3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most
1) Course is quite favorable. Some rolling hills in the first half. Just after halfway, course heads down Red Hill Parkway dropping ~350 feet over 5K. Great cruising miles. Remainder of course is quite flat along the shores of Lake Ontario.
2) Race seems fairly popular with speedy Canadians, so even though its a smaller race, you won’t be running alone unless you are well under 3:00:00.
3) Very convenient race day set-up with spacious indoor staging area at start line which is quite nice given that it can be chilly.
Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
I chose this race for the speedy profile and the cool temperatures likely on race day – ideal conditions for me. I did not know that Hamilton can also be quite windy. At times during the last 5K along Lake Ontario was running into 20 – 25 mph headwinds. Also had to run into wind for a few miles in the first half. I believe the day was windier than average, though apparently the race three years ago had similar if not worse conditions. Overall, though, I think the favorability of the course and the weather helped more than the wind hurt.
Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race
1- Your vocabulary will expand to include the word “escarpment”, and you will gain first hand experience with this geographical feature.
2- Hamilton bears a striking resemblance to Indianapolis circa 1988, for those who are into that kinda thing. So, take Indianapolis 1988, include progressive biking and pedestrian infrastructure, add ethnic and cultural diversity via a heavy immigrant population, and transplant the city to a more beautiful location on an escarpment on the shores of a great lake… BAM! It’s the same thing.
Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular
I did really well at pacing. Managed ~2 minute negative split. Profile of course probably provided a minute of that naturally. I remember letting a lot of people pass by me (at least 20) in the mile 7 to 10 range as we dealt with some hills and headwinds. Had specifically talked with Matt about need to run by effort rather than pace if wind was an issue, which helped give me resolve to stay back. Was fun reeling those people and more back in over the second half.
Lessons Learned – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner or yourself on the next time around
Negative splits are possible!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Red Hill Parkway is super favorable 5K at just after halfway. Hold back prior to this point. There is a short section of trail after the Red Hill Parkway. It was wet and a bit slippery, but pay attention and it’s not a big deal. Finally, the out and back along Lake Ontario is on a dedicated trail, but it is wide and paved in asphalt. Great running without any issues of congestion, but can get windy.
Battling the wind and bloody nipples by the end (Dan is #243, only battling wind)
Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well organized.
Weather and typical race conditions
Perhaps ~40 degrees F at start. Race day high of maybe 50. May be windy, with gusts easily above 20. Given route race followed this year and direction of wind on race day, you had ~3 miles into wind in first half and then finishing 5K into wind along shores of Lake Ontario. Wind was pretty atrocious around 40K, but overall I don’t think it was a huge hindrance.
Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends and family?
Very spectator friendly for the last 10K, which is an out and back along Lake Ontario. Dedicated cheering section could easily catch you four times during the race.
How’s the swag?
Eh. If swag is your deal, this race will disappoint.
The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it
5 stars (out of 5). I decided the check out the Canadian marathon scene after dying in the muggy conditions in Houston 2017. Not disappointed. Highly recommend this race for people that want a high probability of good conditions for running fast.
The race often coincides with Daylight Savings Time, which means an extra hour of sleep, but also means you need to pay close attention to wake up times
Much of the course exposed to wind and there is usually a high probability of wind on race day, especially after 30k (18.6 miles) because it’s along the water
Lots of half marathoners to fend for space in the last 10-12k on the out and back, which also makes it tough for the sharp turnaround at 36.5k (22.7 miles).
Race seems to be split into the first 30km and the last 12km because of the nature of the course, with running through neighborhoods and on the parkway (first 30k), and then getting off the parkway briefly on trail, and then out and back along the water (last 12k).
After 28k (17.4 miles) there is a short trail section and a small section of cement blocks filled with dirt, so pay attention and take extra care for foot placement
Course
Type: Point to Point with an Out and Back portion form 31km to 41km (miles 19.25-25.5)
Start/Finish Info: Starting line and Finishing line are different. Shuttles provided for runners from the finish to the start. Directions to the finish here.
Hills: ~20-25 feet over the course of 3 hills from ~ miles 3-6, loss of ~125 feet from 12.5 miles to 18.5 Link to Map and Elevation
Aid stations
Locations of water stations: Water and Nuun every 3km (1.9 miles)
Locations of electrolyte stations: 29km (mile 18)
Electrolyte offered: Cliff Gel and Bloks
Spectator access
Access Locations: Access to the start, see race website for parking details and road closures.
The absolutely beautiful terrain. I likened it to running the crystal mountain marathon mixed with a run in the enchantments. Gorgeous. Absolutely amazing.
Whistler provides lots to do for family and friends, and a mini vacation
You get to meet some amazing people – Gary Robbins is the race director for instance! And there were volunteers at EVERY single turn on the course to ensure no one got lost. They were all very friendly and cheerful.
Not so much –
When the pre race email and the pre race briefing discuss issues, take them seriously. Wasps and ice was mentioned in both. Lots of people slipped and fell on the ice at the top (very small section) (I didn’t fall) and lots of folks got stung (I did – twice)
Pay attention to the locations of things, the start is in a different place than the finish, I provided some feedback to Gary that us Americans don’t have working cell phones for directions and he promised to improve the instructions in the emails.
