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Canada Running Series

Announcing the Elite Field for the 2023 Under Armour Toronto 10K

By | Elite Athletes, Toronto Waterfront 10, Toronto Waterfront 10K | No Comments

Women’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
F1 Rachel Hannah Toronto  ON
F2 Laura  Desjardins Ottawa  ON
F3 Salome Nyirarukundo Toronto ON
F6 Brittany Moran Etobicoke ON
F7 Erin Mawhinney Hamilton ON
F8 Hannah  Woodhouse Guelph ON
F9 Asia Dwyer Toronto ON
F10 Kathleen  Lawrence Toronto ON
F11 Tori Bouck London ON
F12 Andrea Hill Ottawa ON
F13 Lauren King Toronto ON
F14 Laurel Buchanan Toronto ON
F15 Livia  Coburn Toronto ON
F16 Ana Laura Fray New Tecumseth ON
F17 Jay Smith Edmonton AB

Men’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
1 Tristan Woodfine Cobden ON
2 Rob Kanko Dundas ON
3 Dylan Alick Mississauga ON
4 Sergio Raez Villanueva Mississauga ON
5 Reid Coolsaet Hamilton ON 
6 Ian Guiden Toronto ON
7 Eric  Bang Toronto ON
8 Caleb Beland Sudbury  ON
9 Mitch  de Lange Thornton ON
10 Jean-Rene Caron Montreal QC
11 Mathieu  Moor Hamilton ON
12 Isaac Fraser South Glengarry ON
13 Romain Carette  Toronto ON
14 Fernando  Medina Mossley ON
15 Cameron  Cira  Toronto  ON
16 Joshua McGillivray Toronto ON
20 Baghdad Rachem Verdun  QC
22 Timothy Fowler Toronto ON
23 Michael Logue Aurora ON
24 Shinsuke Adachi North York ON
25 Kevin Smith Mississauga ON
26 Bernie Hogan Bancroft ON
27 Brian Byrne London ON
28 Jason  Skillicorn  Toronto  ON
29 Brent Poulsen Orillia ON

Meet Your ASICS Pacer Team!

By | Community Leaders, Training Tips, Uncategorised, Vancouver Half Marathon | No Comments

2023 Vancouver Half Marathon – ASICS PACER TEAM

 

Trying to get under the two-hour mark? Looking for a running buddy to keep you motivated through your race? Pacers are a great resource for runners to help maintain pace, keep you motivated, and maybe push you towards that elusive new PB!

As in previous years, we will be offering a wider range of pace times to help keep you on track. So here they are, our 2023 ASICS Pacer Team at the Vancouver Half Marathon: Read More

Le 21K de Montréal couronne Mohamed Aagab et Elissa Legault / 21K de Montréal crownes Mohamed Aagab and Elissa Legault

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

Plus de 3500 participants se sont alignés sur une des trois lignes de départ du 21K de Montréal, la deuxième étape du Canada Running Series 2023. 

Les coureurs du demi-marathon ont sillonné les îles Ste-Hélène et Notre-Dame du parc Jean-Drapeau sous des conditions météorologiques presque qu’idéales : 13C et généralement ensoleillé. Le parcours composé de quatre boucles différentes a permis aux nombreux spectateurs de voir et d’encourager les participants à plusieurs occasions. De nombreux sites d’encouragements, animés par des équipes de course, étaient dispersés sur le parcours. 

Mohamed Aagab de Campbellton, NB (1h05min42) et Elissa Legault de Mascouche, QC (1h12min25) ont confirmé leur niveau de forme de ce début de saison en remportant leur course de façon convaincante. 

Chez les hommes un groupe de 6 coureurs s’est détaché du peloton dès le 4ième kilomètre. Au 14ième kilomètre, le groupe s’était effrité à 3 coureurs : Mohamed Aagab, Alexander Maxwell d’Ottawa et Moussab Hadout de Montréal. C’est au 18ième kilomètre que tout s’est joué, Aagab a poussé une vive accélération pour distancer ses partenaires d’échappée, c’est cette décision stratégique qui lui a valu la victoire. 

