I loved this event! Cabbed from downtown Vancouver because I couldn't be bothered with transit in the morning. I'm not from the area, so I was allowed same-day bib pickup and it was very easy. The community centre where the pre-race was located was very easy to get to, right on a main street and looked like parking was legit, even though I didn't drive myself there. The water bottle runners received is really nice, not sure about the shirts because I didn't buy one when I registered online (they weren't free) - i ususally dont' like race shirts. From what I saw, they looked just okay. Bag check was quick, easy and organized. The gear was transferred to the finish area.
The start was just out front of the community centre on the street so there was barely any time spent outside being cold which was awesome. The course was perfect! fast, mostly flat with a few downhills, and the most gorgeous second half in AMbleside park and along the west vancouver seawall.
I only remember one water station where they were handing out plastic bottles of water, not cups..I didn't take water but I think I'd have liked that vs a cup since I always spill all over myself.
The finish line was in a beautiful park, water bottles handed out right after finishing and the race food bags were great, I loved the birch sap beverage and the granola bar, and there was also a yogurt, banana, tea bag (for later?) No participant medals in this event, which is fine, but I love collecting bling so I was a little dissapointed. There was also supposed to be an event theme (super heroes) but they didn't promote it whatsoever and there were 2 people I saw dressed up among about 500 runners! Too bad, because I love themed runs! Retrieving my gear bag was fast and simple, and it was a piece of cake taking transit back to downtown Vancouver. Just one bus right on Marine drive, about a block up from the finish area, right across the Lion's gate bridge and back to my hotel. Easy! This event has an awesome vibe! so organized, competetive yet fun, and gorgeous! The volunteers all seemed really on the ball and everyone knew what their job was, and everything was fast and easy. Great logistics. I will absolutely make another weekend trip to vancouver in the future to participate, next time I'll do the 5km on sat and then the 10km on sunday!