All posts tagged with: Course

Photo Credit: Corey Ouellet

While the half marathon got off to a bit of a late start, the full marathon gun went off right at 8:00am. The field of elite runners took off and lead the charge, the police motorcade and bike patrol just in front ensuring their safety. The usually warm sun took a toll on the elite runners and no new course records were set.

Thomas Omwenga, of Hamilton, Ontario, was the first place finisher overall with a time of 2:24:08, followed by Calgary, Alberta’s, Benard Onsare, just fractions of a moment behind at 2:24:10.

It wasn’t just the elite competitors that found the course difficult to race in because of the heat, all the marathon runners felt the impact of the soaring temperatures as they struggled to complete the journey along the 42.2km course.

Water stations proved to be popular walk-break spots as runners grabbed multiple cups of water at each station, both to drink and to douse themselves with. Runners were also treated to cold, water-logged sponges, Mr. Freezies, and sprinklers, all in an attempt to keep them cool. Medical crews did an outstanding job to quickly identify and treat participants who appeared to be suffering from dehydration.

The marathon event brings thousands to the streets to cheer on the runners. The course was lined with hand-made motivational signs for friends, family members, and strangers alike, people cheering and shouting words of encouragement, and most importantly, thousands of volunteers ensuring a safe and secure course for participants.

This was the second year for the new course, and vetrans of the inaugural run in 2012 proved to provide great resource for first-timers. From Camosun Hill at kilometer 9, to the Burrard Bridge peaking at the 30km mark, to the sneaky hill at 41k coming off the seawall up to West Georgia, it is a fun, scenic and energy-driving course. The long, flat sections through Spanish Banks and along Vancouver’s famous seawall are anything but boring. The biggest mental challenge of the course is passing the 32km mark; not only are you fighting metal breakdown and emotions, but the seawall is closed to the public and there are only a handful of people to cheer you on, perhaps a blessing while you feel your worst, striving to do your best at the hardest part of the course. But the last kilometer makes it all worth it as you dash down West Georgia and onto Pender Street, into the heart of Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver, with a street filled with thousands of spectators cheering you on and a giant RUN | VAN finish banner hanging proudly overhead.

Photo Credit: Mary Sheridan

There is little doubt why the BMO Vancouver Marathon has been rated as one of the top 10 marathons by Forbes magazine. The course is spectacular, the energy is amazing, and the organizers and volunteers have done a hell of a great job in putting together such a fine event!

Personal Results:

• Gun Time: 3:46:21
• Chip Time: 3:45:54
• Overall: 773/4,959 (top 14%)
• Gender: 586/2813 (top 21%)
• Male 30-34: 118/426 (top 28%)
• Average Pace: 5:22
• 13.3km: 1:06:41
• 21.1km: 1:45:15
• 30.5km: 2:39:03

Registration is now open for the 2013 BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run. The beautiful point-to-point half marathon race, held on the stunning Sunshine Coast, starts in Gibsons and ends in Sechelt.

The race starts in the centre of Gibsons and for the first few kilometers zig-zags through the residential neighbourhoods. The majority of the race is along tranquil country roads and through beautiful pine and cedar forests. The final stretch to the finish line finds runners racing down the well-marked rural highway.

While the course is a net downhill there are a few major hills to climb. The entire route has course marshals keeping participants on the right route at every turn. There are aid stations located at 5.5k, 11k, 15k and 18.5k serving both water and Gatorade.

The BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run is a major community event. Local residents come out to watch and cheer for the hundreds of long-distance runners as they make their way from start to finish.

Finished with a half marathon personal best: 1:39:36!

At the finish line there is plenty of recovery food and beverages, sponsored by local businesses. Just a few steps from the finish line is a wonderful beach to take in the fresh coastal air and to take a moment to peacefully reflect upon the race. From the finish line, there are free shuttle buses to take participants back to Gibsons.

For anyone who is preparing for the BMO Vancouver Marathon, this is a fantastic spring race to gauge the progression of your training and to test your marathon race day strategy.

BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run

• Date: Sunday, April 7, 2013
• Time: 9:30am Start
• Race Entry Fee: $35 Jan 1–Feb 15, $40 Feb 16–Mar 15, $50 after Mar 15 ($2 discount for 19&U and 60+)
• Register Online: Events Online or Running Room

Race package includes a pair of blue BMO running gloves, chip timing, and finishers medal. A brightly coloured commemorative technical shirt can be purchased at time of registration for an additional fee. Participants can also order a personalized finisher medal insert with their name and finish time.There is a free gear check in the morning at the Gibsons Community Centre.

For participants from out of town, there is a free shuttle bus from the BC Ferries terminal to the start line the morning of the event. The start time in 2013 has been adjusted to start later to accommodate anyone coming over on the early ferry sailing.

