The 2018 Big Fiesta Run was, in my opinion, the best race organized by Running Tours so far. It was very well organized, and I did not hear any complaints nor saw any possibilities for improvement in this race.

Getting There:
The race was held in Burnaby Lake. I chose to drive there as the transit options from my home to there are complicated and time-consuming. There was plenty of free parking available when I arrived.

Package Pickup:
I had selected the basic package that included a bib and a flower lei necklace. They had quick and friendly volunteers at the table. I only had to wait for 2 minutes to get my bib and was happy to see that my flower lei included a maraca. I ended up wearing my lei around my wrist and shaking the maraca for the whole 5k to stay in the party spirit.

Bag check:
Back check went smoothly and the volunteer was nice enough to let me do my bag check in two parts by setting my bag aside. They also had sunscreen available for those runners like me who did not expect the day to be so sunny.

Warmup:
This time, the warmup was not led by the race director, but Lulu Chavez-Grajales, a fun and very enthusiastic dance fitness teacher with a contagious smile. She got us to shake, jump, twist, hold our arms up in the air and even to do a conga line! I think it was the best dance warmup I took part in at a fun run.

Music:
DJ Jeremiah FC was spinning some awesome latin party songs that got most of us moving both pre-race and post-race while race director Baxter Bayer played the bongos live.

Race Course:
It got pretty hot by the time the race started (the Running Tours races are held early in the afternoon), so I was very glad most of the race were to run in the shade on gravel trails in the park. The course was clearly marked and nobody got lost. They clearly announced the 5k turnaround point and the volunteer marshals were very supportive.

Race Photography:
I was pleasantly surprised to see a professional photographer on course. Professional-quality pictures were provided to most runners for free. Somehow, I got missed by the photographer or he did not manage to get a good shot. Too bad.

Finish line:
The race finishes with a flat straightaway. My favourite kind of finish line. Race director Baxter was also right next to the finish line drumming some supportive rhythms and giving some high fives.

Post-Race Expo:
Water and juice boxes were available at the finish line. One of the sponsors, Sunlife Financial, also had some candies. Kintec was also there for people interested in trying some shoes or learning about some recovery tools. For the kids, they had a Pinata that included both candies and oranges and my little one grabbed an orange for herself.

Awards and Podium:
I was awarded with a red flower necklace and a $50 Kintec gift card for being the first female to cross the finish line for the 5k. The race is not chipped time, but it is great that they still kept some old-school competitive component to it for those who enjoy the thrill of racing for the podium.

Swag:
Their finisher medal is the best I have gotten so far. I normally do not like finisher medals except for races I finish for the first time. That is why I like that the Running Tours races give you the option to get a medal or not. For this one, I had originally opted to not get a medal, but changed my mind after seeing it. The medal also worked as a bottle opener and I did not have a proper one at home...