Race Rating: 2009 Toronto Pearson Runway Run 5km

I'm going back to June to do my first race rating using the system I created and outlined in this previous post. The 2009 Toronto Pearson Runway Run is a very unique 5km race that takes place on a runway at Pearson Airport in Toronto, parallel to a runway that is fully active. It is an out and back course that is very wide with absolutely no chance of getting boxed in!

Here's the report card with individual scores and comments in brackets:

1. Bathroom facilities - 0 (they existed but were too few and there was no 'natural facilities')
2. Race day organization - 3 (very organized considering how secure an airport of that size is - thought for a moment that the start was behind because of poor organization but it was because they were waiting for fighter jet to fly by to signal start of race - very cool)
3. Course scenery - 3 (what more can you say? airplanes taking off and landing right beside you...)
4. Course creativity - 3 (it's a runway at a very busy international airport! what more needs to be said?)
5. Value - 3 (great value - definitely get your money's worth)
6. Shirt or gift - 3 (shirt was the same as last year but it is a nice, subtle design)
7. Parking availability - 3 (no issues with parking)
8. Website quality - 2 (an off-shoot of the GTAA website. could be more detailed with last year's results and more pictures)
9. Online registration - 3 (no problems)
10. Accessible for spectators - 1 (very little access due to security reasons)
11. Convenience of race packet pickup - 3 (pickup at Running Room in Mississauga or race morning at the event)
12. Pre-race expo - 0 (non-existent)
13. Entertainment on course - 0 (non-existent and not possible)
14. Post race food - 2 (the same - bananas, apples, cookies and bagels)
15. Race day vendors/exhibitors - 1 (really lacking this year - kind of a disappointment)
16. Volunteers / marshalls / police & emergency services support - 3 (awesome!)

Final Score: 33 out of a possible 48 points.