Did I mention I got stung? Seriously though – that was my only complaint for 34 miles.
Weirdest thing –
I think it is more cool than weird, but the top aid station is helicopter dropped in. Who wouldn’t want to drink coke and eat chips in the presence of a glacier… twice ☺
Highlights
I took this race as an opportunity to travel to whistler during the summer (I had only been for skiing). So I did not “race” as much as use it for a supported long run. Plus the idea of running to a glacier twice sounded cool as hell. I am a bit of a sucker for hard, very vertical oriented ultras, so this fit the bill. I managed my nutrition very well, and stayed relaxed the entire time. I ended up running a lot with a lady training for the Moab 200 and thus picked her mind for my upcoming Javalina Jundred. There are a lot of highlights:
The cushy trails leading up the first climb were really nice.
There were funny things all over the place like someone wrote “Don’t hate Gary” on the last trail down to the finish (at that point most folks had quads blown to smithereens).
Jared Campbell (the only 3 time Barkley finisher) was there too – which was neat to simply be in the presence of an athlete like that.
Lots of the volunteers had puppy dogs that kept licking my knees. (it was awesome)
The first time popping out of the tree line and seeing the whistler mountain line was fantastic
Running through the actual alpine meadows was really pretty and the very small part of the race that was not crazy vertical.
The weather was perfect, couldn’t have asked for better.
Did I mention that we were mere feet from a glacier at the top?
The climbs and descents were uber technical which I think actually helped prevent worse leg damage.
The swag is pretty good, a finisher medal, a shirt, free bbq food, and free Hammer nutrition recovery drinks.
Lessons for others
BRING A CAMERA, and plan to lose some time to taking pictures.
If you run the 25k, you see the same route as the 55k, just doing the climb one time rather than twice, for those that think 55k is too much, that option works. The 12.5k does NOT see the awesome stuff.
Prepare to hike, a lot. My time was about 2-3 hours more than my normal 50k time. Partially due to the terrain technicality and partially due to the pure vertical nature of this course.
Lessons for next time
I will probably do the 25k so I can enjoy the race more and reduce my likelihood of being stung. Plus I will get to see everything I want to see!
Most Important Course specific knowledge
Easily the most important is to be sure to have the required gear.
The top portion is heavy on the Granite type rocks and boulders so shoes with really good grip are paramount, and then the lower sections are largely dirt and rooty, so again good grip is paramount since there is so much vert.
Aesthetics
If you haven’t picked up on the fact that this course is stunning, then I don’t know what to tell you. This course is absolutely phenomenal, the effort is worth it.
Difficulty
Yes this is probably one of the toughest courses out there for a 55k. 12k ft of gain and 12k ft of loss. It is no joke.
I can see this course being even worse if it were wet, but we were lucky and it was mostly dry.
Organized and well run
Very well run. Gary puts on a great event.
Competition
There were some serious competitors out there. As I mentioned before Jared Campbell was out there and he placed top ten, but didn’t win it, and that dude is a BEAST!
Logistics
It is about 4-5 miles from Whistler village. That is where we stayed and it worked out great.
There was also a camping option which many people I chatted with used, and like it.
Aid Stations
Great aid stations, my recommendation is to check out what is on the website. I didn’t and when I got to the first one and realized there was no PB&J (my staple) I went to other stuff like potatoes, chips, pretzels, and some gels.
Weather and typical race conditions
This is only the second year of this race, and it already has grown, but the two races that have happened have had great weather. It is in BC and it is almost fall at race time, so nothing is guaranteed. It is usually 15 degrees cooler at the top.
Gear
Yes there was mandatory gear listed on the signup sheet. MUST BRING IT.
I would plan on poles. I ran without them and did fine, but quite a few times I wish I had them.
I would also suggest at least a vest or something. The aid stations are far enough apart that I used two bottles and never felt like I was lacking anything.
Spectators
This is not a spectator friendly course.
They can only see you at the half way point and the finish.
Awards
Everyone of the 55k finishers got a medal. It’s a nice medal.
Overall Score
I give this race a 11 out of 10. I love gritty, hard, woop your butt kind of races, and this was exactly that. The fact that they heli drop an aid station is really cool too.
Summary: The Whistler Alpine Meadows trail races (WAM) happen on the Northwest side of Whistler, on terrain that has only been opened up in the last two years. Runners will be treated to alpine meadows, waterfalls, wildflowers, glaciers and mountain views. The course is mainly three loops, climbing one big up to start, a small down and up, one big down back to the starting elevation, followed by another big up and back down again. Expect lots of power hiking, steep terrain, technical terrain as you go further up, and beautiful views up top near the glaciers and down again near the meadows.
