BMO Vancouver Half Marathon Race Report – Ping S

BMO Vancouver

BMO Vancouver Half Marathon Race Report – Ping S

Race: BMO Vancouver Half Marathon

Runner: Ping S

Race Date: 05/05/2019

Location: Vancouver, Canada

Results: 1:27:32

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

It’s a great city to visit, the course is quite pretty with some stretches of stunning views, and the race is a well oiled machine. Also I appreciate the fact that the race organizers start their introduction to the runners in the corrals by acknowledging that the race is taking place on the “unceded” lands of several of Canada’s first nations, something I’ve never heard at any US road race and that, window dressing though it might be, is a salient reminder of history.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Part of me likes point-to-point races, but part of me also enjoys not having to “travel” to the start line – people here usually take a cab / car, or take the Canada Line to the KE stop which is a ~10 minute walk from the start area.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Paced well and finished strong despite the uneven elevation profile. Ran a course PR by over a minute.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

To all the Americans out there – do not forget that the elevation chart is in meters, not feet, so multiply everything by 3.3. Nearly all the Americans I talked to who were running for the first time thought the course was relatively flat – i.e., thought that the opening downhill, which is quite massive, wasn’t going to be “that bad” because it looks like less than 100 “feet” on the course elevation chart – but of course is actually 3.3x steeper than that. Ditto for the rolling hills in the latter part of the course.

Number two is to save something for miles 9-13, where the largest uphill on the course is (Pipeline Rd) and where the Stanley Pk rollers are.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

4th time I’ve run this one so nothing new, really.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Don’t start out too fast! The first two miles are screaming fast with a 300ft downhill, but the rest of the course is actually a net uphill from there, with a big hill at ~9 and rollers thereafter.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes! Coming down that first opening hill you have a view of the glittering Vancouver skyline in front of you and the snowcapped mountains beyond – amazing. Rounding along the seawall and into Stanley Park you have beautiful bay and city views as well.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

As noted, tougher than you might expect if you buy in to the “net downhill” marketing and misread the elevation chart as being in feet. And also tougher than most think simply because the downhill is all in the first 2 miles.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Definitely a well oiled machine.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Usually pretty strong.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

I believe the race did sell out this past year but as far as I can recall that was the first time in the four years I’ve run it.

Weather and typical race conditions

In the 4 years I’ve run this race conditions have been quite good – 50s (F) at the start and clear with light winds. YMMV, of course.

How’s the Swag?

They used to have Saucony shirts but now have generic brand shirts, which are definitely not as nice. Ah, well…

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5/5 as a race, 3.5/5 as a “fast” course – it’s definitely not the slowest road course out there but it’s not made for PRs.

BMO Vancouver Marathon Race Report – Motoko H

Race: BMO Vancouver Marathon

Runner: Motoko H

Race Date: 05/05/2019

Location: Vancouver BC, Canada

Results: 4:09:31

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2345033604

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. Amazingly beautiful views throughout the course
  2. Plenty of Volunteer support. They are so attentive and sweet!
  3. Rolling hills 🙂

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

None

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Did well: I collided with another runner at an aid station (at Mile 16). I fell on the ground, face down, my knees/hands got bloody, and I got covered in the other runner’s sticky GU – I never thought this would happen to me, but it did. I was embarrassed and panicked for a bit. I also started worrying about things like “my left glute hurts…am I gonna end up walking to the finish line?” “Can I really finish this race?” ” I don’t want to DNF (again)!” but once I realized that I needed to focus on the present moment, I was able to get back in my rhythm to finish the race.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

If you ever experience the aid station crush – first, make sure you and the other runner are OK. Then do your best to get that focus/rhythm back. Don’t let that negative thinking distract you from running your best.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Be careful near the aid stations!

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Here are some of the landmarks I use

-The big hill on Camosun St: When you pass a school (Southlands Elementary), on your left, you just have less than 1000m to the top of the hill. The hill gets steep at the very end, so keep that in mind. Also, be excited that once you are done with this hill, beautiful, shaded downhill on Imperial Dr. is coming!

