For more on this race, check out my blog post here: http://everythingbutweddings.ca/2018/02/race-recap-chilly-chase-5k/

Organization - Same every year, no major complaints. The chip is attached to your shoe and you have to return it after the race. Don't worry, there's no way you can leave the finish area without a volunteer snipping it off your shoes. I couldn't make it to package pickup due to a conflict with my work schedule so that sucks. Maybe extend package pickup to 8 PM? I was able to pick it up after work before, I don't know why the option isn't available anymore (especially since there's no race day pickup). Oh well, either way, I got it.

Course - It's out and back and flat on the False Creek seawall. It's a beautiful run, just watch out for other people using the seawall.

Swag - I like this year's medals. They're pretty cute! The event used the Creekside Community Centre as a meeting point, gear check, food stations and awards area. It was nice to have a place to keep warm before the race. There were supposed to be socks as a giveaway but, due to poor weather from the source, they didn't make it to Vancouver in time. There was a choice to either pick it up or donate them. I decided to donate them :)

Would I Do it Again? - I could make it s 5-peat.... that way, I can properly race this distance again.

For an in-depth look of this race, visit my blog here: http://everythingbutweddings.ca/2018/01/race-recap-steveston-icebreaker-8k/

Organization – No complaints here, timely emails were sent out, package pickup was a breeze, complimentary gear check and having the community centre there was a huge help. We had free parking and shelter from the cold.

Course – It’s out and back and flat. You go through some residential areas, small commercial areas, and along the water until #3 Road and then you head back. Very flat at only 28 m of elevation.

Swag – We didn’t get medals but we did get a 25% discount at Running Room plus a pretty good post-race food spread (sandwiches, donuts, pizza, soup/stew, and more). I was very happy with those.

Would I Do it Again? – Yes, I’m very curious to see how I’d do without the wind storm. It’s also a great local race that attracts a good mix of serious runners and leisure runners.

For an in-depth look at this race, visit my blog here: http://everythingbutweddings.ca/2018/01/race-recap-big-elf-run-2017/

Organization – It’s well-organized and same day package pickup was available. They sent out timely reminder emails as well. It’s also on the transit route so you don’t have to drive if you don’t want to. I like how you can customize your elf name if you wish, or have it randomly generated. My random Elf Name ended up being Fudge Hotwrap. Let’s just say I will choose my own name next year 😛

Course – The 5k loop is great. It’s mostly flat and scenic. I don’t know if I would do 2 loops (10k) though. Mostly because, I don’t like running loops 😛

Swag – Runners get an elf hat and a little elf toy. There was also a McCafe truck giving out free hot chocolate and coffee.

Would I Do It Again? Yes! It’s such a great end to the running season. I love how pretty much everyone dressed up or at least wore the elf hat while running. It’s a great event to take the kids, kids at heart, or anyone wanting to get into running. The course is easy and beautiful, would you expect anything less from Stanley Park?

For a more detailed review, check out my blog here: http://everythingbutweddings.ca/2017/12/race-recap-gunner-shaw-memorial-cross-country-race-2017/

Organization – This race is well-organized by the Lions Gate Road Runners. The course had lots of marshals throughout and arrows. I also liked that they accepted race day registrations and that the price point is low ($25 CAD). I don't remember seeing any aid stations but it really wasn't necessary for the 5k racers. While there is no official gear check, runners were able to leave their bags at the Jericho Sailing Centre where package pickup and the post-race party was held.

Course – It’s mostly flat but the mixed terrain offers its own challenges, especially if you’re not used to it. Runners had to go through grass, mud, sandy beach, some small hills, and a stretch of shin-high puddle. A nice change from the usual road run. This race is open to all abilities; however I did notice that there were a lot of fast people. I do understand that it's harder to get casual runners interested in running in rain and mud to join this race. 5k racers run 1 loop of the course and 10k racers run 2 loops.

Swag – No finisher medal but lots of great food: pizza, Hardbite potato chips, coffee, and I think there was soup as well. I would also consider the showers a nice perk after a very dirty race like this.

Would I Do It Again? Yes!! I need to run better, now that I know what to expect.

For an in-depth look at my experience, visit my blog here: http://everythingbutweddings.ca/2017/11/recap-rock-n-roll-las-vegas/

Organization - For the most part, the race organizers were great. Everything was clearly laid out on the website. Unfortunately I didn't receive the last email prior to race day, which had some pretty important information. That must've been a glitch in the system but as I said, the website was great and I found all the info I needed there anyway. I did bring it to their attention on Twitter and they replied to me promptly, which I appreciated.

Expo - Package pickup was very easy and efficient. There was a big variety of running brands there and some booths had sales. Unfortunately not on the brands I like.

Course - straight and flat but can be crowded at times. It can also be dark when you're off the strip but headlamps aren't necessary. Next time I'd wear glow necklaces or bracelets or something fun. The on-course entertainment was fun to watch and listen to. It also seems that they change bands at certain spots. I wanted to take a photo of the KISS cover band but when I saw their stage the second time, they were replaced. Oh well! Running on the main drag of the strip was the best part of the race though.

Swag - I love the race shirt and the medal. I would wear the shirt again easily and the medal is just cool because it glows and spins multiple ways. Definitely a great keepsake.

Would I Do It Again? Yes I would. I'd love to go back with some friends and run this race and do the Remix this time. It was a party atmosphere and running under the bright lights of the Strip just made it that much more fun.