The official race hotel is the Cedars Inn Hotel and Convention Centre, and there are other local accommodations including Bed and Breakfasts in the area.

Read the 2012 BMO Sunshine Coast April Fools Run recap.

Photo Credit: Mary Sheridan

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. On Sunday, September 30, with a mix of sun and clouds and cool autumn temperatures, the inaugural Surrey International World Music Marathon was underway.

The course for the full and half marathon events was the same; the half marathoners ran the 21.1km course a single time, and the full marathoners made a second lap. The elevation map made the route seem relatively easy, however, many experienced runners were caught off-guard on race-day once on the course. The route is full of twists, turns, steep downhill’s and long, steady uphill’s.

Overall the course is extremely beautiful, as it winds through residential and parklands. Well over half of the course is on secondary streets or parks, however, there are a number of sections of the course where runners are at close odds with traffic on some busier roads.

Volunteers worked extra hard to ensure the route was well marked and course-marshals were on-hand to ensure people were headed in the right direction.

It was evident on why the event has World Music in the title. Throughout the course, participants pass numerous stations where different music themes from around the world are presented. Brazil, India, Korea and Scotland were just a few of the countries that were represented along the course.

Operationally, the course was well set-up, the organizers ran a tight schedule, and things appeared to be well executed.

Photo Credit: Mary Sheridan

Two things in particular stuck out an executed exceptionally well. The finishers medal certainly is one of the biggest and most impressive pieces of bling for a half and full marathon event. Secondly, the half and full marathoners received a beautiful Adidas technical shirt that screamed quality and warranted many participants to wear it for the race and afterward.

The Health and Sports Expo was also well organized. Outdoors there was music and entertainment, and indoors a host of vendors from massage and nutritional supplements, to fitness programs and gadgets for runners.

Overall, for a first event, organizers deserve a huge congratulations. Pulling off both half and full marathon events is no small task. Well done!

Personal Standings

Overall, I’m extremely happy with my results for this race. I went into this race looking forward to getting back into long-distance races after taking the summer off training, to enjoy the scenery and have fun, and to be part of an exciting event in Surrey.

• Gun Time: 1h 45m 09s
• Chip Time: 1h 45m 08s
• Pace: 4:59m/km
• Overall Placement: 113/1029
• Gender Placement: 91/439
• M30-34: 13/40

Brian Webb finishes the 2012 Abbotsford Run For Water in 3h 54m 04s

New course records and many personal bests were set this past weekend in Abbotsford as over 4,000 participants took to the streets for the 2^nd annual Run for Water road running races. The highlight races of the weekend were the 55km ultra marathon with 18 participants, on Saturday, May 26, and the 42.2km marathon, with approximately 175 participants, on Sunday, May 27.

Known as the fastest and flattest marathon course in the lower mainland, the course started off with a nice 6km downhill departing the streets of Abbotsford and heading to the Sumas boarder. The next 30km took the runners through the scenic countryside of the Sumas Prairies. The course re-joins the first 6km, all the way up-hill back to the finish line.

The Abbotsford Run For Water feels like a true cross-country race. The long country roads give the sense that you can just open up and run for miles. Best of all, because there were only 175 participants, the course was truly at your own pace and became a personal race; not a race against others.

Water stations were positioned approximately every three kilometers along the course and were well stocked with water, Gatorade and Power Gel nutrition. It was noted by a few participants that there were some aid stations towards the end of the marathon course that were serving what seemed to be lemonade, which confused a lot of people. Most stations had restroom facilities.

The volunteers, course marshals, first aid attendances and officials did a wonderful job at putting on the race and keeping the course free of obstacles so the participants could focus on their goal; to cross the finish line.

The finish line was well organized with volunteers greeting each finisher and awarding them with a finishers medal and plaque. The Run for Water was almost appropriately named because at the end of the course, the water was at the end of the cool-down zone, not following the medals – which confused a number of the finishers.

Marathon finishers received a special plaque

There were also 5km, 10km and half marathon races held on Sunday, May 27. Participants each received a t-shirt and finishers received the coveted finishers medal.

So far this year I have completed six timed road running races with personal bests in 5km, 10km and half marathon. Although I did not set a personal best in the Abbotsford Run for Water, I am exteremly happy with my finish time of 3:54:04; not too many runners complete two marathon races in three weeks. Here are my official race stats:

• Gun Time: 3:54:09
• Chip Time: 3:54:04
• Average Pace: 5:33 / km
• Male 30-39: 11 of 18
• Male Overall: 55 of 113
• Overall: 71 of 175

It’s fast. It’s flat. It’s scenic. It’s for charity. This Sunday, May 27, up to 4,500 marathon runners will take to the roads of the Fraser Valley for the Abbotsford Run for Water marathon.