-Lions Gate Bridge: Stanley Park feels never ending during BMO Vancouver, but when you pass the bridge (Lions Gate Bridge), you only have a little under 6K (3.7miles) left. You are almost there!

Here are some Course previews that I found it very helpful (other than Team RunRun’s)

–Course Preview Video

-2018 CHAMPION, ROB WATSON’S BMO MARATHON COURSE PREVIEW
http://mile2marathon.com/2018-champion-rob-watsons-bmo-marathon-course-preview/

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

BIG TIME YES! – Nice mix of nature and the beautiful city!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

There are lots of hills, so probably not a PR friendly course, compared to other flatter marathons.

About the hills – There is one big hill on Camosun St (around Mile 5), one big downhill on SW Marine Dr. (around Mile 11), and the rest is rolling hills.

I actually appreciate those rolling hills. It always feels like when my legs starts to get tired, a nice little downhill appears, and my legs, especially hamstrings get to recover during that downhill running 🙂

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Yes, very well organized! Had no issues.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

I love the banana station by the KM31 (Mile 19), right after the Burrard Bridge!

Weather and typical race conditions

2017: Nice, marathon-perfect weather – like you actually feel chilly at the start.
2018: Warm, humid weather – like you keep splashing water on your neck to cool down throughout the race.
2019: Little warmer than 2017, but was still a pleasant marathon weather. At the start, I wanna say that it was no more than mid 50s. Got a bit windy by Stanley Park (last 10K).

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

There were plenty of Porta potties and aid stations. Just make sure to bring extra gels just in case (when collision happened, I lost my gel that I had in my hand – But since Coach Anita told me to bring extra gels, I had extra!).

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes! There are great options to move around the city even with the road closures, my husband and my son were able to move around easily (they went from Start to mile 19 to the Finish) to cheer me on!

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

I would give 10/10. Totally recommend it to others, too!

Vancouver Marathon – Anna H

Race: BMO Vancouver Marathon – http://bmovanmarathon.ca/

Runner: Anna H

Date: 5/1/2016

Location: Vancouver, BC

The distance raced and other options

I participated in the marathon, but here was a half marathon as well. The day prior it looked like there was maybe a 5k and an 8 mile race, but I don’t have a lot of information about that.

Results – 5:09…..ouch.

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

Well organized, huge support along the way, BEAUTIFUL views

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The marathon start was 8:30am, while the half started at 7:00am.  Being a hotter day, the later start took it’s toll.  Oddly enough, the course markings were a little bit of a mental game for me.  Because it’s in kilometers, you have to run 44 of them, so that’s 44 mileage signs, instead of the usual 26.  Hard to not let your mind get the best of you when you’re at 28km and know you still have to run past another 16 signs…Other than that, nothing.  It was so well organized, great expo, and more volunteers than a runner could ever hope for!

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

I SAW weird things, like someone who juggled 3 balls the entire race, or people dressed up in onesies etc.  But, nothing about the actual race seemed weird.  I really lucked out!

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular

Finishing!  It fell apart for me early on and so it was quite the battle to simply finish, so not giving up was enjoyment on it’s own.  I had a great cheering squad and that was really helpful, and a good reminder to go out and support each other because it makes such a difference!  Can’t say it enough – biggest enjoyment of this race were the views along the run – it really helped turn things around.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

The course map looks deceiving, and it really does end up being a bit of a hilly course for the first several miles.  I spent a lot of time trying to master my MP pace, but I did it on the Burke Gilman, a flat long stretch and I should’ve tackled a lot more hills to be better prepared.  The start and finish are not close to each other, which means some logistical planning for drop off and pick up.  I luckily went with people who had run this race several times, so it was smooth for us, but I could see how the road closures etc. would be challenging for the newbie.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

One of the prettiest courses I’ve ever been on – especially the last 6 miles along Stanley park where you’re right on the water with the mountains and city in the background.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

Well, yes. The first part was pretty hilly….it does flatten out, but likely not a place to try and qualify for Boston.