Chez les femmes, Elissa Legault a mené la course de bout en bout sans regarder derrière. À la conquête du record québécois du demi-marathon qu’elle détenait jusqu’en mars dernier, elle a pu travailler avec un groupe d’hommes pour de nombreux kilomètres, mais l’arrivée du vent à la mi-course a contrecarré ses plans. Au final, elle devançait par plus de quatre minutes Maria Zambrano de Calgary, AB (1h16min56) et Alex Castonguay de Boisbriand, QC (1h17min40). 

L’énergie et l’enthousiasme des participants et des spectateurs étaient palpables en cette matinée de célébrations pour la communauté de course à pied et les 45 organismes de bienfaisance du défi caritatif du Canada Running Series. L’événement a permis d’amasser près de 500 000$ pour différentes causes faisant de l’événement la plus grande course de collecte de fonds au Québec; la collecte de dons se poursuivra jusqu’au 31 mai. 

Le 21K fut suivi par les 10K et 5K de Montréal. Isaac Fraser (32min21) et Katherine Labelle Nguyen (40min23) ont remporté la victoire au 10 km. Mackenzie Bauer (15min35) et Nina Gunther (17min27) furent les gagnants du 5 km. 

La prochaine étape du Canada Running Series se déroulera le 17 juin prochain pour le Toronto Waterfront 10K, avant de se diriger vers l’Ouest pour le Demi-marathon de Vancouver le 25 juin. Les inscriptions et la collecte de fonds en-ligne sont ouvertes sur www.RunCRS.ca
 

Pour les résultats complets du 21K de Montréal voir sportstats.ca. Les photos seront affichées sur la page d’accueil de l’événement. 

————————–

More than 3500 participants lined up to race on April 22 at the 21K in Montreal, the second stop of the 2023 Canada Running Series. 

The half marathon runners crisscrossed the Ste-Hélène and Notre-Dame islands of Parc Jean-Drapeau under almost ideal weather conditions: 13C and generally sunny. 

Mohamed Aagab from Campbellton, NB (1:05:42) and Elissa Legault from Mascouche, QC (1:12:25) confirmed their level of form at the start of the season by winning their races in convincing fashion. 

In the men’s category, a group of 6 runners broke away from the field after the kilometer 4, but by the 14th kilometer, the group was down to 3 runners: Mohamed Aagab, Alexander Maxwell from Ottawa and Moussab Hadout from Montreal. It was at the 18th kilometer that everything was decided, Aagab surged with a decisive burst to distance himself from the pack, a strategic decision that earned him the victory. 

Among the women, Elissa Legault led the race from start to finish without looking back. She was attempting to break the Quebec half marathon record that she held until this past March. She was able to work with a group of men for a lot of the race, but the wind picked up at the halfway point and her record attempt was foiled. In the end, she was ahead by more than four minutes on Maria Zambrano from Calgary, AB (1:16:56) and Alex Castonguay from Boisbriand, QC (1:17:40). 

The energy of the participants and spectators was palpable, considered a huge celebration for the local running community and the 45 charity partners of the Canada Running Series Charity Challenge. The event is fast approaching it’s goal of $500,000 raised for various causes, making the event the largest fundraising race in Quebec. Fundraising will continue until May 31st. 

The 21K was followed by the 10K and 5K in Montreal. Isaac Fraser (32:21)and Katherine Labelle Nguyen (40:23) won the 10 km. Mac Bauer (15:35) and Nina Gunther (17:27) were the winners of the 5 km. 

The next leg of the Canada Running Series takes place on June 17 for the Toronto Waterfront 10K, before heading west for the Vancouver Half Marathon on June 25. Online registration and fundraising is open at www.RunCRS.ca 

For complete 21K de Montréal results, here is the link to Sportstats. Photos will be posted soon on the event homepage. 

