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Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Canada Running Series

Jun 25 2017
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SVHM 17

Kangogo & Tessier take tactical wins at 2017 Scotia Half

By | Elite Athletes, Scotiabank Vancouver Half | No Comments

VANCOUVER, BC. June 25th. Lethbridge’s Kip Kangogo (65:35) and Toronto’s Lyndsay Tessier (77:00) raced to emphatic victories in the 19th edition of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half marathon, presented by Asics, ahead of 4,229 participants this morning. Another 2,506 took part in the accompanying 5K. The total, sold-out crowd of 6,735 were drawn to the magnificent scenery of the Pacific Northwest and the finish in world-famous Stanley Park, from 9 Canadian provinces, 26 American states and 27 countries around the world. Combined, the runners also raised and impressive $970,000 for 76 mostly-local charities in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

SVHM 17The summerlike conditions showed one of the world’s most-scenic half marathons at its best, but led to tactical races up front. It was 19c for the 7:30am start of the “Scotia Half” start at the University of British Columbia at 7:30am. A group of 4 immediately broke away from the field, led by Canada’s 2012 Olympic marathoner Dylan Wykes, with Kangogo, Lakefield, Ontario’s Thomas Toth and Tristan Woodfine from Guelph’s Speed River TFC tucked in behind. Two initial three-minute kilometres got rid of Woodfine who drifted back on tired legs, and the pace slowed to consistent 3:10s as Wykes kept things moving along. Toth, who had already put in over 200 kilometres this week as he prepares to represent Canada in the IAAF World Championships marathon in London in August, was gone by 8k (24:51).  It then turned into a thoroughly absorbing cat and mouse contest between two wily veterans. Kangogo had already won the event an impressive 5 times, Wykes once in 2014 (with Kangogo 2nd). The pair continued down through Spanish Banks, Jericho Beach, Point Grey and into Kitsilano with Wykes doing all the leading, and Kangogo in his footsteps behind. 10k was passed in 30:47 and 15k in 46:33 before Kangogo moved out to test Wykes’ race fitness around Kits Point at 17k. At 18k, going onto the challenging uphill over Burrard Bridge, the Albertan made his signature, decisive move that has given him so many victories on the course and it was over quickly. “My training has been coming along really nicely,” Kangogo said. “I was happy with my preparation and I planned to make my move at 18k on the bridge. I had won the Canadian Half marathon Championships 3 weeks ago in Calgary and I was ready. I love this race and am glad to come back anytime.” Despite dropping off to finish 18 seconds back (65:53) Wykes was also pleased with his performance. After battling injuries for 4 years and starting a family, he ran a steady, controlled effort. “It’s great to be back racing,” he said. “Right now I’ve still only got one gear, but watch out for me in the Fall!” Toth crossed the line a distant third in 68:02, with Woodfine another minute back (69:03).

SVHM 17 TessierThe women’s race produced a surprise winner in Lyndsay Tessier from Toronto’s Black Lungs club, ahead of strong pre-race favourite Dayna Pidhoresky (78:10) of Vancouver. Pidhoresky was coming off a breakthrough performance at the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon just 4 weeks ago – a PB of 2:36:08 that also earned her a place on the Canadian team to the World Championships. “It was tough out there,” she said. “It was hot. The plan was to do a tempo workout and I thought that might be good enough to win today, but it wasn’t. Lyndsay really deserved to win. I’ve only had a couple of workouts since Ottawa, and I was worried if I pushed too hard it might set me back, and I’d miss some important training for London.” Pidhoresky got off to her typical quick start and was well clear at 3k which she passed in 10:02. But Tessier remained steady, gradually hauling her in. Tessier caught up around 8k, and the pair battled back and forth until 13k when Tessier made the move, to eventually win by over a minute. “Early on I just tried to keep the green shorts in sight,” said Tessier. “I’m not good on downhills, and Dayna got away from me on the downhill from 8k to 9k, but I caught up to her again by 10k. I do much better on the uphills and I moved away on the rise from Jericho at 13k. Burrard Street bridge was really a throat punch at the end but once I got over it I just held on.” Washington State’s Courtney Olsen was 3rd in 80:47.