The Boston qualifying marathon event starts off at 7am in at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford. The 42.2km (26.6mi) course winds through Abbotsford’s agricultural lands and Sumas Prairie.

Last minute race entries will be accepted at the Abbotsford Running Room until May 25 and the Race Expo, held at the Bakerview Eco Dairy (1356 Sumas Way) on Saturday, May 26 (9am – 4pm). Late registration fees are $100 for the full marathon, and $80 for the half marathon. Race fee includes a technical shirt (long sleeve for marathon / short sleeve for half marathon), finisher medal and post-race snacks and beverages.

On course hydration and nutrition will be provided by PowerBar. Aid stations are located approximately every 3km. There will be marathon pace bunnies for 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, and 5:00 hours.

In addition to the Sunday marathon events, there will be an ultra-marathon held on Saturday, May 26. There are 20 registered participants for the 63.3km event, including Canadian adventurer and ultra runner, Ray Zahab. Ray has ran 1,200km across the Atacama Desert, the Death Valley off-road, and across the entire Sahara Desert!

Proceeds from the weekends events and donations collected will go to HOPE International Development Agency, a Canadian not-for-profit organization. The funds will be used to deliver clean drinking water to the world’s poorest in southern Ethiopia.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

After 17 weeks of training, and personal bests in 5km, 10km and half-marathons this spring running season, it all led up to my big moment – the BMO Vancouver Marathon – a brand new 42.2km course which garnered attention from the international running community and Forbes Magazine.

The day started off at a cool 4’c with clear, blue sunny skies as the race started off at 8:00am. Over 5,000 elite and dedicated marathon runners lined up for their big moment, myself included. With the singing of O’Canada by Mark Donnelly, the gun went off and the race for the finish line was on.

The course was fantastic and the energy was amazing. Passing through each neighbourhood there streets were lined with spectators the entire route enthusiastically cheering on the runners and holding signs of encouragement.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Of course the marathon would not have been such a success without the army of volunteers who helped put on the event. From handing out water, Gatorade, gels and bars, to ensuring the course was safely laid out and monitored throughout the morning – it was a job well done. Along the course the cheer stations and music challenges kept the participants motivated and spectators entertained and a great buzz in the atmosphere.

Also new on the course was the increase in water stations – every mile located along the 42km course. For this year the water stations proved to be invaluable as temperatures skyrocketed into the 15’c+ range. Many participants after the race comments how they quickly became dehydrated along the course, impacting their overall time.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

The last 2.2km of the course was a gentle uphill slope, but the streets were lined with enthusiastic crowds. It was an emotional feeling of running through the streets of downtown Vancouver and feeling the overwhelming support along the final home stretch. It made the pain disappear and the finish line so much more rewarding.

Overall the new course has been welcomed by the running community and will be looked up as a new challenge and benchmark for the years to come.

Thank you for the encouragement from my online community who supported me on my marathon training journey, friends who endeared another season of my training, and the amazing pace-leaders and clinic members from Denman Running Room. A special thank you to everyone who came out to volunteer, cheer and help put on a fantastic race day.

Most importantaly, an extra big thank you for my race day hero’s, Jay Minter and Billy Hurr, for their outstanding race support. They were amazing – from grabbing my water belt that I forgot at home (which they delivered to me 7km into the race!),  and cheering me on at 5 separate locations along the course, to tossing me fresh water bottles, taking photos and keeping everyone informed on social media of my progress along the race.

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

Although I did not set a new personal best on this run, I really enjoyed the new course and I am looking forward to running it again. Here are my final results:

• Gun Time: 3:50:40
• Chip Time: 3:50: 36
• Place Overall: 1099 / 5000 (top 22%)
• Pace: 5:28 / km
• Male 30-34: 133/325 (top 41%)
• Male Overall: 835/2396 (top 35%)
• First Half: 1:45:48 / Second Half: 2:04:49

Photo Credit: Jay Minter

For the last 19 weeks I have been dedicated to my largest physical challenge of the year, the BMO Vancouver Marathon. After months of training in the rain, snow, and sun with my Running Room clinic group members, on Sunday, May 6 at 8am the true test will begin, and I need your help.

The 42.2km BMO Vancouver Marathon course is brand new for 2012. There are many challenges along the way – long hills early in the race, steep descents downhill and fast flat sections that go for miles on end. What keeps a marathon runner going? Seeing friends and family along the race route!

This year I have prepared a detailed race plan. Each kilometer along the 42.2 km course I have estimated by time. My plan is to run at an average km pace of 4m 50s, with a 1 minute walk break after every 20 minutes of walking (which averages out to somewhere around 5 minutes per kilometer).