Announcing the Elite Field for the 2023 21K de Montréal

By | Elite Athletes, Spring Run-Off | No Comments

21K de Montréal – Liste des Départs Élites

Femmes/Women’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
F1 Elissa  Legault  Mascouche  QC
F2 Élisa Morin Montréal QC
F3 Alex Castonguay Boisbriand QC
F4 Laurianne Lepine Québec QC
F6 Jasmine Canse Montréal QC
F7 Alexandra  Hynes Ottawa  ON
F8 Maria  Zambrano  Calgary  AB
F9 Andrea Hill Ottawa ON
F10 Andreanne Sansoucy Boisbriand QC
F11 Emma Ollivier Montréal QC
F12 Angela  Maciocia Vaudreuil  QC 

Hommes/Men’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
1 Mohamed Aagab Campbellton NB
2 Alexander Maxwell Ottawa ON
3 François Jarry Montréal QC
4 Jean-Samuel Lapointe Québec QC
5 Marc-Antoine Senneville Trois-Rivières QC
6 Mahamat Ali Hissein  Montréal QC
7 Arnaud Francioni Montréal QC
8 Daniel Fournier Waterloo ON
9 Félix-Antoine Bédard Montréal QC
10 Baptiste Broyer Montréal QC
11 Guillaume Dupire Montréal QC
12 Hugo Sigalas Montréal QC
13 Ianis Garé Montréal QC
14 Félix Côté Boucherville QC
15 Cal DeWolfe Halifax NS
16 Hédi Sonnallier Montréal QC
17 Liyang Wang Calgary AB
18 Rachem  Baghdad  Verdun QC
19 Nicolas  Paradis St Bruno  QC
20 Louis-Philippe Garnier Montréal QC
21 Alvaro Cueto Saint-Hubert QC
22 Benjamin Raymond Laval QC
23 Jacob Cameron Ottawa ON
24 Hadout Moussab Montréal QC

Announcing the Elite Field for the 2023 Spring Run-Off

By | Elite Athletes, Spring Run-Off | No Comments

Women’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
F1 Laura Desjardins Toronto  ON
F2 Sasha Gollish Toronto ON
F3 Erin Teschuk Toronto ON
F4 Courtney Brohart Calgary AB
F6 Becca  Brennan Toronto  ON 
F7 Kathleen  Lawrence Toronto ON
F8 Heidi Ohrling Collingwood ON
F9 Stephanie  Ryall London  ON
F10 Livia Coburn Toronto ON
F12 Lauren King Toronto ON

Men’s Start List

Bib Number First Name Last Name City Province
1 Jeremy Coughler London ON
2 Kyle Grieve Toronto  ON 
3 Sergio Raez Villanueva Mississauga ON
5 Alex  Neuffer Halifax NS
6 Miles Avalos Toronto  ON 
7 Mitch Kirby Kingston ON
8 Matthew Lozano Ajax ON
9 Ryan Tyrrell Hamilton ON
10 Caleb Beland Sudbury  ON
11 Lucas McAneney Waterdown ON
12 Daniel Fournier Waterloo ON
13 Romain Carette  Toronto ON
14 Aaron De Jong Mississauga ON
15 Andrew Alexander Toronto ON
16 Robert Kanko Dundas ON
20 Bernie Hogan Bancroft ON
21 Timothy Fowler Toronto ON
22 Charles  Bedley Toronto ON
F13 Ian Guiden Ireland IRE

JOIN ALAN FOR A WONDERFUL WINTER GETAWAY TO THE GUADALAJARA HALF MARATHON.

By | Alan's Journal | No Comments

21KGDL. 26 February 2023.

“Please join me for some beautiful warm weather and a great race in my favourite Mexican city. It’s México auténtico!”

