Carleton Place to host ‘Race Around the Place’ event this weekend

Excitement is building for the weekend ahead as Carleton Place prepares to welcome runners from across Ontario for the first-ever Race Around the Place on Saturday, Oct. 25, a community event that combines fitness and fun, while supporting the Lanark County Food Bank.

Runners of all levels can take part in a half marathon, 10K, or 5K, with each course showcasing the town’s scenic beauty — from its historic downtown streets to its picturesque trails. With the race approaching, Carleton Place Tourism shared their Information Centre has been a hub of activity all week as they handed out race kits to participants travelling from communities across the province.

“The event started as an idea between three friends — all local business owners and members of a Saturday morning run club — who wanted to bring something new and exciting to Carleton Place,” said Kevin Cosgrove, one of the official organizers and founders of Race Around the Place. “What began as casual runs through town grew into a shared dream of creating a community event that celebrates fitness, friendship, and the beautiful spaces we get to enjoy here.”

According to Cosgrove, the creation of the event truly embodies the phrase ‘it takes a village.’ He elaborated, “Between the organizing committee, community partners, and on-the-ground race day crew, around 100 volunteers are helping to bring this event to life.”

With 510 participants registered across the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon distances, organizers are thrilled with the successful turnout for the inaugural event. “Add in families, friends, and supporters lining the course, local small businesses and we’re expecting a couple thousand people to be part of race day in some way,” Cosgrove told Lanarkist.

Amid the growing pre-race enthusiasm, town officials have noted that this influx of visitors may temporarily affect local operations. According to a release from the town, the community will experience some road closures and traffic delays throughout the morning as race participants make their way through local streets and trails.

To accommodate for the runners and walkers using residential streets and trails, minor detours and delays expected throughout the morning. Moore Street from Munro Street to Lake Avenue will be closed from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while Bridge Street -from Lake Avenue to Townline Road – will be closed from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. In addition, High Street will be reduced to one lane between Bridge Street and Lockhard Campbell Way during the race.

Town officials would like to preemptively thank the public for their patience and cooperation in helping make Race Around the Place a safe and successful community event.

Readers can follow Race Around the Place on Facebook and Instagram (@racearoundtheplace), or visit their website for updates, photos, and announcements about future races.