My bib number is 1054. I will be wearing one of two outfits:

Photo Credits: Jay Minter

Fair weather:

• Sun glasses
• BMO blue gloves
• Light blue shirt
• Black shorts
• Black water belt with grey water bottles
• Orange and grey Nike shoes

Inclement weather:

• Sun glasses (depending on how hard it’s raining)
• BMO blue gloves
• Bright green long-sleeve shirt
• Black running tights
• Black water belt with grey water bottles
• Orange and grey Nike shoes

I will try to run with / near the 3:30 pace bunny. At times I may be with, slightly ahead or slightly behind the pace bunny – give or take a few minutes – but generally speaking I should be right on track with the bunny. The “pace bunny” will be carrying a “3:30” placard and will have on a Running Room shirt and running hat with pink bunny ears. Pace bunnies are usually found with large groups of people running with them. They pace the entire course with the intention of finishing the marathon at their estimated time (although it is not a guarantee).

Here’s where you come in. I have identified some key spots along the marathon route that I know are exceptionally challenging. These are locations (continue reading below), that I really need to see familiar faces to cheer me through the most grueling parts of the race. Please sign-up to cheer at a specific location by leaving a comment in this blog post.

No, you don’t have to be at the start line at 8:00am (actually it’s better that you’re not at the start line because I’ll be in pre-race concentration mode, it’ll be hard to get to and tons of people around), and no, I do not expect you to stand outside for an hour or more waiting for me. My detailed race plan has many specific locations and times that are a fair estimate of when I am expecting to pass through. Just be sure I would suggest arriving 5-10 minutes in advance of the posted time (in case I’m ahead of my planned time) and plan to stay 5-10 minutes extra in case I am late (but technically you can leave as soon as you see me or stay to cheer on the other runners).

Click to enlarge

A good tip – search @br_webb on twitter to see if anyone has seen me running on the marathon route and what location I’m at. That should give you a good idea of where I am in the race. When you see me, tweet it! See #4 below!

In case you need help locating the specific cheer locations, here are the links to the locations on Google Maps:

• Camosun at 35th (Climbing the hill)
• Discovery St at NW Marine
• Chestnut St at Cornwall
• Two Thirds across Burrard Bridge Deck
• Foot of Chilco on Seawall
• Denman at Georgia St

Here are some cheer squad suggestions:

1. Make a sign! Most runners listen to music to keep them motivated while they run. Large, bright coloured signs are incredibly motivational. Stuff like “Keep going”, “I’m proud of you”, “Run Like You Stole Something”, “You’re Doing Great”, “Stay positive. Stay focused”, “Remember You Trained For This; You Earned It”, and “Remember Your Whisper Time” are all great and I know myself and the other runners would love to see you holding.
2. Write a personal message. If you don’t want to hold a sign – write with sidewalk chalk on the road! Thousands of people will see it – including me! Use the same motivational messages I listed above or write a personal message like “Go @br_webb!”
3. Horns, bells and noise-makers. Let’s face it – if you stand in one spot long enough your hands will get sore from clapping and your throat will be bothered from all the cheering. Grab a noise maker like a cowbell and let the runners know you’re there for them!
4. Tweet me! With the thousands of runners in the marathon how will you see me? Well, if you sign up for a location – be there at least 5 minutes in advance of the marked time in my race plan. Be in visible sight of the runners. I will be able to see you long before you’ll spot me! I’ll likely run in your direction and wave – I don’t often talk while I run because my energy is focused on the run. As I pass by you, tweet “I’m at ___________ and @br_webb just passed by at HH:MM in the @BMOVanMarathon. #RunVan” – please note, put in your specific location so people ahead who are reading twitter know if I’m on schedule or not. For HH:MM put the exact time you saw me pass. For example “I’m at  Camosun Hill and @br_webb just passed by at 8:52 on the @BMOVanMarathon. #RunVan”.
5. Tweet a photo! If you can, have your smart phone out and tweet a photo of me! Other people on twitter will be following along your tweets wondering where I am… and anyone further down the course will want to know what I look like so they can watch for me.
6. Meet at the Finish. When I cross the finish line I’ll have my finishers medal placed around my neck and go through a cool-down area off-limits to the general public. After a few minutes I’ll emerge. @jminter will be there so if you know him, he’ll give you directions. You can also plan to see me at the park at Thurlow and Cordova after I exit the finish area.

Come meet me at the finish line...

Again, I want to thank everyone including my friends for their patience over the past four months while I have undergone another amazing marathon race training journey, my fellow pace-group leaders, pace-group participants and other members of the Denman Running Room marathon training clinic, my family for their best-wishes during my training, and to the BMO Vancouver Marathon for our collaborative efforts and for having me as one of their official #VanRun bloggers.

In 2012 I have achieved all new personal bests in 5km, 10km and half-marathon races. Help me make my 2012 BMO Vancouver Marathon extra special by coming out and cheering me on!