HIGHLIGHTS

  • One of the best half marathons in all of Latin America in Mexico’s most beautiful city.
  • Home of mariachi, tequila, art, architecture & culture. Great street food, restaurants, coffee shops & markets.
  • A city for running where Mayor Pablo Lemus runs the race (he ran 2022 as a guide for a blind runner)
  • Only a short onward flight or 5 hours on the Executive bus to Puerto Vallarta and Pacific sunsets. ETN bus or Primera Plus lines (about CAD$50 fare). And a marvellous, scenic ride through the mountains to the coast.
  • Or take the day excursion on the Tequila Train to the Jose Cuervo distillery.
  • Plus Tlaquepaque, or Ajijic day trips.

REGISTER ONLINE [INSCRÍBITE AQUÍ]

(Email Alan if it’s a challenge!) Cost: 250 pesos or CAD$20)

HOW TO GET THERE

At least 3 options. YOUR choice!

  • YYZ or YUL to Houston (IAH) then GDL. Easiest. Cheapest
  • YYZ or YUL to MEX Mexico City, then onto GDL
  • YYZ or YUL to Puerto Vallarta for some days on the beach before and after the long weekend in Guadalajara (see bus recommendations above)

WHERE TO STAY

Fiesta Americana La Minerva. Excellent, 4-star hotel with great breakfasts, plus Starbucks just across the street. Right on top of the Start/Finish line! ONLY C$129/night for an Executive King or Executive Double room.

BOOK DIRECT IN ENGLISH HERE 

OR recommended Airbnbs in the Colonia Americana neighbourhood

WEATHER

The perfect month to visit. Cool in the mornings for running at the 1600m altitude; beautiful, warm sunshine in the afternoons. 5c to 7c overnight lows; 25c to 27c highs in the afternoons. Don’t forget your sunscreen and cap!

THE RACE

HOW TO GET AROUND

¿No hablas español? No hay problema con UBER. Use your UBER app and book your rides in English anywhere around town – know where you’re going and how much it costs.

MiBici. Guadalajara’s City bike rental network. Really excellent with proper, safe separated bike lanes!

THINGS TO DO

  • Best park to run in: Parque Metropolitano (take an Uber or MiBici to the Torre Amarillo orTorre Rojo)
  • El Centro: “Guadalajara: Capital of Culture” is a MUST!
  • Palacio de Gobierno & José Clemente Orozco’s 2ajestic murals
  • Catedral de Guadalajara
  • Instituto Cultural Cabañas
  • Palacio Legislativo
  • Mercado San Juan de Dios

Check Country Collectors’ video for more information.

INTERESTED? HAVE QUESTIONS? Ask Alan.

Under Armour to become title partner of the Toronto 10K

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

Under Armour to become title partner of the Toronto 10K

(formerly known as the Toronto Waterfront 10K)

November 16, 2022, TORONTO – Canada Running Series (CRS) is delighted to announce that Under Armour will be taking over the title partnership of the Under Armour Toronto 10K (formerly the Toronto Waterfront 10K). In addition, Under Armour will continue its title partnership of the Under Armour Eastside 10K in Vancouver. Under Armour will outfit volunteers, event staff and the pacer program with footwear and apparel. As part of the partnership, MapMyRunwill provide Under Armour Toronto 10K and Under Armour Eastside 10K participants with access to leading strength, training and stretching programs ahead of each race.

“We are thrilled to welcome Under Armour to the title sponsor position of the Under Armour Toronto 10K. Through the Under Armour Eastside 10K, the brand has been empowering athletes in Vancouver since 2017,” says Charlotte Brookes, National Event Director at Canada Running Series. “We can’t wait for Under Armour to bring its product innovation to Toronto’s picturesque waterfront and introduce exciting new energy to the Under Armour Toronto 10K.”

Charitable partner:

As part of Under Armour’s commitment to providing youth access to sport, all fundraising at the Under Armour Toronto 10K will go towards KidSport Toronto. KidSport supports children who need financial assistance with sport registration fees and equipment costs.