Following the race, Race Director Clif Cunningham presented Kangogo with 6 rings to represent his 6 victories on the course, after several years of the former college All-American repeatedly joking about “where’s my rings?!” A live band, a teeming “Charity Village” and all around good vibes with snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, rounded out a spectacular Vancouver running experience.

After a summer hiatus the Canada Running Series resumes in Vancouver, with the Under Armour Eastside 10k on September 16th. https://canadarunningseries.com/vancouver-eastside-10k/

Full results from today at https://canadarunningseries.com/scotiabank-vancouver-half-marathon/the-weekend/#results-and-photos

SVHM 17SVHM 17SVHM 17SVHM 17

Jun 16 2017
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Meet your 2017 #ScotiaHalf Contenders

By | Elite Athletes, Scotiabank Vancouver Half | No Comments
Kip Kangogo

Age: 37
Personal Best: 1:03:22

Kip Kangogo is a previous Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon winner, having won the event 5 times!  After immigrating from Kenya 14 years ago, he resides in Lethbridge, Alberta with his family.  Kip ran a 2:17:12 at the 2014  Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, to earn the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2015 Pan Am Games Marathon.  He is an accomplished runner in any event from the 5000m to the marathon, and has an exceptional knowledge of the #ScotiaHalf course , Kangogo will be a force to be reckoned with on June 25 as he hunts for his 6th win.
thomas toth
Thomas Toth

Age: 26
Personal best: 1:04:26

Thomas Toth had a breakthrough performance at the 2016 Aramco Houston Half-Marathon where he ran a blistering 1:04:26.   Following this, Toth went on to win the 2016 Canadian Half Marathon Championships in Calgary.  Since then, he’s set a solid mark in the marathon, debuting at 2:18:58 in the Hamburg Marathon. Beating the qualifying standard by 2 seconds, Toth has been selected to represent Canada in the marathon at the 2017 World Track and Field Championships in London, England this summer.
geoff martinson
Geoff Martinson

Age: 31
Personal best: 1:05:18

Geoff Martinson has specialized in shorter distances, with a semi final appearance in the 1500m at the 2011 World Track and Field Championships.  With many podium finishes at local road races, he was the former BC Champ in the 5k, and the winner of the 2015 Eastside 10k. With just a few early results at the half marathon distance, he’s one to watch for in the field.
dylan wykes
Dylan Wykes

Age: 34
Personal best: 1:02:14

Dylan Wykes is one of the most successful marathon runners in Canada. A member of the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team, he finished 20th in his Olympic debut at the London 2012 Games. He qualified for the Games by running 2:10:47 at the 2012 Rotterdam Marathon; a time that is the third fastest ever by a Canadian, behind only Jerome Drayton’s clocking of 2:10:09 in 1975 and Reid Coolsaet’s 2:10:28 clocking at the 2015 Berlin Marathon.  Wykes won the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon in 2014 in 1:03:52, and will be contending for the top spot again this June.
dayna pidhoresky
Dayna Pidhoresky:

Age: 30
Personal best: 1:11:46

Dayna Pidhoresky has had a season like no other this year.  She has won every race she’s entered, and although she came in 7th behind an international field at the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon, she was the first Canadian and hit the mark that would qualify her for the 2017 World Track and Field Championships in London, England later this summer.  Having battled through a sacral stress fracture after running the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in October, Pidhoresky has shown that all her hard work has paid off.  A previous winner of the Eastside 10k, Pidhoresky lives and trains in Vancouver with her husband/coach.  She has never run the Scotia Half, but living in the area will have helped in her preparation to shoot for the winning spot on June 25th.
sabrina wilkie
Sabrina Wilkie:

Age: 32
Personal best: 1:16:20

Sabrina Wilkie grew up in Langley, BC and now calls Vancouver home with her husband and their three-year old son. Self-coached since 2014, Wilkie has podiumed in many local road races and represented Canada at the 2014 NACAC Cross Country Championships.  Debuting in the Victoria Marathon last October, Wilkie won the women’s title in 2:45:54.  Outside of running and family, Wilkie is at the University of British Columbia completing her Masters of Physical Therapy.
lyndsay tessier
Lyndsay Tessier:

Age: 39
Personal best: 1:16:12

Lyndsay Tessier is a competitive runner from Toronto, Ontario who placed second at the 2016 Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon.  Tessier has competed in many road running races all across Canada and recently won the Mississauga Half Marathon on May 7 in 1:16:12.  Being familiar with the Scotia Half course, Lyndsay will be ready to better her last years placing, and will be in contention for a spot at the top of the podium.

