BMO Vancouver Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Kathy B.
Seattle, WA

  (05-22-2011)

"I ran the Vancouver Half Marathon for the first time since 2007 and for the second time overall. I had read the day before that course markers would be at each kilometer and only the five and 10 mile markers would be noted. I tried to figure out what I'd like my mile per kilometer pace to be, but wasn't really sure. After starting the race, I didn't even notice the first several kilometer markers, so I ran along at what John Bingham, "The Penguin", refers to as "your happy pace". By the time I saw a kilometer sign and figured out the math, I realized that "my happy pace" was not a PR pace. I sped up a little, but I actually concentrated more on taking in the amazing scenery along the course. The mountains were still snow covered, yet appeared rugged and crisp looking at the Pacific Ocean sparkled.

Along the course, we passed a group home. Many of the residents were sitting outside. Several of them appeared to not fully comprehend that were were running a half marathon, but still intently watched as we passed by. A few were even cheering. It was quite endearing.

The full and half marathon routes overlap in several places. Running through Stanley Park, I heard a vehicle approaching and someone on a loudspeaker asked participants to move to the right. After the police cruiser drove past, the lead runner sped by with no competition in sight.

The Vancouver course is relatively flat with the exception of a particularly steep hill around mile 9. Fortunately, there was a water station at the top of the hill, but unfortunately, they had run out of cups. I was relieved that I was carrying my hydration device. Others weren't so lucky. To make matters worse for those not carrying hydration, the following water station had also run out of cups.

Not too far into the race, I started wondering if this may be my 20th half marathon, so I started counting, chronologically, backwards chronologically, by city and race. I determined that this was indeed my 20th half marathon. As I approached the exit of Stanley Park, with about 3 miles remaining, I could hear a sound system blaring the beginning of the Arcade Fire song, "Wake Up". I sensed the completion of my 20th half marathon was imminent. I started tearing up."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2011

Jason C.
New York, NY

  (08-18-2009)

"There are a lot of great things about doing the Vancouver Marathon. Not only is it one of the most idyllic and beautiful cities in the world, the relatively small field of runners makes you feel special and not overwhelmed or intimidated.

I did this race in 2008 and had a great time. The course starts off in downtown Vancouver and takes you through some of the most famous parts of town, including Stanley Park, a couple of the key bridges and past some gorgeous views.

It's not the fastest course out there, and there are definitely some hills that seem to go on for a while, but nothing that should get you too concerned. There are a couple of out-and-back portions which is a bit of a drag for runners, but good for spectators who want to cheer on friends/family without having to run around the city too much.

The race is in May, and when I ran it last year, the conditions were absolutely perfect. Nice clear weather, cool and not humid. There were a decent number of aid stations and pretty good cheering sections. If I recall correctly, there were also some bands/DJ's along the route too.

Overall, I had a fantastic race and ran my best ever marathon there by a country mile. Highly recommended."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008