“Under Armour believes everyone deserves the opportunity to engage in sports. That’s why, earlier this year, we made a long-term commitment of our resources, focus and energy to help break down barriers that limit access to sports across the globe, says Flynn Burch, Director of Global Community Impact at Under Armour. “Recognizing cost as one of the greatest barriers around the globe and specifically impacting 1 in 3 youth in Canada, we were impressed by the work of KidSport and excited to partner to provide more opportunities for young people in sports across the country.”

Registration:

Registration for the 2023 Under Armour Toronto 10K will open on Tuesday, November 22nd, with the race taking place on Saturday, June 17th. The 2023 Under Armour Eastside 10K is scheduled for September, and registration will be opening on December 6th.

For more information on Canada Running Series events, please visit canadarunningseries.com.

For more information on Under Armour, please visit: underarmour.ca

For more information on KidSport, please visit: www.kidsportcanada.ca

Malindi Elmore Breaks Course Record at Tenth Editon of the Under Armour Eastside 10K

By | Eastside 10k | No Comments

The tenth edition of the Under Armour Eastside 10K, organized by Canada Running Series (CRS), took place today, returning to in-person racing for the first time since 2019. Defending champion and course record holder, Malindi Elmore, broke her own course record in 32:37, while Ben Preisner tied the men’s course record of 29:20, which was set in 2014. 

“It was an incredible feeling to bring this race back to the city after a two-year hiatus,” said Ryan Chilibeck, Race Director at Canada Running Series. “The goal of the UA Eastside 10K is and has always been to celebrate Vancouver’s local running community and the neighbourhoods we run through. This race operates in tremendous support of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community, and we’re proud to have hit a new fundraising record for our four incredible charity partners.” 

2,042 participants took part in the in-person race, with another 213 registered for the virtual 10K or virtual 1K Kids Run. Unique among the city’s many races, the UA Eastside 10K takes racers through the heart of East Vancouver, from the city’s Gastown neighbourhood and through Strathcona on this out-and-back course. 

From early on, defending champion and women’s course record holder, Malindi Elmore, lead the race before breaking her previous course record of 32:42, which had been set in 2019. Vancouver’s Leslie Sexton was close behind, crossing the finish line in 34:11, followed by the Vancouver Half Marathon winner Samantha Jory in 34:58.  

“I felt really good off the line,” said Elmore, who maintained a steady lead throughout the race. “I ran a PB so that’s always awesome.” Referring to her training as she builds for her upcoming marathon, she noted, “I’ve done nothing this fast, but on the day, the strength is there.” 

The elite men had a tight race, with Olympians Ben Preisner and Trevor Hofbauer pushing each other throughout much of the course. In the end, Preisner broke ahead to take gold. Hofbauer placed second in 29:26 and Thomas Broatch finished in third place in 30:00.   

“It’s always a great run locally here in Vancouver, so I’m very grateful for all the organizers who put it together for us,” said Preisner, who admitted he wasn’t confident about securing the win. “Trevor is a very good competitor and he was always on my shoulder. It was a good incentive to keep pushing hard. I don’t think there was ever a place where I was super comfortable.” 

Malindi, Sexton, and Hofbauer will be building off the momentum from their strong finishes today as they prepare for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 16, 2022.  

The 2022 Under Armour Eastside 10K has raised over $31,860 to date, surpassing the event’s previous fundraising record of $30,022, which was set in 2015. Dedicated to supported Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community, this race has partnered with four local charities: CLICK – Contributing to Lives of Inner City Kids, Urban Native Youth Association, Downtown Women’s Eastside Centre, and PHS Community Services Society. With a focus on creating sustainable events, Canada Running Series has also partnered with two environmentally focused charities, Trees for Life and Trans Canada Trail. The deadline to donate to the official charity partners is September 30, 2022.  