Race Details
Lessons Learned from Race Reports
Aid stations that are heli-drop are weather dependent, so don’t rely on them and be prepared to not have aid there
Aid stations are cupless
Poles are allowed and used by quite a few runners
Required gear list: Emergency bivy, like this one OR survival blanket, like this one OR TWO space blankets, like these 2) hooded jacket OR rain poncho 3) gloves and toque or buff 4) whistle 5) fire starting kit which can be as simple as a lighter in a ziplock bag 6) headlamp of at least 100 lumens
Start and Finish are close to each other, but still different locations
Very technical trails with rocks, loose rocks, and twisty single track
Be ready for climbing and for power hiking
Fairly big difference in terrain from the high up alpine (more technical, rocky) to the lower meadows, which has softer and more forgiving terrain and likely faster sections
Trail gets colder and rockier the higher you climb and the closer you get to the glacier
Could be wasps lower down in the meadows
Elevation
Total gain/loss: 11000/11000
Total climbs: 4 total, 2 bigger and 2 smaller
1 x 3800ft from miles 2.3 to 10.5
1x 900ft from miles 11.8 to 13.1
1x 1500ft from miles 17.8 to 20
1x 2600ft from miles 21 to 26
Longest climb:1 x 3800ft from miles 2.3 to 10.5
Steepest climb: 1x 1060 ft from miles 18 to 19.3 (many steep sections of climbing within the 4 main climbs)
Summary: A point-to-point course that starts out with an out and back, and then follows along the waterfront before ending at Stanley Park, which is much the same as the BMO marathon course. Lots of downhill but also lots of rollers and a few little steep uphills, the most memorable being the bridge near the end of the race.
Race Details
Lessons Learned from Race Reports
Easy to go out hard on the first downhill and wreck your quads
Temps get warm quickly and it’s a fairly exposed course (nearly identical to the BMO marathon)
Lots of little hills can wear you down and slow you down, some of them short but steep
Bridge after 11 miles that’s tough, followed by a downhill to the finish
Elevation
Total gain/loss: ~700/1000
Total climbs: Lots of little rollers of around 50 feet, 2 climbs of ~100 feet (miles 4-4.5 and 7.2-7.8), 1 climb of 200 feet (miles 2-3.7)
3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most
Beautiful scenery! This area of Canada is remote and beautiful. It’s hard to pick your head up and look around later in the race, but it’s worth it!
Course markings were amazingly good – never questioned if I was on the course, even though there were times we were off trail
The challenge – this was the hardest thing I’ve ever put myself through. I talked to a few people on the course that had done Hard Rock and said this was harder. Not sure about that, but definitely a challenge! 122 miles with almost 30k elevation gain and loss and a 49 hour cutoff is a LOT!
Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
It hurt! I pushed a little too hard the first day, and had bad blisters that I should have drained sooner. The last climb is the worst with lots of biting flies and mosquitos.
HOT – This course seems to either be super hot, or super stormy. I got a hot year with highs in the 90s and lows overnight in the 60s. I felt hot the entire race. I think it would be better to get some heat training in ahead of this race.
Required gear – I get it… you have to be prepared. That said I had to carry way more gear than I needed. My pack going out of aid stations was probably 20-25 pounds.
Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race
We had perogies and avocado quesadillas in remote sections of the course… great aid stations!
Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular
When it finally cooled off a little at night I felt great and moved up around 20 places (to 6th) by mile 80.
I never pushed my legs too fast and was able to avoid muscle damage.
I stayed mentally strong the entire time, despite facing some really challenging times late in the race.
Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Keep it really easy the first day! You can really make up a ton of time later in the race. REALLY!!! You almost can’t go too slow the first day!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Heat is a weakness for me. Next time I have a race I’ll spend some time specifically preparing myself for heat.
I’ll carry a needle to drain blisters next time. I spent way too much time in pain with big blisters on the balls of both of my feet.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Lots of long climbs and long descents.
Aesthetics – is it a pretty course
Definitely – worth bringing a camera to take pics. A good strategy to help slow yourself down that first day.
Difficulty – is it a tough course
Um… yeah, you could say it was difficult.
Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very organized and well run!
Competition – is there a strong field?
Not the strongest field as this is still a fairly new race. That said it is gaining in popularity.
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.
Nothing too special, other than you really have to prepare yourself for this race. Both from a training perspective, and dialing in your gear, drop bags, crew, etc.
Aid Stations
Really impressive aid stations, although some are as far as 13 miles apart.
Weather and typical race conditions –
Either really hot, or stormy with hail and cold temps.
Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
You have to carry a lot at all times (including room for 2-3 liters of water, 2 headlamps, waterproof, seam taped pants and hooded jacket, cap, warm hat, gloves, warm shirt, plus more).
Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends
If your friends are open to some long drives they can see you about every 20 miles (except 40-80, which for me happened to be overnight). My crew put over 700 miles on driving to different aid stations!
Awards –
Yes… didn’t pay attention to what the leaders get. The buckle is nice. I also got a nice shirt and hoodie.
The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it
5/5 stars! If I don’t get into Hard Rock or Western states I’ll be back next year!
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!
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
The event was professionally run and well managed
The course included some pretty territory
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.
Weather 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.
Race: Hamilton Marathon
