner broke the 1:30 barrier at 1:28:17, good enough for 4th/133 in his age category, and 77.9 age percent.
• Other Kingston runners who finished the event:
• Brad Ethier, 4:50/km pace (680th, overall)
• Luis Paico-Avilez, 4:51/km pace (698th overall)
• Wayne Rice, 18th in his age category, sub 1:50 finish
• John Burge, 23rd in his age cat.
• James Grant, top third, with a sub 1:50 finish
• Rianne Bates
• Pam Mundell, 35th in her age category
• Janet Shepherd, 44th in her age category
• Jim Malekos, 35th in his age category

Race Start

And they’re OFF. All 3000 of them. Did you run? Did you see yourself?

Race Winner Finish

Watch Rob Kanko’s win as he crosses the finish line.

Family connection

A very nice surprise was to bump into my family members Aunt Cindy and cousin Danielle Belanger who participated in this year’s race. Congrats to you both for your first Chilly Half. Great to see you out. Here is Cindy’s finish.