Men’s Winners:

  1. Ben Preisner – 29:20
  2. Trevor Hofbauer – 29:26
  3. Thomas Broatch – 30:00
  4. Luc Bruchet – 30:16
  5. Josh Kozelj – 31:13

Women’s Winners:

  1. Malindi Elmore – 32:37
  2. Leslie Sexton – 34:11
  3. Sam Jory – 34:58
  4. Andrea Lee – 35:59
  5. Ally Ginther – 36:12

For more information about the Under Armour Eastside 10K, please visit the website: eastside10k.ca.  To download a PDF of the press release, please find it HERE

Meet Your ASICS Pacer Team!

By | Community Leaders, Training Tips, Uncategorised, Vancouver Half Marathon | No Comments

2022 Vancouver Half Marathon – ASICS PACER TEAM

 

Trying to get under the two-hour mark? Looking for a running buddy to keep you motivated through your race? Pacers are a great resource for runners to help maintain pace, keep you motivated, and maybe push you towards that elusive new PB!

As in previous years, we will be offering a wider range of pace times to help keep you on track. So here they are, our 2022 ASICS Pacer Team at the Vancouver Half Marathon:

Pace Time: 1:30
Name: Ellis (@run.ellis.run)
Why Ellis is pacing:

Since getting into running I have completed 2 world marathon majors (my goal is to run all six) and have taken my half marathon time from 1:40 to under 1:16. Although traditionally focused on the racing part I’m excited about the opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much and trade racing duties for pacing duties. Running has given me a purpose, a career, and ambition to set audacious goals. I would be honoured to help others reach their goals by pacing.

 

Pace Time: 1:30
Name: Humphrey (@Humphreyontherun)
Why Humphrey is pacing:

I want to help pace runners from my run club and the community!

 

 

 

Pace Time: 1:40
Name: Emily (@emilysmac)
Why Emily is pacing:

In 2018, I ran my first marathon and I have been hooked ever since! I love running and want to give back to the incredible running community here in Vancouver! ♥️🎉

 

 

Pace Time: 1:45
Name: Julie (@Northshorepelly )
Why Julie is pacing:

I am a mom of two and running is my happy place. The sport and local running community has given me so much – and I love giving back to it. I am an avid marathoner, but the half-marathon, in my opinion, is the absolute best race distance! I am so excited to help others achieve a personal goal they didn’t think possible. Let’s go!

 

Pace Time: 1:45
Name: Julia (@jhawkinss)
Why Julia is pacing:

I am a previous UBC Track athlete that specialized in heptathlons and jumps (aka nothing over 800) but in my late 20s I discovered my love for marathon training! I adore the Vancouver running community and also recognize the importance of a strong pacer. It would be my honour to show some runners their way to a new PB. 🙂

 

Pace Time: 1:50
Name: Jill (@Westonjill)
Why Jill is pacing:

I’ve always wanted to pace and help people reach their goals – plus I’m super steady! I used to be a run coach and trainer with lots of passion for the community. Let’s GOOOOO!

 

 

Pace Time: 2:00
Name: Kate (@coach.kate_fitness)
Why Kate is pacing:

My name is Kate and I’m one of runnings biggest fans! I am a personal trainer, physiotherapist and group fitness instructor – I am great at motivating people working towards a fitness goal. I have always dreamt of being a pacer as so many pacers have motivated me to reach my time goal when running. 🙂

 

 

Pace Time: 2:00
Name: Ese (@essxkayy)
Why Ese is pacing:

I love running. I love running events! I would love to be on the pacer team as I love connecting with the running community and pushing through self limitations and barriers with friends. I think it would be fun to help people meet or beat their goals and run alongside them while they do it.

 

 

Pace Time: 2:10
Name: Rabih (@striderzclub)
Why Rabih is pacing:

I’m a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and running coach for the Striderz Club. Nothing makes me happier than helping and seeing runners crushing their goals and crossing the finish line within their target time. That’s why I want to be your pacer!

