Rock ‘n’ Roll Oasis Vancouver Half Marathon

Another solid event from the Competitor Group. Even though I live in LA, I opted to fly to beautiful Vancouver for this race (which was the same weekend as RNR LA). So glad I did!
The expo was OK, but I have heard the expos outside the US tend to be a little smaller.
New for 2015 was the Remix Challenge, which consisted of a 10K on Saturday and a Half on Sunday.
The 10K was over my favorite part of the SeaWheeze course… the loop around the perimeter of beautiful Stanley Park. Even though I have run this path twice before, it took on a new beauty in the fall light. We started at the Inukshuk and then headed toward Coal Harbour. Because the seawall is narrow, corrals were small and there were many of them. We finished in a park with a huge finisher area. Even for the 10K, there were ample snacks and a beer garden.
Moving on to the Half on Sunday, we had a bit of a late start (8:15) though people who felt they would have trouble with the time limit were permitted to start at 7:45. I appreciate that they want to give everyone a good shot, but then wish people who are walking (totally fine) would stay to the right so that we catch up, we can easily pass.
The course took us through some parts of Vancouver that were not familiar to me. I loved running through the Chinatown gates. The crowd support was fantastic when we had it – thank you! The half took us to Stanley Park again, but this time, we ran a path THROUGH It. I loved seeing new parts of the park, though the incline that late in the race was tough. Once we hit the seawall again, I knew we were in the home stretch.
We ended in the same location as the 10K. Tons of snacks, lots of volunteers to help with trash sorting and anything else, a great beer garden (Stanley Park Brew Co instead of the Michelob we get in the states).
Absolutely loved this race and the weekend and would definitely hope to come back (in addition to SeaWheeze!) Yes, I love Vancouver :)

I chose the Vancouver Inaugural Rock N Roll as my final race on my 2014 3 Pack Tour Pass and I couldn’t have been more pleased. Like most Rock N Roll races, this seemed to go off without a hitch.
Sure, I’d been reading the elevation chart and course map in meters and kilometers for the past few weeks before realizing it ;) this is Canada and if you’re from the states keep these things in mind.
Packet Pick Up at the Expo was easy breezy as it always is with this series. I didn’t stick around the Expo for long at all but great location at Canada Place along the water. The Brooks long sleeves are also nice, I do like when they go long sleeve vs. short.
An 8:15A start time, which is much later than most gives you ample time to get ready in the morning. Heck, you can even sleep in. The start line was accessible from all nearby hotels and the corrals were well organized. My boyfriend was able to see me off at the start and surprise me at several stops along the course which was really nice. You need someone to catch your pricey running gloves once your hands warm up ;)
Things started on time and what I paid attention to along the route was worth seeing. Couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful October 26^th 2014, with no rain which I was very grateful for and most of the puddles had cleared from the rain on Saturday.
1:44:06 is my time to beat! An International PR on my birthday was a great way to start the morning.
I’d definitely recommend this race and I’ve finally figured out what the Lion on the medal is.
Overall: 608 out of 6337
Division: 34 out of 666
Gender: 155 out of 4076
Run Strong Friends!

Very well organized and ran efficiently. The course was well placed and the spectators awesome!

Great 21.1km /​13.1miles Scenic Course! Inaugural Rock N Roll Vancouver.
Ive ran the SD Rock N Roll and so when they announced that it was coming to my home town I was sooo excited!
Grreat Race! The start line for the half marathon was near the waterfront skytrain station easily accessible and heart i
of downtown Vancouver! With toilets, food and water at the start added bonus! The race showcased the city well, with start downtown waterfront made our way to Gastown, Chinatown, False Creek & Yaletown to Beach Ave to English Bay off to the seawall where you get amazing views of the water. Once you enter Stanley Park you’re surrounded with all beauty Pacific Ocean on one side and amazing greenery and the changing colours of falls leaves on the other. The finish line is perfect location at the entrance of Stanley Park.
Post race event each participant gets a beer ticket sponsored by Stanley Park Brewery Yummy! Entreatment stage headliner Allen Stone he is Amazing! Drinks and snack stations.
Gear is important to all racers, great black long sleeve shirt made by brooks and beautiful medal with the Lions head!!!
Overall it was a great day and race!!! The weather also cooperated thank you mother nature! Being the first Rock N Roll half I predict this will be very popular race in Vancouver. Until next year. Keep running!