The full Elite List for this year’s event can be found here.

Want to join these contenders on June 25? Head on over to the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon to see if there’s still space left!

Jun 02 2017
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Course Tips from the Front

By | Scotiabank Vancouver Half | No Comments

Some of the top athletes share their insider info on the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon course.

Catherine Watkins:

Scotia Half is a fun scenic net downhill run but don’t let that deceive you into thinking it’s an easy course. You can definitely have a fast time on the course but it is important that you remain patient for the first 15k and don’t get carried away. The long downhill from UBC can take it’s toll on your legs if you go out too fast and that can make the final climb up Burrard Bridge a long slog if your legs aren’t feeling good. This is a course where you want to be able to pick things up after the Burrard climb and feel strong on the downhill towards the finish.

Melanie Kassel:

I always warn first timers not to get sucked into hammering down that lovely hill early on in the race in order to bank a few seconds – whatever time gains are made at that point are invariably lost (plus some!) when your quads go on strike in the latter stages of the race. Enjoy a nice downhill coast but don’t shoot yourself in the foot!

Katherine Moore:

I have run a negative split on this course and my PB. With the downhills in the first half, on this course it is easy to get caught up with running too fast in the beginning. If you hold back a bit in the beginning you hopefully feel good at 10k to feel strong for the second half which has some uphill, the Burrard Bridge, and at this time of year it can start getting hot.

Dayna Pidhoresky:

So this will be my first time running Scotia Half, hence, I am looking forward to reading the tips of others!  In the past I know it has been quite hot so I think taking full advantage of the water stations from the get-go would be advantageous in the latter stages of the race.

Rika/Tatsuya Hatachi:

I try to break down 21.097km to several ‘sections’.  When I actually run the race, I try to clear them one by one, so that I won’t feel the entire course is too long.

  • From start until the ‘turnaround’ on Marine Drive (approx. 3km point): nice & easy on slight and almost unnoticeable downhill.  You can grab your good rhythm here, but do not overrate your easy feeling at this point.  Do not rocket-start or speed up. Keep the pace steady and save your energy as much as possible.
  • After ‘turnaround’ ~before long downhill to Jericho: You may start feeling ‘tired’ suddenly and already! But it’s natural to feel heavy after the slight downhill  and it’s a little bit going up.  If you are challenging and aiming for PB, expect that you may feel heavy on your legs here but you will recover later for sure. So don’t worry.
  • Downhill to Jericho: One of the feature points of this course.  Some runners like trying to keep your pace ‘down’ on downhill to reduce the impact, while other runners like ‘running like flying down’ the hill.  Believe it depends on how you’ve been training on downhill.  If you are not well-trained/prepared for this downhill, you may end up paying back later on if you go aggressive on the downhill (even for ½ marathon distance), so be careful. But if you are confident in training downhill, this is where you can save some time here for PB, so go for it!
  • After the downhill ~ Burrard Bridge: ‘Flat’ road after the downhill will definitely feel like ‘uphill’.  Small updowns and turning lots of corners just before Burrard Bridge may drag you down, but, try to think that it is ‘natural’ to feel ‘heavy’ or ‘slow’ right after the long downhill, and the half-point has passed .  Anticipate, be prepared and plan for the fatigue you will get in the second half of any race.  Re-fuel yourself constantly to maintain steady performance.
    Try to recover and get your body used to the running on ‘flat’ road.
  • Burrard Bridge: Much harder and longer than crossing it by driving, of course.
    However, be positive by thinking that the mild downhill is waiting for you toward the end of the bridge, plus, it would only be about 2km left after crossing this bridge.
    Prepare for the ‘last spurt’ after reaching the top of this bridge.
  • Pacific Blvd to the Stanley Park Finish line:  Nice and slight downhill where you can go for the last spurt! Lots of cheering crowd on both sides of Pacific Blvd will help you all the way to the Finish Line! Enjoy your moment!
Kip Kangogo:

The best course with wonderful volunteers and great cheering crowds and don’t underestimate Burrard Bridge as things can get interesting there.

