This was my first race in another country and I loved the reception I received in Vancouver. I was turned on to this race by a friend who ran it in 2014 and I loved the medal she posted in a FB pic. I was told to make sure I registered as soon as the clock struck noon (CST-10am PST) and luckily I got in. For the cost a registration, I received so much in value: access to an exclusive shopping event, 3 yoga sessions, race shorts, a hat, a medal, and a high quality post-race after party. The course was beautiful even though the weather was overcast, I especially did well and hit a PR. I think because course was marked in kilometers instead of miles, I felt like I was accomplishing more. My favorite part of the course was the seawall in Stanley Park. I loved the characters that were along the seawall, from the mermaids, to the fox, rabbit, and bird, and to the floating band. I wanted to run in 2016 but alas it sold out before I could get a chance to register. My only issue was the medal design cause a few TSA personnel to question if was a wine opener but they were fine with it once I pulled it out and showed them the medal. Will go back in 2017 God willing.