Saturday morning (East) Beaches 7, 9 or 11 km

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Sweat and Soda opened up this year as a cafe devoted to runners and cyclists. It has lockers (bring your own lock), healthy snacks as well as good coffee and tea. They even have both a ginger kombucha and a cold brew coffee on tap!

We'll meet at Sweat and Soda at 9:00 am, to begin our run at 9:10 am.

9 km (main route) option:

From Jones we will run east on Queen two blocks to Leslie, south to Lake Shore Blvd., then east along the mixed use path (on the north side of Lake Shore Blvd.) to Coxwell, crossing over Lake Shore Blvd. to the south side of the road at the traffic lights, then continuing on the bike/running trail into Ashbridges Bay Park and following it eastward.

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At the bath house switch over from the paved path to the boardwalk. When you reach the end of the boardwalk (at Silver Birch, beyond which there is only sand) turn around and double back heading west.

Here's your map of the route:

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7 km option:

Same as 9 km except when running the Boardwalk turn back at Kew Gardens (where you will see the hockey rink and beach lawn bowling clubhouse):

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11 km option:

Those wishing to run a little further can stay on the boardwalk that becomes the Martin Goodman Trail Boardwalk wrapping around Woodbine Beach then Ashbridges Bay point and Yacht Club, getting an extra 2 km in before joining back with the main route at Coxwell:

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After the run, we'll all meet back at Sweat and Soda where we can warm up and re-hydrate with excellent tea, coffee, or kombucha tea (on tap!).

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What you need: good running shoes, dress for winter weather including long running pants, a jacket, gloves, a cap or toque. If you don't have running gear yet, consider going to the Black Toe (Bathurst and King) or Running Room (multiple locations across the city) and asking for their advice. Come hydrated.

And remember, this event is eligible for the monthly draw for a free pass for two classes generously donated by MiBody Health and Fitness. You can use it for any class, such as boot camp or yoga. My personal experience is that these are all great cross training, beneficial for maintaining overall body strength. January's winner will be drawn at our High Park run on Sunday January 29th. You don't have to be there, by coming out for this event you'll be entered. I'll send you a message that afternoon to announce the winner.