Ugh, bad day for ATHF runners in general it seems
On the plus side, that looks like a nice route. I was in Vancouver 2 years ago and did a couple of runs around the perimeter of Stanley Park, which was nice but I guess the path is too small to fit a full marathon.
Interesting about it finishing near GM Place. My last race actually finished inside a hockey arena (Copps in Hamilton), which was brilliant because there was no shortage of spectator space, there was a good PA, it was nice shelter from the crappy weather, there was more than adequate washroom space and it was really easy to arrange a spot to meet afterward (just pick a section number). I guess at the time the marathon was booked though, there was a possibility that the Canucks would be needing it the same day.
It's a pretty good route, yea. Goes along False Creek, Chinatown/Downtown Eastside, Stanley Park, and through Kits and back. Apart from the Burrard St. bridge, no major hills. Decently scenic.
They had a big outdoor tent this year for the expo, which was good. I got free coffee and Powerbars inside, but there was a lack of real food like they had last year (fruit, bagels, etc.). I suppose they could have used BC Place Stadium, since it's pretty close (and they use it for the Sun Run, which has 60,000 participants vs. 14,000 for this race), but perhaps they had another event there today.
I have to say though, the Royal Victoria Marathon is leagues ahead of Vancouver in running a better-organized event, and the field is stronger too.
Yea, not a great day for us, although it sounds like Mega had a good one.
Haha, LOL @ "kilometrestones" . I like that.
OK - go out and give us a good one in your 1/2 marathon so we have something to celebrate!