Dylan Wykes:

10-15k is the toughest part of this course in my mind.  Everyone expects to come off the big hill from UBC to Spanish banks and just be able to keep rolling.  It hasn’t worked that way for me.  Expect to need a kilometre to get your groove again after the downhill.  Don’t underestimate the hill around Jericho Park.  It stings big time.  If you can stay mentally strong through this part of the course, you’ll set yourself up for a good last 6k.

Chris Mulverhill:

If you have time, I recommend running or walking parts of the course that you aren’t familiar with or that you are curious about. It’s better to know how steep a hill is or how far it seems between points before you’re many kilometers deep on the pain train.

Whether it’s your first half or your 50th, have fun. There are very few opportunities where you get to take to the streets of a beautiful part of a beautiful city with thousands of people without being considered a riot. Make the most of it.

Craig McMillan:

I have run this quite a few times before. My main point about this course would be that most people forget how much uphill / rollers there are. 3-7km are all slightly uphill and the rolling terrain after Spanish banks to Burrard Bridge can take it out of you if you went too hard in the first half. Overall, a fast and great race.

A full course description can be found here or check out the course preview video. See you on June 25 at #ScotiaHalf!

May 23 2017
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Course Preview – Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon 2017

By | Scotiabank Vancouver Half | No Comments

Our friend and Asics athlete Justin Kent did a quick course preview run of the 2017 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon course a few weeks back. Check out some videos of the preview run along with photos from last year’s race!

You can find more course info on the Half-Marathon as well as the 5k here. Looking forward to having you join us this June!

 

Apr 11 2017
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Asics Pace Team at #ScotiaHalf 2017

By | Scotiabank Vancouver Half | No Comments

We’re excited to introduce the 2017 Asics Pace Team for this year’s Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon! Two pacers will run with each of the following pace groups – 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, and (new this year) 2:30.

1:45 Pace Group Leaders

Mike Hsiao

Mike is a recent engineering graduate, avid volunteer and a marathon runner who was diagnosed with the Fatty Liver Disease as a child. In 2012, while he was in second year university, he collapsed and was sent to the ER due to a combination of many health conditions, including being borderline obese. Since then, Mike decided to make a change to become healthier. He picked up running and an active lifestyle (and lost 1/4 of his weight in the progress). He has kept going since, and have ran over 60 races varying from a 5km to full marathons. Mike has made a goal to do 100 races before he is 25 to raise awareness for many health causes. Mike is the founder and CEO of Race Force, which is a nonprofit organization that have helped organized or assisted more than 150 sporting events (such as Scotiahalf) since inception. Mike is excited to be an Asics pacer for the 2017 Scotiahalf for 1:45 and invite you to connect with him!

Kevin Schwab

Following his Half Marathon debut in Munich in 2010, Kevin has been running 10Ks and Half Marathons throughout Canada over the past few years. His two running highlights to-date include winning the M<25 age group at Scotia last year, as well as completing his first Full Marathon in Portland in October. Battling with injuries for most of the last half year, Kevin is excited to assist other runners in achieving their goals at Scotia this summer. Oh and getting to wear bunny ears – that’s pretty big, too.

2:00 Pace Group Leaders

Greg Faber

I started running in 2012 to shed some pounds and reclaim my health. It started with casual walks just to get my body adjusted to movement. As I saw other people running through the park, it motivated me to do more. I picked up my pace and before I knew it I was running my first 5km race. Today, I am proud to say that I have completed many races ranging from 5k’s to ultra marathons and what started out as simple exercise has turned into a lifestyle.

I have since not only lost all the excess weight I carried around, but have gained a whole new community of friends and likeminded individuals that have all caught the running bug. Moving forward, I want to inspire and motivate others to reach their own running goals. I found that pacing for the Scotiabank Half-Marathon is one way to give back to the sport I love!

