Social Media: The Strachan Hartley Foundation has reasonably active Twitter and Facebook accounts, but their Instagram hasn’t been updated since last year. I also mentioned it in my review of the 2016 5k, but their website needs some improvements – better SEO (Google still lists the 2015 race), and more recent content. I challenge a website designer to take on this challenge and help the Foundation out!

Package Pickup: The entire West Van Run Crew did morning-of pickup, which was quick and uneventful.

T-Shirt/Swag: Because I registered early, I got the 2017 SHLF Run shirt – and it’s fantastic! Designed by a local 10-year-old, it’s probably one of my favourite race shirts to date!

Course: I thought the 5k was challenging, but the 10k is definitely not for the faint of heart. Are you a hill lover? Then this is the race for you! Especially due to the route changes, there should have been more effective course marshals at strategic points on course. Particularly at the 5k/10k split, better signage and a much more enthusiastic course marshal (maybe the football quarterback??) should have been deployed there. *I should add, however, that the race website has a disclaimer…that runners are responsible for knowing the course!*

Post-Race: Last year, the rain forced us back inside. We had great weather this year, so refreshments and festivities were all at the finish line. Added such a great vibe to the event!

Organization: Overall, the event is quite well organized with a great community vibe. Course marking and marshaling could use improvement, but I understand the limitations of a 100% volunteer race. Still – lots of fun!

Would I run it again? I’m going to crush the 10k in 2018! Hill training…here we come!

Link to this review