Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5km - Overview and why you should run it!

My blog is all about talking about quality experiences, be it food or events. There is a discount for this event at the bottom of this page! Besides food, in the month of January I will be blogging about races and events too. If you are looking for a half-marathon (21.1km) for the target period of June then this is the race to do! I've ran this race many times and I have also paced it for the 1:45 for a few years. I am not biased, but overall this is one of my most favourite races. A few reasons why I love this race:

• It is a HUGE fundraising event for many charities. In 2017, the event raised over $970,000 for 70+ charities.
• It is very well organized by a team of people that is very passionate about the community and the running community. The professionalism they bring to the events they create is evident through how thorough it is organized and how every little detail is not missed out.
• You get great swag! From a tech t-shirt to a medal to the virtual swag bag (in the past some swags that came with the virtual swag bag includes a subscription to Men's fitness). 
• It's a great value overall and it is very well organized.
• It is net- downhill course - meaning that the course itself is designed to be downhill and fast. It's great for beginners (this was my first half-marathon actually).
• Small details about this race: they are very environmentally responsible with one of the highest waste-diversion rates in the country.
• The event has pacers to help you keep on track!

The course (half-marathon):

Out of the many races that happen in Vancouver, I would say this one is one of my favourites. The entire course is net downhill - (for those who are unfamiliar with the term, it means that you start at a higher elevation but finish at a lower elevation.

Beginning at UBC, there is an immediate downhill right after the start. Once you reach West 16th, you will turn right on it and then turn left on Marine Drive. The course will still continue to lower in elevation until the turn around point. You will then follow Marine Drive for a while until you are in the Kitsilano area. This is my favourite part because it's super scenic. You get a view of the water and the mountains. 

     Once you are in Kitsilano, there is a small uphill up Jericho (this is probably one of the three small uphill sections). You will continue all the way on West 4th, and then make your way to Cornwall (this place is very scenic as well) and then cruise all the way to the finish line after you cross the Burrard Street Bridge. As you can see, there aren't many up hills and most of the course is downhill. It's great for speed.

There is also a 5km option for those who are not as keen to run that far, the 5km is a loop in Stanley Park and West-end. The 5km option is a good family event if you want to take your kids out to be active or can't run but want to participate (this is a course that you can comfortably walk in about an hour).

Discount Code: You can sign up at https://Bit.ly/RFScotiahalf2018 and use "RFORCE2018" for 10% off!

Tips:

1. HYDRATE!!! I would recommend stopping at every aid station (especially the ones at the very beginning). I lost track of how many people feel sick or light headed over the years because they think they don't need to hydrate. (Mind you, don't over hydrate either... that can cause hyponatremia which isn't good).
2. Do not underestimate the weather - It can be very hot out there. Remember to wear sunscreen and a hat. I would put the sunscreen from the eye level down (anywhere above the eye level will make the sunscreen run and sting your eyes after you start running and sweating).
3. Pack light - There is bag check at the event, but be reminded that it's run by volunteers and that it's a pain for them if they have to move heavy things. 
4. DO NOT over do it when you are at the downhill portion (especially at the Marine Drive downhill). Since the biggest downhills are at the beginning of the race, many people love to run these hills super fast. Unless you have a strategy, burning out your thighs so early on is not a good idea.
5. DO TRAIN for the race, even though a half-marathon is not a marathon, it is still an endurance event. 21.1km is still very long.

If you are looking for information about training for a marathon / half-marathon, please visit my other post: https://vantraveller.blogspot.ca/2018/01/marathon-half-marathon-training-info-if.html