Elisha Allen

Elisha is a Vancouver local with a life-long love of running. Over the past few years she’s completed a variety of long distance races including a 23 km trail race up Whistler Mountain and the 2017 Boston Marathon. She’s extremely passionate about helping others explore and enjoy running and can’t wait to help you reach your half-marathon goals! If you want to check out her latest running adventures you can Elisha on Instagram @theruntoboston.

2:15 Pace Group Leaders

Andy Arevalo

Andy Arevalo is a runner that has started his running since 2015.

In late 2015, he came across a local Chinese running group called LaPower. He joined the group and has made many good friends that share the same passion in running and life style.

He has run many race such as The Sun Run, BMO half marathon, Scotiabank half marathon, and the Rock “N” Rock Half marathon in which he had made his PB in the race.

Having this opportunity to run as a pacer for the Scotiabank half marathon 2017 is his honour. This is going to be a very exciting and memorable experience for Andy, and he is going to achieve your goal with you.

Courtney L.

I started running in 2010 and got hooked. It started with one half marathon just to see if I could do it and has led to many more half marathons, marathons, 5k and 10ks all over North America. I love to run and I love to get other people excited about running. And I enjoy helping people reach their running goals. I have lead running clinics and paced numerous 10ks, half marathons and marathons. It is a great feeling to help someone reach their goal – to be a small part of their success is awesome. I am looking forward to running with the group to make the 2:15 half marathon time!

2:30 Pace Group Leaders

Sharon Sandhu

Hi name is Sharon and I moved from England to Vancouver in 2012. I first started running in 2011, my friend who was a run coach convinced me to try something new and I signed up for my first half marathon in Basingstoke UK (with hills). Running has always been a great way to meet people and I am super excited to be a pacer at the Scotiabank Half Marathon, this will be my third year running the course and I’m looking forward to being a source of motivation for the awesome runners on the day!

Lisa Brown

My name is Lisa Brown and I am the pacer for the 2:30 group. The party corral!

My first race was the Scotiabank half marathon in 2013. I was hooked. Since then I have run 7 half marathons, 3 full marathons, numerous 10 and 5k races. For the last year I have been volunteering with learn to run and 5k clinics.

Run with the Asics Pace Team this June – sign up today!

Jun 27 2016
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Kip Kangogo runs to victory, marking his fifth win at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon

By | Elite Athletes, Scotiabank Vancouver Half | No Comments
Over $860,000 raised at the 2016 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k.

VANCOUVER June 26th 2016 – Over 6,500 people took part in the 18th annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k on Sunday, June 26. The event raised more than $860,000 and counting for 81 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. This amount is a significant contribution to the $50 million raised nationally in the lifetime of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge since its inception in 2003.

Race day saw momentous victories on a sunny Vancouver morning as runners brought their best to the scenic course, stretching from UBC to Stanley Park. Kenyan-born Kip Kangogo of Lethbridge, Alberta owned today’s race, as he has since his Canadian debut in 2009, leading the men’s pack and winning his fifth Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon in eight years with a time of 01:07:03. Kenya’s Pius Kipsang Korir followed in second place, with Kangogo’s fellow Kenyan Canadian, Willy Kimosop in third for the men’s event.

KipKangogo

Romanian born American, Adriana Nelson came to Vancouver looking for a half-marathon win, and led the women’s pack from the beginning. She ran to victory three minutes clear of second place, Lindsay Tessier from Toronto.

“We would like to congratulate all of the runners in the 2016 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k, especially those who participated in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge and ran for causes close to their hearts,” said Winnie Leong, Senior Vice President of the BC and Yukon Region at Scotiabank. “This marks a special year for the race here in Vancouver. With the support of the local community, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge reached a fundraising total of $860,000 and counting – helping to take our national fundraising even further past the $50 million national fundraising milestone achieved this past week.”

Charity

The race also saw record-breaking moments as Jason Cole and Rand Surbey broke the Guinness World Record for fastest half-marathon pushing a wheelchair. The powerhouse duo had a strong finish in the race and in their fundraising efforts, raising over $15,000 for the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. The Scotiabank Charity Challenge also saw a record broken as Cassie and Friends Society raised over $120,000 this year, surpassing the most a charity has raised through the Challenge in Vancouver, annually.

