For the full race report, with photos (and at least one revealing costume), visit my blog:
http://bradleyontherun.com/2015/10/31/rock-n-roll-vancouver-cunningham-seawall-10k/

RACE REPORT

Packet Pickup

Last year’s packet pickup was so smooth that I expected it to be the same again. It wasn’t. I mean – it was OK – but the layout was poor and it ended up being really congested in the bib pickup area. Plus, many of those running in both races – the 10K and the half – had to line up twice (unless they had seeded themselves in the same corral for both). The expo was fine, nothing especially exciting, but probably held interest to out-of-towners because a lot of local brands and race reps were there.

T-Shirt/Swag

The 10K shirt is a Brooks tech T in dark blue, with a stylized design representing the Seawall. I got an XS which is arguably a bit too small, but I couldn’t be bothered to exchange it (which had to be done on race day). The medal is a giant, chunky 10K – pretty impressive really. Kind of love it.

Course

What can I say? The Seawall is the Seawall and it’s always awesome – and in this case clockwise. Starting at English Bay and ending in Coal Harbour, the route is flat, scenic and worth a visit to Vancouver. Seriously. I would have preferred a bit more course entertainment – there was just one band plus a dynamic Elvis impersonator – but I understand that there’s not a tonne of space along the Seawall. The volunteers were enthusiastic and supportive, and there were plenty of aid stations if you needed them.

Post-Race

Medals? Check! Bag pickup? Quick and efficient! Beer garden? Honestly, 10:30am is too early for beer, and it was windy and a bit chilly, but I couldn’t turn down a free beer. We huddled together and made the best of it.

Would I Run It Again?

I’m on the fence. I have no specific complaint about the race itself, but there are several (smaller) Seawall races in Vancouver. And I’m not sure if I buy into the whole Rock ‘n’ Roll series hype. But, I would definitely recommend this race as a destination run because it really does tick all of the boxes – pretty well-organized, amazing scenery, great swag…and all of it here in Vancouver!