I look forward to seeing you on the race route this Sunday!

It may seem like it’s a long ways away, but for avid marathon runners and the organizers of the 2012 BMO Vancouver Marathon, they can’t wait for Sunday, May 6 2012. It’s the day 5,000 full marathon and 10,000 half-marathon runners will gather at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver at the start line of the brand new point-to-point half and full marathon courses.

“We have completely revamped the courses with two new exciting journeys for runners,” said Race Director Jordan Myers. “Both the Marathon and Half Marathon routes are distinct point-to-point courses providing participants with an exciting new experience that responds to the feedback we received.”

The new full marathon course incorporates many of the well-known neighbourhoods on Vancouver’s west side including UBC, Spanish Banks, and English Bay. The Vancouver’s Parks Board was also excited to get involved in supporting the growing event and committed to closing the majority of the iconic seawall for the first time in history for the event. The full marathon course wraps around the entire perimeter of Stanley Park and ends in downtown Vancouver.

“It was our goal to give [participants] more scenery, more of the local neighbourhoods and more of the park,” said Myers. “Runners can experience the Vancouver marathon again for the first time!”

Half Marathon participants will run a completely separate course, making their way through West Side neighbourhoods, along the Stanley Park roadway and finishing downtown.  The half-marathon runners have a fast start down Cambie Street into downtown Vancouver where they will tour past Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks including sections of Yaletown, Chinatown, the West End, the famed Seawall, Stanley Park, Coal Harbour and finishing downtown.

Participants from both the full and half marathon courses will make their way to the new venue at Canada Place for refreshments, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.

The BMO Vancouver Marathon is one Canada’s oldest races, operated by the Vancouver International Marathon Society, a non-profit, volunteer run organization.  In 1972, 46 entrants ran around Stanley Park five times.  Today, the event draws runners from over 40 countries.

When I woke up on Sunday, May 1, I knew my four months of marathon training was about to pay off as I put on my gear to run the 40th Annual BMO Vancouver Marathon.

It was a perfect morning. Clear, blue sunny skies, cooler air for the rain the day prior, and a body that was full of energy for the day’s events.

Every race event I’ve been to has been full of energy, but this one was different. Jay and I had a well thought-out plan for the entire morning, we knew our responsibilities and we were prepared.

Also bringing peace, calm and harmony to the early morning start was seeing so many of the familiar faces of the members from the Denman Running Room who I had spent so much time training with. I put all my trust into their program and I was anxious to feel the results.

Although I had trained for a 3h 30m finish time, I had to re-evaluate after being out of training for over four weeks due to multiple injuries. As a result, I lost out on valuable speed and endurance training. As I approached the start line I was prepared to run with the 3h 45m pace group.

I remember June James from the Running Room telling us you have to set three goal times:

1. To complete the race
2. The goal time you think you will run and be happy with (3:45)
3. Whisper time – the time we secretly tell ourselves we want to achieve when we feel inside we are prepared for our best run day ever.

I had spend the days leading up to race day mentally preparing for “to complete the race”, but when I got up race morning and got to the start line for the 3:45 pace group, the energy felt wrong. Like I had the energy to do better. I shifted to the 3:40 pace group

When the shotgun when off to start the race I crossed the start matt with the 3:40 group. They were running 10 and 1’s; I had trained for 20 and 1’s. My training has taught me to start off slow and to trust the pace bunny’s speed. I did exactly that.

After the first 10km were over I felt like I had got into my rhythm and was ready to excel. From that point I was off on my own, managing the course on my own. I maintained my pace and moved to 20 and 1’s. I was paying attention to my hydration and nutrition levels and felt very confident.

I breezed through all the water and nutrition stations having learned in training that you should never rely on on-course supplies, especially because our bodies have been adapted to using specific products. Race day is not the day to try something new!

Along the route I had planned to see Jay and Ross, which they were anxiously awaiting me at every point and cheered me on. I also saw other friends along the route including Steve. When you see someone you know along the race route who is cheering you on, it gives a giant boost of energy and feeling of purpose, that you instantly forget your pain and continue on with renewed excitement.

During training I had only ran up to 32km. When I hit km 30, I could feel the pain in my legs. I popped an Advil and kept on running.

At km 32, I passed John, another member of my Running Room training group. He was already headed towards km 34.

At the top of the hill at km 33, the furthers point in the entire course from the finish line, my body was screaming for hydration. I stopped at the water station for water but was handed a sport drink. I could feel it instantly upset my stomach, which thankfully only lasted about half a km.

I felt in control the rest of the way through Kits. The crowds along the street helped keep me going.