“Today we saw residents of Vancouver and surrounding areas unite in an inspiring way – from talented runners to dedicated supporters cheering on race participants, we witnessed a great deal of athleticism, philanthropy and community spirit,” said Clif Cunningham, Canada Running Series Western Race Director. “With the combination of outstanding running achievements and hundreds of thousands of dollars raised for local charities here in BC, we couldn’t have asked for a better day.” 

Spectators

Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k Results:

Half-Marathon Results   

Half-Marathon Male 

1. Kip Kangogo – Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada:  01:07:03

2. Pius Kipsang Korir–  Kenya: 01:07:29

3. Willy Kimosop – Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada: 01:08:11

Half-Marathon Female         

1. Adriana Nelson – Boulder, Colorado, USA: 01:14:35

2. Lyndsay Tessier – Toronto, Ontario, Canada: 01:17:30

3. Robyn Mildren – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: 01:18:55

5k Results

5k Male          

1. Alistair Kealty – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: 17:07

2. Dorian Baysset – Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada: 17:56

3. Samuel Yeung – Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada: 19:28  

5k Female               

1. Olivia, Willett – Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada: 18:57

2. Carina Blafield – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: 20:12

3. Hannah Ye – Leesburg, Virginia, USA: 20:22

To see a list of charities involved in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visit the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k website.

For more highlights and complete race results, please visit: www.vancouverhalf.com 

Twitter Hashtags: #ScotiaHalf and #runScotia

Jun 16 2016
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Meet the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon Pacer Team: Mike Hsiao.

By | Scotiabank Vancouver Half | No Comments

By Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon Pacer, Mike Hsiao. 

Volunteering, simply put, is an art. Like any great structure ever built, there is a story of planning, engineering and building, happening behind the scenes that rarely surfaces. My name is Mike Hsiao, and I am the 1 hour, 45 minute Pacer for the 2016 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon, and I am also the team captain of Race Force Athletics and Volunteering Club. Race Force is a non-profit organization that has been volunteering at Canada Running Series (West) events since 2008.

The volunteer process usually begins months before the event. The safety of all participants is a key deciding factor in any volunteer program. For example, with an event such as the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon, where numerous hydration stations are essential, volunteers are needed. Other examples are at key intersections of the course where, along with traffic personnel and police, volunteers are needed to help answer questions and guide runners.

Ensuring volunteers have a positive experience is the next step. The foundations of any successful program include where the volunteers need to be placed, volunteer shift length, and food all need to be taken into consideration. All of these steps happen even before the recruitment of volunteers happen.

Recruitment takes place after all of the key roles have been identified. Budgeting for volunteer food, t-shirts and costs associated with running the program are also taken into consideration. Recruitment itself is an art. After all of the volunteers are recruited, the race day co-ordination is a whole other ball game. In the grand timeline of volunteer coordinating, race day only occupies a small portion in the big picture.There is proverb that says: “For 10 minutes on stage, it takes 10 years of preparation off stage”. We want to create the best experience for the volunteers, to give them valuable skills and a well-rounded experience.  So, you may ask, is volunteering worth it?

YES! Not only does supporting an event such as Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon benefit countless people and causes in need across hundreds of charities, it also brings people together and create smiles! So, if you are a runner reading this, be sure to give a volunteer a high-five or a hug when you are out running the 2016 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon, or any other race.  If you are a volunteer, chat up your fellow volunteers, and who knows, you may find yourself a new best friend!

Register to run the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon with Mike on Sunday June 26th.Sign up here.

Jun 16 2016
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Kip Kangogo Chasing Fifth Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon Victory

By | Scotiabank Vancouver Half | No Comments
June 16th, 2016 – By Paul Gains.

Kip Kangogo returns to the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Kip KangogoMarathon June 26th in search of his fifth victory in this acclaimed road race.

The Kenyan born resident of Lethbridge, Alberta gained his Canadian citizenship in 2014 and has been a constant in this Canada Running Series race, winning on his debut in 2009 and repeating in 2010 and 2011. After second place to Olympian Reid Coolsaet in 2012 he won for the fourth time in 2013.

Kangogo, a proud Canadian, went on to represent Canada at last summer’s Pan Am Games. When he toes the Vancouver starting line it will be with mixed emotions.

