I’ve been invited to be a digital champion for the Modo Spring Run-Off Vancouver 8K. The Modo 8K is annual run on March 22, 2015 in Stanley Park in support of the Take a Hike Foundation. As part of my duties, I was asked to write a post for the Canadian Running Series blog on running in Vancouver. Here is what I wrote:
Running In Vancouver
Vancouver is well-known for being a very walkable city, but I prefer to think of it as a “runnable” city. From our weather, to the scenery, to the amazing community, there are countless things that make Vancouver a great city to run in. Here are a few of my favourite things about running here.
Routes
What makes Vancouver such a great city for pedestrians and cyclists also makes it a great city for runners. While the city’s most famous running route is the scenic Stanley Park Seawall—home to the Modo Spring Run-Off 8k—Vancouver offers a plethora of other running routes throughout the city. From our tree-lined neighbourhoods to the lush forests of Pacific Spirit Park and the North Shore, there is plenty of variety to keep things interesting.
Strava Heatmap of Vancouver
Weather
Vancouver’s temperate climate makes it an ideal running city. With our temperate summers and mild winters, it is rarely too hot or too cold to run. Snow is very rare here. This makes it possible for even the fairest weather runner to avoid the treadmill and train outside all year. About the only factor we need to deal with is our notorious rainfall. However, by following a few simple tips, running in the rain isn’t all that bad, especially compared to the weather that our compatriots are dealing with in the rest of Canada!
Community
But perhaps the best thing about running in Vancouver is the strong running community. There is rarely a run that you do not “run” into a familiar face. In addition to Vancouver’s long standing running clubs, like the Vancouver Falcons Athletic Club, Lions Gate Road Runners, and Pacific Road Runners, Vancouver has seen an explosion of new running “crews,” like the Fraser Street Run Club, South Hill Striders and the East Van Run Crew. Many running stores also offer running clinics.
Members of the Fraser Street Run Club before the 2014 Vancouver Eastside 10k
Events
Closely related to Vancouver’s great running community are the high quality races that the city offers. Some of the city’s favourite races are the Modo 8K in March, the Scotiabank Half-Marathon and 5K in late June, and the Vancouver Eastside 10K in September. Each event shows off a different part of our city—including the Seawall, our beaches, and our historic neighbourhoods. They are all well-organized, and known for producing fast times. If you haven’t had a chance to run at least one of these events yet, make 2015 the year to do so!
Post Run Beers
Enjoying a beer after my first marathon
In addition to being a great running city, Vancouver has a growing reputation among craft beer aficionados. For many runners—myself included—there is no better way to celebrate a successful race, compare notes after a long run, or hang out with your running crew than with a beer. The city is home to many local craft beer tasting rooms and pubs, many conveniently located along popular running routes.
These are just a few of the many reasons that make Vancouver a great city to run in. Why do you enjoy running here? Let me know on in the comments!
