The 2022 edition of the VIRA Island Race Series Synergy Management Ltd. Bazan Bay 5K is set to take place on April 10th at 11am. The event starts on Lochside Drive at Tulista Park. It is the final race of the series. The Synergy Management Ltd. Bazan Bay 5K is fast, fun and fabulous.
The course is along the beautiful ocean front in Sidney on Lochside Dr. Many people end up getting personal bests at the Bazan Bay 5k. In 2015, I ran a personal best on this course.
You can pick up your race bib on Saturday, April 9th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at Frontrunners Shelbourne or on race day between 9am and 10:30am.
Series awards and cheque presentation to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation will take place after the race.
As the VIRA Island Race Series draws to a close, I am grateful that I’ve been able to take part in this amazing run series for yet another year.
BAZAN BAY 5K COURSE DESCRIPTION AND MAP:
Above: Bazan Bay 5k course map.
The Bazan Bay 5k is a favorite amongst many elite and beginner runners alike. The reason why this race is so popular with runners of all levels is because it offers a fast and flat out and back course.
Even if you have never done a 5k before, you will enjoy this event and the gorgeous ocean views.
If you are seeking to run a personal best, then you should definitely be at the Bazan Bay 5k.
As you run 2.5km southbound on Lochside Drive towards the turnaround point, you will notice one thing- NO hills and the path is practically straight.
The 2.5k turnaround point is just before Cy Hampson Park.
Then, you will return to the finish line at Tulista Park, ideally just as quickly (if not quicker) than you got to the turnaround point.
Above: I’m #268 engaged in a battle to the finish with #8 at the 2015 Bazan Bay. The strategy that I described in this post resulted in a PB that year. Photo by Chris Kelsall.
5K RACE TIPS:
When racing a 5k, you simply do not have enough distance to be too conservative at the start, although you still shouldn’t start too fast.
Your first mile (of the 3.11 mile race) should be relatively conservative compared to the rest of the run but not too conservative. If you start too slow, you will have a harder time hitting your target pace later in the race,
After the turnaround point, you will need to really increase your effort in order to run faster. If, leading up to the halfway point, you were 3 seconds per km slower than your target pace, you will need to pick it up a bit. Luckily, at that point, you will be over halfway done.
This is where you will benefit from keeping pace with a few runners who are going slightly faster than you. Try to stay with that group as much as you can. Let them pull you along. Draft if you must. Try to stay relaxed and keep your cadence high.
If you’re trying for a personal best, you must recognize that no matter who you are or how fast you run, the last 2k will be tough.
The last km is a good time for you to find a few people ahead of you and try to catch them.
The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the event. Registration closes at 6pm on Friday, April 8th and you can register online HERE. I look forward to seeing you there!