Last month he failed in his bid to meet the Canadian Olympic qualifying standard (2:12:50) at the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon. The warm, muggy conditions also ended any hope of beating his personal best of 2:15:26 which he ran at the 2015 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. That PB came just three months after the Pan Am Games marathon. But the thought of another victory in Vancouver slightly tempers that.

“I think I will be just trying to go for the win,” he reveals. “I don’t know who is in the race. The Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon is a good venue for me. I have won it all those times. I think I have run it six times and I have won four. I lost to (2012 Olympians) Reid (Coosaet) and to Dylan Wykes in the other two years.

“When my daughter Emma was born I won this race in 2013 just for her. She was born June 2nd so I said I was going to run a race for her, just to welcome her. I won the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon for her.”

On May 1st of this year, Kangogo became a proud father a second time when his son Roy Bii Kangogo came into the world.

The picturesque course starts on the grounds of the University of British Columbia and traces the Pacific Ocean shoreline to Stanley Park. Having run here so many times, Kangogo is comfortable with choosing the correct tactics to win.

In 2011, he ran 1:03:22 coming near the race record of 1:03:10 which has been held by Kenya’s Patrick Nthwia since 2007. A fifth victory would have additional significance therefore, and he has joked with race director, Clif Cunningham, that if he gave out rings for each title he could possibly fill the fingers on one hand.

“It is a good course because it has everything. It has flats, downhill, uphills, all the challenges that runners face,” he explains. “I know the course really well. I know where there is a hill and I know how to run it.”

The only uncertainty is his level of fitness. For half the Ottawa marathon he was on Olympic qualifying pace but then the heat started affecting him. Despite the conditions, he refused to quit, which would have afforded him the opportunity to save himself for another marathon. Instead he moderated his goal. The Vancouver race will be only four weeks after the marathon.

“I think (my recovery from the Ottawa marathon) was very good,” he reveals. “I took a week off then got back into running. It wasn’t bad. The weather wasn’t the best for running faster so I did the best I could with the weather. I just kept taking fluids and tried to pace myself.

“There was no point to save it. I knew it was the last chance to run the Olympic standard. In one way or another you are going to get it or not. My pacer was on pace until 11km when he dropped out, but we were still on pace. Then I went with one guy from Sudan. By 23km I knew it wasn’t going to happen. I said ‘You know what? The next option is to run just to finish it.’ That was the next reward for me. I knew the standard was gone but after that maybe I can reward myself by just crossing the line with a smile.”

At the age of 36 – he celebrates his 37th birthday on July 20 – Kangogo knows his best days are likely behind him and retirement is on the horizon. Still he is enjoying his running.

“I think I am going to sit down with my wife,” he says of his running future. “My wife is still going to school and I think we will discuss that plan and see what we are going to do going forward. I am still running now. She is still going to school. We will discuss that in the near future.”

The elite field in Vancouver also includes Kenya’s Dancan Kasia, best known for his pacemaking duties at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon as well as Canadian international Rob Watson. The latter had also attempted the Olympic standard earlier this spring at the London Marathon. He finished in 2:18:45 and will be looking to put a spark back into his racing form. View Canada Running Series’ Race Director, Alan Brookes’ interview with Rob Watson after the London Marathon earlier this year: http://runcrs.co/1sGU8yo

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For More Information and to register:

http://www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm/

Jun 06 2016
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Meet the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon Pacer Team: Christy Baker.

By | Digital Champions, Scotiabank Vancouver Half | No Comments

By Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon Pacer, Christy Baker.

VANCOUVER June 6th 2016. My first half-marathon was the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon in 2003. I had just moved to Vancouver and running was my way to get to know the city and meet new friends. Fast forward to 2016 and I have done this race 5 times and a total of 15 half-marathons, one full marathon and numerous trail races including Seek the Peak! I am happily married with two kids and life is busy, but running not only keeps me fit and healthy, it is my social outing with friends or my husband, hitting our local trails minutes away from my front door.