I knew km 37 – 40 were going to be the toughest. It’s the point in the course with long, steep hills. I couldn’t maintain my 20 and 1 tempo and dropped back to 10 and 1’s. I could feel the lactic acid weighting down my legs and the gels in my stomach starting to sit heavy. By km 38 the 3:40 pace group had caught up.

As I approached the Burrard Bridge the 3:40 pace group over-took me. On the way up the bridge deck I could feel my heart sink as I saw the group get further and further ahead. By the time I had crested the bridge, the 3:40 pace group was easily two full city blocks ahead of me. It was at that point I had to make a decision – finish in advance of 3:40, go for complete.

I chose to go for it and by km 41 I had caught back up to the 3:40 pace group. With only 1.2 km left to go, I asked if there was going to be any more walk breaks and the pace bunny said no because there was only about six minutes left in the run.

Although I was extremely tired, my body was exhausted and my legs were in pain, I knew I had to push on. I mustered up what little energy was left in my body and continued to run ahead of pace towards the finish line.

So many times my body kept asking to take a walk break, but with the cheering from the people lining the streets and knowing I only had moments left before I would complete my first every marathon, I knew I could not stop.

I sprinted the last half kilometer to the finish line. I don’t remember hearing anything other than the beats of the music as my feet pounded forward. I knew there were friends waiting for me.

As I approached the finish line I remembered two key things:

1. To take out my ear buds as I crossed the first matt in advance of the finish line so I could hear them call my name – to which I almost cried
2. To listen to June’s advice to run across the finish line, ‘upright and smiling’, with my arms proudly above my head.

Once I crossed the finish line I wanted my medal so bad. I had worked so hard to wear the blue ribbon around my neck.

Making the moment even more exciting was to see Jeremy greeting me at the finish line. Jeremy was my 3:30 pace leader at the Running Room had he was instrumental in keeping me on track, motivated and focused during training.

Once I caught my breath I walked out of the finishers area and joined up with friends. Knowing there were people waiting to see me after my biggest athletic achievement made me feel so proud.

As accredited media for the BMO Vancouver Marathon, I also had the unique opportunity to be able to be on the finish line at the time Charlie Bewley crossed the finish line. Charlie is best known for playing the character, Demetri, in the Twilight movie series. It was exciting to hear first-hand Charlie’s first words and comments as he completed his ultra-marathon challenage (a 21.1km half marathon followed immediately by a 42.2km full-marathon).

I ended the morning event by rejoining my friends for a celebratory bottle of champagne and hugs.

This was by-far one of the most exciting running events I have ever attended and it was well-worth the four months of dedicated training.

My final stats: 

• Place Overall: 568/3225
• Place in Sex: 470/1827
• Place in Division: 81/246
• Pace in Minutes/km: 5:13
• Finish Time: 3:39:53

The TC10K will have a new course for 2011. The 22nd annual race takes place on Sunday, May 1, 2011. The previous out and back route will be replaced with a loop course that takes in downtown Victoria and Dallas Road.

The new route starts at Government and Belleville, heading north on Government/Wharf to Johnson, east on Johnson, south on Vancouver, east on Richardson, south on Moss, east on May, south on Memorial to Dallas Rd. The course then continues on Dallas, following the former route, finishing in front of the Legislative Building.

“We have been working with the city of Victoria for over a year to develop a new one loop course for the TC10K. This is exciting as it will allow the race to continue to grow and with any luck we will achieve our goal of 10% of the population participating,” said Race Director, Jacqui Sanderson.

The course will see less congestion at critical points on route and allow more spectators to view the race.

“The new course is very spectator friendly, and there will be many opportunities for family and friends to cheer on participants,” said Sanderson.

“The TC10K is an event that our city looks forward to every year. Whether you’re running, walking, rolling or watching, it is a family event that celebrates our active lifestyles,” said Mayor Dean Fortin.

To register, click here.

This Sunday, November 21 is the last big race of 2010 in Vancouver ~ the Fall Classic, at UBC. The half-marathon is a double loop – 11.1km on the first loop and a standard 10km on the second. They do this to keep the course as flat as possible.

Register online before Friday, or in person (cash only) on Saturday and Sunday.

Race routes and entry fees:

• 5k - $50
• 10 k - $60
• 21.1 half - $70

Race Central is located at the Student Recreation Centre (SRC) at UBC with the start line positioned along Student Union Boulevard.

• 8:30amHalf Marathon starts
• 9:30am10k start
• 10:00am5k start

Volunteers are still needed. Contact them today.

For more information, visit the Fall Classic website.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to run in the BMO Okanagan Half Marathon – or as John Stanton, founder of the Running Room so kindly called  it, the Full Half Marathon.

On Saturday morning I flew into Kelowna and went directly to the race expo. It was well set-up. There were lots of exhibitors and the place was alive. This was in part because there was a 3k warm-up fun-run, a 5k run and the kids run all happening that morning – so there were lots of people around and the atmosphere was energized for the race. My dad even commented had he not been sick he would easily have registered to run the half marathon with me.

