‘A fun, festive introduction to fall’: The Fredericton Fall Classic Road Race returns

Runners taking off from the starting line at the 42nd Fredericton Fall Classic Road Race (Credit: Paul Jordan Photography)

The Capital City Road Runner annual Fredericton Fall Classic Road Race took place from Sept. 20 to Sept. 21.

Started in 1983, the 42nd edition of the race included cash prizes for the 5km, 10km and half-marathon events. 

Along with the money, prizes of pies, syrups and jams were offered to the top three of every age group.

“It's kind of a fun, festive introduction to fall and we have a great course and everyone seems to kind of have fun,” said Sarah Young, the race director. 

Young has been in charge of the race since 2022. She joined the committee in 2018 as a member of the Capital City Road Runners.

"I wanted to be involved in the club and wanted to be part of the race and make sure it runs smoothly and keeps going,” she said.

Over 900 people registered to run this year, with 786 finishing the event they signed up for. 

The majority of the runners were from Fredericton. Other competitors came from across the Maritimes and one participant came from Denver, Colorado. 

The most popular event was the half-marathon, followed by the 10km race.

First-time 10km participant Elizabeth Anderson decided to get involved after running with her fiancé. They started training back in June by going on two to three short runs per week until she worked up the endurance for a 10km.

“We set two goals. One goal was to run it without stopping. The other goal was to prepare for it, leading up to it. So, really keeping track of our runs,” she said.

“The biggest thing was we didn't really care about time. [My fiancé] really wanted me and I really wanted myself to be able to run it without stopping. So having that one goal really helps keep you mentally on track.”

Anderson was happy with the support she had during the race. Along with having a few friends running with her as well, her parents were there to cheer her on from the crowd. 

Apart from the large crowd of spectators, multiple encouraging volunteers dotted the track.

Members of the Fredericton Police Force kept the roads clear of traffic, while other volunteers took care of the water spots along the way.

“There was a lady around the 2.5km mark with a bull horn that was funny and everyone was always cheering and so happy. It was such a good environment, such a good atmosphere,” said Anderson.

This year, the club shared the event profits with the local YMCA’s Strong Communities Campaign. Young added that the majority of volunteers are people returning year after year to help out.

When asked if she would take part in the Fall Classic next year, Anderson said that she’ll definitely try the 10km again.

“I don't know if I'm going to be running marathons anytime soon, but it was really encouraging that I was able to run it without stopping and it kind of motivated me to want to run it again and maybe even try and push a little further and further.”