I know we all lead busy lives and there is a fine line between balance and chaos. I try to keep this balance by running early in the morning, on the weekend, during my work day or after my kids go to bed. I find half-marathon training works with my family life and it is not so demanding that it takes away from every day life and fitness activities.

christy svhm 2

Training for the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon this year, I have recruited some friends to run the distance with me as I will be the 2-hour Pace Bunny. This will help me practice staying on a consistent pace because I am usually a fast starter and then need to dig deep the last few kilometers to finish! My half-marathon times have improved over the last three years and I am happy with my consistently finishing between 1:45 -1:48. I am looking forward to leading the 2-hour pace group and encouraging others to get a personal best or just finish their first half-marathon. I look forward to seeing you at the start line on Sunday June 26th and if you see me, please say hi! I love to chat when I run so let’s make this an awesome half-marathon!

Register to run the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon with Christy on Sunday June 26th. Sign up here.

 

May 23 2016
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Rob Watson on the #ScotiaHalf Course

By | Elite Athletes, Scotiabank Vancouver Half | No Comments
May 23, 2016 – by Rob Watson

Elite athlete Rob Watson has raced the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon a number of times and has trained on every square inch of the course countless times, so we asked him for a play-by-play of the race course and tips for Race Day.

Vancouver has some truly wonderful races, but if you ask me, I’d say that the Scotiabank Half-Marathon is the best one going. Why would I say that? Well for many reasons, but for today I am going to focus on just one very specific, very awesome reason; the course. This race has the most spectacular course around. It offers up a beautiful tour of our incredible city. From UBC, all the way to Stanley Park, this course showcases many of the best parts of Vancouver. If you are properly trained and ready for the intricacies of the course it can be very fast. I’ll take you through the race and give you a few tips on how to make sure you are ready to roll come June 26th.

Ok, let’s get started. Firstly, when the gun sounds, get going! The first couple km are quick fast – take advantage. Obviously you don’t want to go off sprinting like a crazy person, that’d be unwise, but don’t be afraid to let the legs stretch out a bit. If you are 5-10sec faster than goal pace do not stress, that’s just how the first few km’s rolls.

Settle in and try to find your rhythm during the rest of your time up at UBC, there are some gradual ups and downs, but nothing too gnarly. Settle in and relax.

Coming down off UBC we have ourselves a big ass downhill. This can be awesome, but it can also be tricky. Be careful here folks, running downhill is a great way to open up the stride and gain some time, but if you are overeager you risk putting junk in your legs. The pounding from that downhill mile can beat you up a bit. Two tips; 1) Practice running downhill. Get the body used to that pounding. 2) Come race day be patient and run light going down this hill. Let gravity do the work and save the legs for when you really need them (hint; we have a bridge to deal with at 18km).

So now you are at the bottom of the downhill. Hopefully you enjoyed the amazing views and the smooth ride on the way down. Now we are at Spanish banks and about 10km into the race. Use this time to settle back into rhythm. It will probably feel a bit funny at first as you change your stride back to a flat running gait. Don’t panic, the next 3km are pancake flat, plenty of time to get things sorted. You’ll be fine.

At 13km there is a little climb. Not gonna lie, it stings. The good news is that it is short-300m(ish), and when you get to the top there is a nice 1km downhill. That’s one of the good things about this course, after every uphill there is a nice downhill to recover on right afterwards.

At 15km you will roll past LuLu Chip’s place. Run strong and look pretty, the crowds are great here and you are making your way home. Enjoy the sights and sounds as you run past Kits beach and into the Kits Point area.

Alright then. Let’s talk about this bridge. At 18km you are going to come around a corner and encounter the Burrard Street Bridge. This is an iconic Vancouver structure that connects Kitsilano to Downtown. It is also an uphill, and it will be uncomfortable. Just get yourself to the top! Use the crowds, look at the mountains and think about all the training you have done to get to this point. Remember that it is all worth it. Once you crest this badboy it is all downhill to the finish.

After the bridge life is good. The crowds are rowdy, the course is downhill and you are so dang close to that finish. It is truly a wonderful feeling to run into Stanley Park to cross that finish line. Stanley Park is the jewel of Vancouver and boy does she look good after 21km of hard running. Cross the line, do a little dance and then drink a beer – you will have earned it.

Good luck folks.

Race Route

Want to join Rob on June 26? Sign up today at VancouverHalf.com and remember that prices go up on June 1st, so register today to save!

For more details on the course, check out the map, elevation profile, and course description.