 

 

Pace Time: 2:10
Name: Karl (@karls20160815)
Why Karl is pacing:

I’m on my way to completing all six World Major Marathons! I would love to be a pacer at the Vancouver Half Marathon to motivate others & contribute to local race events like this.

 

 

Pace Time: 2:20
Name: Christy (@christybaker9779)
Why Christy is pacing:

Back for another year of Vancouver Half Marathon pacing! I am a mom of 2 and teach Physical Education at a West Van high school. I’d like to use this experience to encourage others to obtain their goals and to to inspire my students.

 

 

Pace Time: 2:20
Name: Harjinder (@Mrhdhaliwal )
Why Harjinder is pacing:

I’m a teacher that promotes active living. I have a running club at school and hopefully some of them will run their first half. If you’re looking to run a 2:20, I am responsible, energetic, and reliable!

 

 

Pace Time: 2:30
Name: Kat (@Katanacious )
Why Kat is pacing::

This is one of my favourite races. I have paced for Canada Running Series before and it is still one of my favourite running memories. I loved getting to talk to people as they ran their race and getting to support them. It was fun to make the race about cheering them on and helping them to reach their goals.

 

 

Pace Time: 2:30
Name: Shelley (@shelchen7)
Why Shelley is pacing:

As a proud member of  the Canada Running Series Community Team, I would love the opportunity to represent them while also allowing others to achieve their goals!

 

 

 

All Pacers will be outfitted in shoes & athletic apparel from:

Race Day Tips for #UAeastside10k

By | Eastside 10k | No Comments

Every year we’re joined by hundreds of new runners at the Under Armour Eastside 10k. We’ve taken some tips from the seasoned runners out there and come up with the ABC’s of how to set yourself up for a great race – both before and after the event.

While this guide is primarily aimed at new runners, it’s always good to refresh your memory even if you’ve been racing for decades! Also be sure to check out our Race Etiquette Page.

Before the Race

A – Know where you need to be and when

This may seem obvious, but it’s so often overlooked. You can save yourself a lot of stress on Race Day (and the days leading up to it) by knowing where to go and when. This includes knowing where to pick up your race package and bib number in the days leading up to the race, as well as how to get to the start line.

  • Package Pickup – ALL participants must pick up their race package and bib number at Package Pickup before Race Day. Package Pickup is located at Sport Chek on Robson Street — 788 Robson Street (Robson @ Howe) and is open on Thursday (Sept 12) and Friday (Sept 13) from 10:00am to 8:00pm, and Saturday September 14th in the Woodwards Atrium from 7am-8am. More details here.
  • Start Line – The run will start and finish on Cordova Street, near the Woodward’s Development. Your best way to get to the Start Area is to take public transit. To plan your trip, click here and select your starting location then choose Transit direction. Woodward’s is a short walk from either Waterfront Station or Stadium Skytrain Station. The second best way to get there is to bike, as BEST will be providing a complimentary and secure Bike Valet right beside the Start/Finish Line. A reminder that road closures will be in effect for the event, so please leave extra travel time. Recommended routes into Downtown are Hastings Street, Georgia Street, and Cambie Street Bridge. Driving to the start line? The easiest access/parking option is to take Cambie Street northbound to Cordova, then turn right to access the parking garage off of Cordova Street. Note that this access route is only possible until 8:15am, after which Cordova Street will be fully closed for the start of the race. If you are dropping someone off, please do so on Hastings Street.For full road closures details click here.

B – Don’t do anything new! We mean it!

A common mistake is to try something new just before or on Race Day. This could be anything from wearing a new pair of shoes during the run to changing up your diet the day before. If you typically eat a simple pasta the night before your training runs, don’t try out that new sushi place around the corner on Friday night. If you don’t usually have coffee before your training runs, don’t go for a double espresso on Race Day morning. Stick with what works for you – from your meals to your running clothes to your morning routine.

