The Vancouver USA Marathon is considered one of the hidden jems of the NW for a reason. It is truly an amazing event that keeps getting better in its five years .

The Expo: The expo is done outside at Esther Short Park, you walk through a small vendor area and it took no time at all to pick up my bib, my shirt and my goodie back. The process was streamlined and made it very easy to get in and get out. You had the option to stick around and enjoy the Summer Brewfest while you had been there, but being I was doing the active thing all weekend, this was not going to happen.

Race Morning: Race morning was a well organized process. Bag check was easy to find and the volunteers had been great. You have the option of portta potties, the hotel bathrooms accross the street, or the bathrooms at the local Starbucks which opened their doors to runners. The event was hosted by Bart Yasso, and its always amazing to have his energy on the mic.

The starting area is well marked out by pace, and you really do know where you belong and where you need to start. There had been three waves which kept the 2,500 of us well seperated but still able to enjoy each other.

The course for Vancouver is amazing, it takes you though Vancouver and into the more hilly outskirts before heading down a steep incline to the waterfront. Vancouver will always be one of my faviorte races in general because of its scenery. There is only a very small strech of dull industrial land, but you get through that quickly.

The only ding I give this race and this is not the first year it happened is one of the water stations ran out of water for those of us who are mid to mid back of pack. It was towards the end of the race as well when it was getting hotter.

Brian Davis and his team at Energy Events run a top notice event that anyone should make it a point of doing. They truly give it all to their community. I have ran this event three times and will come back for more.