The race package pick-up was very smooth and well organized. Just like any other race – you find your bib number on the wall and then go to the pick-up area to claim your package  and then double-check your chip at the chip-check area. There was lots of coffee, fruit and snacks on hand too. Even all the sponsors were out in full-force.

John Stanton gave a great morning welcome to the group and provided some helpful tips for the participants to get ready over the next 24 hours for their big day. This information was a great friendly reminder and was well received by the crowd. The Race Director then went over the entire course and set expectations. He explained how they worked closely with the City of Kelowna to come up with the new course.

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The next morning we arrived about 15 minutes before the half marathon began. It was very easy to find street parking in Kelowna – we parked about 5 blocks from City Park – which would have been impossible had we have been in a larger centre like Vancouver.

I was all hyped up for the run to begin. I went inside the race expo tent and picked up my complimentary BMO race gloves – which would prove to be invaluable throughout the duration of the run. I handed my backpack to my dad, got down to my race clothing and off I went to the start line to meet my 1:45:00 race bunny.

About 4 minutes before the run began the skies let loose and it began to pour rain. Sure, it had been forecasted, but it’s the Okanagan and usually it’s just a passing shower. Not in this case. The majority of the run it was either raining or sprinkling; I’m not saying it was a bad thing – I’d much rather run in a sprinkle of rain than have it 33′c like it was for the Underwear Affair this June in Vancouver!

Overall my comments on the race route was that it was well marked. My dad and I had tried to drive the race route based on the map that was provided but honestly, the map was so confusing we got turned around at least 3 or 4 times – and I was born in the Okanagan and spend a lot of time in Kelowna- so this wasn’t new territory for either of us. My recommendation for next year – work out a better route map with clearer markers and more landmarks.

Again, on race day the course was extremely well marked. There were pylons lining the street and volunteer course marshals were on every corner. On the busier intersections there were RCMP officers with marked vehicles along with volunteers – ensuring all the participants knew where to go and could cross major intersections safely.

I’ve run many larger races in the past, so it was odd being on a longer, spread-out course with only 3,500 people. I paced the second half of the run with two very beautiful girls ahead of me. They were my motivation for sure! I owe them a big thank you!

What makes every single run memorable and worth every moment are the people who line the streets and cheer for the participants. About every 3 or 4kms there were people on the corners holding big black signs with pink writing that said, “Stay Strong” – this was so encouraging. The families who lined the street cheering for friends and family, the volunteers who clapped and shouted words of encouragement, and the cowbells that rang – all were appreciated!

The part that honestly almost made me cry with deep emotion were the four lovely ladies I saw along the race route who proudly wore their Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games “blue coats”. I was a volunteer at the Vancouver 2010 Games and I can attest to the importance of volunteers – and as each time I saw one one along this course I remembered the strength our Canadian athletes gave at the Games and it made me feel proud and encouraged me to keep going even harder.

There were also plenty of water stations along the route. It was my understanding there was only supposed to be one Gu-Gel station along the route but apparently there were three or four – which was a pleasant surprise. Next year I would like to see Power Bar as a major sponsor of the BMO Okanagan event.

Along the course there were many photographers. I could not tell which ones were official so I had to pose for them all. It would be nice to have obvious markers for those that are official race photographers and which are media – so we, the participants, can be prepared when we need to ‘strike a pose’!

The end of the race was not my favourite part. Once I crossed the line the BMO staff member should have smiled and proudly placed my finishers medal around my neck – instead he almost seemed to be embarrassed to hand me my medal and I had to put it on myself. It wasn’t the warm, friendly BMO finish I had expected.

Once I had my medal I was greeted by a huge crowd lining the end of the very, very short finishers line. I walked out and immediately tried to find some water. My dad’s wife found me, congratulated and hugged me, and then my dad came and did the same. All I wanted was a bottle of water – which I knew my dad had with him because I had packed a bottle of Vitamin Water in my backpack he was carrying.

I changed into some dry clothes, took a moment to catch my breath and then went back into the race expo to find some water. All I could find was coffee, fruit, cookies and chips. Not a drop of water. Out front of the tent – just apples. I had to ask another race participant how to get water – which was apparently in the finishers area. I went back inside to grab water and observed there were only four people inside – three handing out medal and one handing out water from four large skids that had been placed in the area.

Next year I would highly recommend the finishers area be extended by at least 6 – 9 times the length and include tables with pre-poured water. Water should be supplied in a more eco-friendly way – such a Britta in paper cup, instead of handing out bottled water. As runners complete their run they need an area to continuously walk, re-hydrate and catch their breath before being congratulated by family and friends.