C – Start in the right corral

What’s a corral? In order to give everyone their best experience on Race Day, runners are typically assigned into a corral based on their predicted finish time. At the #UAeastside10k all runners will self-assign themselves to a estimated finish time.  Speedsters can start at the front of the pack while walkers start further back. Please be respectful of other runners and line up according to your expected finish time, and be honest in your approximations. Please also be mindful of other runners who may need to pass you on course.  Keep in mind the race start closes 10 minutes after the scheduled start time.  Make sure you arrive on time.

Corral colour Est. finish time Start time
Black Elites  8:30am
RedRed Corral < 50min   8:30am
Yellow CorralYellow 50–59min   8:30am
BlueBlue Corral 60–79min   8:30am
GreenGreen Corral 80min +   8:30am

Corral details for the race here.

BONUS – use our Gear Check to store a bag of warm, dry (and less-sweaty) clothes for after the race. Your $2 donation will go to our Featured Charities.


During the Race

A – Make sure your bib number is on your front and visible

We use a bib-tag timing system, which means your timing chip is embedded in your bib number. In order for it to work properly and have your time recorded:

  • Do not remove the “bibTag” or foam spacer from your bib.
  • Do not fold your bib or excessively bend or twist the “bibTag”.
  • Wear your bib on your chest/abdomen. Do not wear on your back, side, leg or arm.
  • Do not cover your bib with clothing – always make sure it is completely visible.
  • Make sure you cross over the timing mat at both the Start Line and the Finish Line.
    ***Start Line will CLOSE 10min AFTER THE SCHEDULED START TIME ***

B – Start slow and stay even

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of Race Day and start out too fast. Do the opposite – start a little slower than your normal pace and gradually pick up your pace over the first kilometre. After that, try to keep an even pace throughout the race and save your extra energy for the final push to the Finish Line!

C – Be prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings

No one knows what the weather will be in September, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. If it’s hot, bring your own water, but we’ll also have three aid stations on course, serving up both water and Nuun Hydration. If you are using one of the aid stations:

  • When approaching a hydration station, move to the side of the road, grab your fluid/nutritional needs and keep moving. There will be multiple hydration tables so if the first table is busy KEEP MOVING.
  • There will be water refill stations for those runners carrying their own bottles.
  • Throw your used cup to the side of the road as close to the hydration station as possible, ideally in one of the marked bins. Drop your cup down by your waist so you don’t hit/splash another participant. Please don’t litter on the course after passing the last aid station garbage bin.
  • If you plan to stop at the aid station, move past the tables and pull off to the side of the road.
  • Say thank you to the volunteers!

After the Race

A – Keep moving

Collect your medal as you cross the Finish Line, then keep moving through the chute until you get to the Post-Race Recovery Area. Keep moving for at least 10 more minutes afterwards to gradually bring your heart rate down and help your legs flush out that lactic acid (this will prevent you from being stiff tomorrow).

B – Refuel and rehydrate

Right after the finish line we’ll have water and Nuun for you to rehydrate with. Grab a cup and keep walking – there will be more in the Post-Race Recovery Area. A variety of snacks will be available in the Recovery Area, including bananas, Larabars, juice, and yogurt. The carbs will help replenish your energy stores while a bit of protein will help rebuild your muscles. Make sure you eat something within 30 minutes of crossing the line.

There will also be an Under Armour stretching station after the Finish Line, so you’ll have a designated area to do a proper cool-down and post-race stretch!

C – Get warm and enjoy the Finish Area

After you’ve fuelled up, stop by Gear Check to collect your spare clothes. Even on a sunny day, your core temperature will drop fast once you stop moving, especially when you’re still wearing sweaty clothes.

Post-race brunch is always key. There are many excellent restaurants in the area, including some of our favourites: the Alibi Room, Belgard Kitchen, Local, The Birds & the Beets, Catch 122, Jam & Deacon’s Corner.

Congratulations! Now it’s time to start planning your next race – registration for the 2020 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is now open!