To understand this race, you have to run it along with me. So visit my blog review and see photos of the event:
http://bradleyontherun.com/2016/01/17/steveston-ice-breaker-8k/

But if you just want a quick summary, here it is!

Packet Pickup
A very low-key affair at the Running Room – a table and a volunteer with bibs and a list of names. Quick and painless.

T-Shirt/Swag
Nothing – this is a minimalist event. Cheap and cheerful.

Course
A flat out-and-back course. On a sunny day, this would be an extremely scenic route along the South Arm of the Fraser River, past some local historic sites. On a rainy and windy day like today, it was just rainy and windy. The volunteers along the route were troopers, though – cheering and encouraging with their umbrellas and rain gear. There was one water stop at the turnaround point – but I think most of us had enough water falling on us that we didn’t need any more!

Post-Race
Muscle MLK at the Finish Line, followed by a good array of food back at the Steveston Community Centre (soup, pizza, fruit, bagels, coffee). It was nice to have a place to gather inside given what was going on outside. And although I didn’t win a door prize, there were some pretty awesome items to be won, including gift cards from the Running Room, MEC and local restaurants, and even free flights with Harbour Air. Not bad, considering there were only about 275 participants in total!

Would I Run It Again?
I’m committed to bettering my time next year! This is a great local race – and although it has none of the frills (like t-shirts and finisher medals) of larger races, it’s got a positive atmosphere with a lots of familiar faces. See you in 2017!

The inaugural Laughlin/Bullhead Half Marathon was a fun, well-organized and scenic race with a challenging course and a lot of enthusiasm! Read the full review, with photos, here:
http://bradleyontherun.com/2015/12/13/run-laughlin/

RACE REPORT

Overall
From the moment Mark reached out to me about participating in the inaugural Laughlin/Bullhead Half Marathon, I was hooked. In the months leading up to the race, communication (in the form of emails) was excellent, giving lots of info about what to expect both on course and in town. Social media activity – primarily Twitter and Facebook – was consistent and engaging.

In terms of the race itself, the event was well organized, the course was absolutely stunning, the volunteers were enthusiastic and engaged. One of the best runs I’ve done!

Packet Pickup
Held just off the lobby of the Colorado Belle Hotel & Casino, packet pickup was a low-key affair held on Friday evening. Although we didn’t arrive too late, it was reassuring that we could pick up our bibs until 10pm. Given how far we were coming from, I appreciated this fact. The process was smooth and quick, and it was fun to chat with some of the local folks and volunteers on site.

T-Shirt/Swag
Orange t-shirt! Orange gear bag! Orange medal! Welcome gift upon check in! Very happy!

Course
Extremely scenic views of the desert, running across a dam into another state and time zone, the Colorado river. Such a unique environment for me to race in. Also one of the toughest races I’ve experienced in terms of the hills we encountered, the dry desert air and the challenging winds. This certainly impacted my overall performance, resulting in one of my slowest half marathons in nearly 3 years. Nevertheless, it was a great experience.

Post-Race
The post-race party was fun, with free beer (one per runner!) and live music. I generally don’t stick around for awards ceremonies, since I never place. I stayed around long enough for the 5k awards, but was so eager to get on with my day (and brunch) that I missed awards for the half. My only ‘complaint’ is that the awards didn’t move along a bit quicker, but I understand wanting to ensure that most people have finished before doing awards.

Would I Run It Again?
On the merits of the race itself, yes! Although Mark told me post-race that there were a few ‘kinks’ to work out, I thought everything went really well. The factors that would prevent me from attending are primarily my own issues: the time it takes to get to Laughlin, and the abysmal value of the Canadian dollar. But from the perspective of a runner recommending a race – I recommend that you Run Laughlin!

I've done a full review of this race - starting out with low expectations, and resulting in a new favourite - on my blog:
http://bradleyontherun.com/2015/11/16/fall-classic-half-marathon/

Packet Pickup
Forerunners was one of the sponsors of the Fall Classic, so package pickup was at the 4th Avenue store on Friday and Saturday. Quick and easy!

T-Shirt/Swag
No t-shirt, but we got RunVan gloves – the kind that have special fibres in the fingertips so you can still use your smartphone. Great medals for all three distances, slightly smaller for the 5k and 10k, but bling nonetheless.

Course
Despite the double loop and the out-and-back – beautiful course, fairly flat, scenic and serene. There were several aid stations with energy drink and water. Lots of cheering supporters and volunteers, plus a band. Solid performance!

Post-Race
Everything you would need post-race, including a choice of sushi, pizza or chili – served in the Student Union Building.

Would I Run It Again?
The last great race of the year? It really is! Great because there are race distances for everyone, it’s well organized, and it’s fun. I will definitely run this race again!

With moustaches, music and 80s themed costumes, it was a wonderful day in Stanley Park! Read all about it (and see the photos) on my blog:
http://bradleyontherun.com/2015/11/22/moustache-miler/

Packet Pickup
I didn’t go to package pickup, which was on Friday night at the Running Room. One of the members of my running team kindly offered to pick up packages for most of the other folks. We got a fair amount of brochures, a bottle opening/magnet and a fake moustache.

T-Shirt/Swag
No swag to speak of, although we got a cute Moustache Miler medal, which isn’t bad for a 5k! Also got a coupon for free shipping on a RoadID – so now I’ve got one on the way!

Course
Scenic loop around the Brockton Point end of the seawall, including the Stanley Park lighthouse. Then we cut through the park, did a short out-and-back along Lost Lagoon, and then back to where we started. The only real challenge was a bit of frost on the route, but at least it wasn’t raining!

Post-Race
Outside the Brockton Oval clubhouse, several vendors were set up with fruit, water, Starbucks coffee, Vega products, and LIFT Bars – lots of free goodies! It was a fun, festive atmosphere. We then gathered upstairs for awards, draw prizes, costume and moustache judging, and cupcakes.

Would I Run It Again?
I would consider it, for sure! Because most of the #WestVanRun Crew was in attendance, I had a particularly good time! And runs in Stanley Park are never a bad thing!