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Super well organized, it was the 45th running of this race!  Hopefully they’ve got the kinks worked out by now.  The traffic and road closures were challenging, but we figured it out ok.  Aid stations were plentiful and the amount of volunteers helping to pass out water etc. was huge!  There were a few thousand runners, and they managed that volume well.

Competition – is there a strong field?

Probably – I have no idea.  I’m sure it draws some elites though….

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

I believe it sold out, but I don’t think too  early.  We rented a house, so I can’t speak to how full the hotels were.  I do know there were hotels both near the start and finish that runners could get easy access to.  Other than that, just making sure your passport is up to date and planning for the border crossing!

Aid Stations –

Very plentiful – water, sports drinks, gu, bananas etc.

Weather and typical race conditions – Not sure what typical race conditions are – last year it was pouring down rain and this year it was almost 80.  So a little unpredictable.

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

Nope – just your usual stuff!  Plenty of support, bathrooms, and everything you need along the way.  I did carry my own water, but not sure that was even necessary there was so many aid stations.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

The course was filled with spectators, from people sitting out in their front yards, to those lining the streets, to those who you knew treked out into the parks to watch.  It was very well supported with lots of cheering along the way. Love that!

Awards –

Darn, no idea on this one.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it

I’d give it 5 stars, (if that’s the top number!?) and would definitely recommend others to give it a go!

Vancouver Marathon – Dan S

Race: BMO Vancouver Marathon – http://bmovanmarathon.ca/

Runner: Dan S

Date: 5/1/2016

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Distance raced and other options

Full Marathon; there was also a Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, and 8k option

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

  1. The event was professionally run and well managed
  2. The course included some pretty territory
  3. Runners were well supported on the course

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Getting to the Vancouver Convention Center for the Expo (required for packet pick up) was challenging with downtown traffic on the Saturday before the race.  Also, not having cellular and data coverage complicated logistics and meeting with people a bit (not unique to this event; any international event will presumably involve similar issues).

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

The half marathon starts an hour and a half before the full marathon.

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular

I managed my exertion throughout the run better than I have before.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Although this event is not exceptionally hilly, there are some ups and downs.  The main hill on the marathon course was comparatively early in the event (around 9 miles).  My training computer indicated that my (gross) elevation gain over the course of the run was approximately 850 feet.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Yes.  This course is one of the prettier marathon courses that I have run.  However, the prettiest parts of the course do come in the second two-thirds of the course (i.e., when runners may have less excess capacity to take in the view).

Difficulty – is it a tough course

Not exceptionally difficult and also not exceptionally easy.  As noted above, there is some climbing involved with the course.  There are also a few comparatively exposed sections where it could get hot on a sunny day.

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

The event was organized and well run.

Competition – is there a strong field?

I understand that there were approximately 3,900 runners in the 2016 full marathon.  Although the race may not bring as many elites and semi-pro runners as other events, I can only assume that there were many very strong runners on the course.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Registration was not difficult.  There was no lottery or qualification system involved with registering.  I understand that the full marathon came somewhat close to (within maybe a few hundred) filling.

As can be expected, many downtown streets were closed for the event (which ends downtown).  If you plan to leave immediately after the race, a downtown hotel is likely not advisable.

Aid Stations

I recall that there were approximately 20 aid stations on the course – the course was very well supported.  Aid stations were deep enough that it was possible to get more than one drink (without stopping) at a few stations.  Aid station staff were well prepared for runners.

Dan S Vancouver2Weather and typical race conditions

It was sunny and warm (likely upper 60s well into the 70s) for the 2016 event.  There was a slight (maybe 5-10 mph) breeze breeze from the west.

However, I understand that it was raining and wet in a recent year.

The event is held at a time of year when it would not be unreasonable to have 50s and rain (or 70s and sun, as we had in 2016).

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

No.  This is a comparatively routine “big city” street marathon.  There was no special gear required.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

More or less.  There were spectators at many spots along the course.

Awards

I do not know the award structure for this event.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it

I can recommend Vancouver Marathon for runners who are looking for a professionally managed, spring time, “big city” street marathon of mild-moderate difficulty on a pretty course in the Northwest.