Last Saturday March 17, 2018 I put a little Irish in my step and participated in my second BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5km. This is the perfect event if you like like running/ walking , having fun, and Beer! Read on for my race recap.
High profile sponsors like BMO, Running Room, Saucony, and Granville Island Brewing helped to make this race a top-notch event. A team from the Stanley Park Ecological Society held a bag check by donation, which I understand was well managed with reasonable lines.
Race communication and directions were clear and concise. With limited parking and road closures participants were encouraged to take public transportation,Mobi bike, carpool or park outside the park. Mobi provided a Free 24 hour race day pass to all participants and Evo provided a free trial with 45 minutes of driving included.
The run started and finished at the Stanley Park Pavilion with a scenic loop of Stanley Park in-between. At $28 for early registration and $38 for late registration its affordable in race world. Registration does not include the technical T-shirt which is an additional $20, however it does include a post-race Granville Island Brewing souvenir beer glass, and entrance into the #GIB after party.
Likes:
Lively and fun ambiance – costumes, tutus, and Irish flare. Go for the race but be prepared to stay for the after party. Good food, Beer, DJ and lots of FUN. The bar was open so if you attend next year be sure to bring your loot.
The Souvenir Beer glass – Lets face it a bit more useful than a finishing medal.
It’s cheap – $38 (max)…..But be warned if you are staying for the after party it could add up. I was fortunate enough to participate with my co-workers, and The Great Little Box Company generously covered our registration fees.
Irish Stew– Mahony & Sons provided post race fare was delicious and perfectly matched with my refreshing ice cold #GIB beer.
Dislikes:
Not many kilometer markers – I saw one at the one mile mark, but that was it. Apparently there were others but I missed them. Either they weren’t well marked or I was really in the zone.
Long lines – I was fortunate enough to finish the race early enough that the lines were manageable. If you are walking or taking it slow be prepared to wait in long lines, First to get beer tickets, then again to get into the pavilion, and finally once inside to get your beer.
How DId i Do?
Initially I was admit I wasn’t overly thrilled with my time of 25:15, despite placing 14th in my division. However in writing this post I discovered that I beat my 2015 pre-baby time by a full three minutes, and maintained by 14th place division title.. post-baby. I have since given myself a stern talking to, about being too hard on myself, and a well deserved pat on the back. 😉
Would I do this again?
Absolutely! If you are considering participating next year my advise…..train for the hills. The website says it’s a flat course, but living in Richmond I would have to disagree, as would the front of my shins. Plus if you train for the hills you will be faster, which will help you get to the after party sooner….before the lines get too long. 😉
Photo: Yaletown Photography.
See you there next year!
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