Package Pickup & Swag: Package pick up could be done either before the race at Distance Runwear in North Vancouver or the day of the race at the sign in tables. I have not done the package pickup at Distance Runwear yet, as it is a bit out of my way, but I have heard nothing but great things about everyone at the store! Race day package pick up was quick and easy. Say your name, grab your bib, grab your swag! This time the swag was a flexy plastic water cup, great for taking on any race to reduce wasted cups! I love this idea as it is not an item I would necessarily look to purchase, but I know it will get put to excellent use.

Course & Aid Stations: The race started at the Cypress Nordic area and looped through various wide rocky roads and beautiful technical single track. The SPORT course was roughly 8km and the ENDURO was about 11km. The 8km course was mostly on rolling rocky wide trails with segments of single track. The 11km covered the same course with an additional 3km looping extremely technical (roots/wooden planks/rocks/mud) trail. This was a fun add on for the trail runners and an excellent opportunity for those who are new to trail running to check out a smaller portion of technical trail! The Sport course hit the aid station once about half way through and the enduro hit it twice, once before the technical loop and once after. In this distance I personally did not stop either time, but it is nice knowing the option is there.

Post-Race: At 5 Peaks the post race is always remarkable. You can cruise between the food station (with more than plenty options of fruit, candy, brownies, bagels and spread etc.) to the RunGo tent with Ice cream sandwiches or over to Kintec with chocolate milk! I definitely have to say a big thank you to all of those sponsors and volunteers at the food tent for essentially supplying the racers with lunch and snacks post race! Then the games start and countless prizes are given away. Typically the awards start before noon, however they were delayed due to technical difficulties that eventually were resolved. Post race is always fun at 5 Peaks and worth sticking around for, you'll likely leave with something!!

Overall this race was really well organize, the trail was marked exceptionally well and volunteers were well spread out on the trails. I thought it was a smart decision to have small (extremely small) waves from the start line to allow for safe and friendly passing on the single track trail that was only 20 meters from the start line. The racers on course were wonderful and from my experience were friendly and very considerate with passing and allowing people by.

For more on this race or others: https://wordpress.com/stats/day/runstrongrunfar.wordpress.com?startDate=2016-07-15