For the complete race review, with all the struggles described in detail - and photos! - visit my blog:
http://bradleyontherun.com/2017/05/09/bmo-vancouver-marathon-2017/

BMO Vancouver Marathon – Quick Recap

Social Media: The gang at BMO Vancouver Marathon (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) does a fantastic job of keeping us informed and up to date. With social media and regular email updates, it’s a truly professional organization. Excellent communication. Two thumb up!

Package Pickup: With my Prestige Club pass, I was able to skip the line – and that was awesome! The Health, Sports and Lifestyle Expo is fun and engaging, with lots of great vendors. I have to give special recognition to Vicky at North Olympic Discovery Marathon – a race I’ll be doing in about a month!

T-Shirt/Swag: I’m not a huge fan of baby blue, but i really like this year’s t-shirt design. The swag I got from the Prestige Club – specifically the RunVan BUFF – really made me happy! And the 2017 medal is epic – heavy, 3D and stylish. Love it!

Course: Gorgeous. I run these road and paths, and the Seawall, all the time. I’m spoiled. But it’s a fabulous course, with lots of community support, and some stunning ocean views to boot. It’s hard to appreciate them on the far side of Stanley Park – though the hills are over, the endlessness of the final kilometres is painful. But still scenic! One of the best! You would never regret running in Vancouver.

Prestige Club: I was SO thrilled to win this VIP upgrade. Express pickup – brilliant! The heated tent, food, and private toilets at the start line were amazing – and had it been colder or rainy, it would have been a true lifesaver. The after party was mildly underwhelming…and, since I had a couple of spectator friends in tow, I didn’t want to leave them alone. If I’d travelled from another city, or was on my own – then I think it would have made more of an impact. Also, having my checked bag valeted personally from start line to finish line, not bad at all! Given the price tag, probably not a perk I’d purchase for myself, but it was still a great perk!

Post-Race: I think the Finish Line street festival gets better every year! Loads of food and drink, vendors, food trucks, massage…and lots of opportunity to connect with other runners, friends and family. One of the best!

Would I Run It Again? Without a doubt, I will run other BMO Vancouver Marathon events…but I don’t know if I’ll run the full marathon again. Honestly, I’m not sure whether or not I’ll ever run a full marathon. If I do, I might try for a slightly flatter course! Nevertheless, this one of the best organized race events I’ve been to, and I highly recommend it! Come and #RUNVAN!