The race expo also needs to be parked further away from the finishers gate. This year upon exiting the finishers area the race expo entrance / exit was within 20 feet – which meant there was a large crowd of people to fight through to get around. The area was just too congested.

My final note, and not that it would normally have been a big issue, but because of the rain my iPhone was non-stop shorting out and I couldn’t listen to music constantly, but the larger races have bands and music along the race route and I would have appreciated having the same along this route as well.

Overall my feeling was this was an extremely well organized event. Everything was pretty much as expected. The course really want flat and fast and I would recommend others to run this event in the future. Sure, there is areas for improvement, but doesn’t every event have that?

My BMO Okanagan Marathon finishers medal has now been officially added to the collection and I look forward to collecting more medals in the future. Maybe next time I can get my dad out to run the full!

I tracked the entire run route using RunKeeper. You can view my run here.

• Considered a long, flat course
• There is only a total incline of 5 metres for the entire race-route start to finish
• 3,500 runners registered for 2010 Now
• 10km, full-half and marathon events
• The marathon is two laps of the full-half route

This Monday, October 11 in Vancouver, BC, take part in the 12th Annual Turkey Trott run, walk or stroll part of your Thanksgiving tradition!

• First 1,000 registered receive a pair of New Balance technical socks.
• Select your own garment options. Optional garment selections include long sleeve technical shirt or knit jersey with cozy hand warmers.
• Toques for adults.

• Date: Monday, October 11, 2010
• Time: 8:30am
• Location: The race starts on Granville Island at Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright Street
• Course Route: Map available here
• Cost: $45 registration fee
• Description: One of the most organized, scenic, flat and friendly events in Vancouver. Includes catered food from renowned chef Stephen Wong.
• Limited to 2000 runners.
• Pre-Registration: To be able to pick up your race bib and any optional garments purchased (and avoid line ups), you must register by noon on Friday October 8. Otherwise you will have to pick-up everything on race day.

Register online today.

Volunteers are still needed. Volunteers can register here.

The 16th annual BMO Okanagan Marathon will be held on Thanksgiving weekend, October 9 – 10 in Kelowna, BC. This years ‘new old course’ will provide some fast course times, along a beautiful scenic route, giving runners a great opportunity to achieve their goals.

It is expected many participants will qualify with faster times because the course is now one of Western Canada’s flattest, making it one of the faster courses. The 42.2 K Marathon, 21.1 K Half Marathon and 10 K have a mean elevation gain of only 9m, over distance, in runners terms, considered flat.

“Running a personal best in a marathon is a challenge, and the new course will provide the runners their best advantage with the fast flat two loop course.” said Running Room founder and Order of Canada recipient John Stanton. “For the spectators and volunteers they have the opportunity of cheering the runners at least twice.”

The Sports Expo at City Park is open on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday for runner’s package pick-up, as well as last minute, walk-up registrations (sorry, no registrations on Sunday).

And spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer on all the participants at the BMO Okanagan Marathon ~ participants really do appreciate the encouragement along the entire route!

For more information, visit the Kelowna Marathon website.

In 12 short days runners from across BC will gather in Kelowna’s City Park to run in the 16th BMO Okanagan Marathon. Weekend events includes 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km & 42.2 km races, a fitness expo and a Kids Zone. The Okanagan Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying course. All the courses are considered to be flat and fast!

The fall event gets great turn-out too. In 2009 there were approximately 700 marathon and over 800 half-marathon participants. All participants receive a race t-shirt, and runners who complete the full and half marathon will receive a souvenir finisher’s medal. This will be my first time participating in the BMO Okanagan half marathon.

What I like about this event is that it is supported by the same team that puts on the BMO Vancouver Marathon; which means it will be very well organized and a lot of fun.

There will be race-bunnies for both the full and half marathon events:

• Half Marathon: 1:45, 2:00 (2), 2:15 (2), 2:30
• Marathon: 3:30, 4:15, 4:30

Check out the route map and photos the 21.1k half marathon course.

At each aid station there will be GU Brew in Blueberry Pomegranate and Raspberry,and all 8 flavours of GU Gel.

If you register by September 30, marathon entry is $85, and $90 until cut-off. Half marathon entry is $75, and $85 until cut-off. Registration is available at the Kelowna Running Room or online.

The race expo will also be open for three days:

• Friday, October 8, 4 pm – 8 pm
• Saturday, October 9,  9 am – 6 pm
• Sunday, October 10, 8 am – 2 pm

The Kelowna Ramada is the official hotel partner. Rooms are still available. Rates start from $105; quote promo code: BMO Marathon. For reservations call 1-800-665-2518.

Ramada Hotel
2170 Harvey Ave
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G8

Volunteers are still needed, most importantly, course marshals.

For more information, visit the BMO Okanagan Marathon website.