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"What a great event. I had heard great things about it over the last few years so I had to give it a try. I ran the Half (in a new PB!) and my family competed as a team. I've told many people how great the course and the overall feeling of the race is. Oh and honestly, the price really helps! Racing 4 or 5 halfs, some fulls and triathlons really adds up so this was excellent value at only $1.69/km!"
— Liz Cullen, Vancouver
Quick Facts 2012
Please read:
Road Race Etiquette Guidelines 
- When: Sunday, April 1st, 2012, 9:00am start (8:00am early start for walkers & 3hr+ runners only). Visitors can take 7:20am ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, or fly with Westcoast Air/Harbour Air; arrive Friday or Saturday and stay overnight (recommended).
- Where: Gibsons to Sechelt, Sunshine Coast of BC, Canada—a 40 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, or a 20 minute flight from Vancouver, Richmond or Nanaimo. See visitor page for directions. Bus available from ferry to start for foot passengers, $2.25 pp. Race starts at Gibsons Community Centre, Park Road. Finishes at Mission Point Park next to Davis Bay Beach.
- Weather: Variable, normally between 3°C and 15°C. For current conditions and forecast see Travel & Lodging page.
- Distance: 13.1 miles (21.1 km), Half Marathon distance, accurately measured with a Jones Counter and certified (new certification # pending for revised course in 2012). Every km marked.
- Course: Point to point, mix of long-scale undulations, hills and flats; all paved surface. Sorry, not suitable for wheelchairs. Other restrictions listed below Course Description.
- Entry fees & Deadlines: see Registration page
- Race Souvenirs: Technical shirt in men's and women's styles. Fully sublimated (all over design), short-sleeved. $30. Also available: "FIT: Fool In Training" long-sleeved tech shirt from New Balance, $22; and long-sleeved NB tech shirt with screened front chest race logo, $20, black or white.
- Entry Limit for 2012: 700 total entries (individuals and relay members combined).
- 2011 Participation: 640 registered, 539 finishers, including Relays and Walkers.
- Online Registration: through EventsOnline.ca until midnight March 26.
- Printable Entry Form: click here (
150 KB). - Late Registration & Package Pickup on Thursday, March 29th at Forerunners North Vancouver, 980 Marine Drive (604-982-0878), noon–6:00pm; in Gibsons at the Community Centre (700 Park Road, Room 209) on Saturday March 31st from 2:00 to 6:00pm and at the Community Centre on Sunday April 1st 7:30am to 8:45am (race morning).
- Pre-race Pasta Dinner: Saturday evening March 31st, at recommended local restaurants. Click here for more info.
- Post-race Refreshments: A selection of healthy fare from our sponsors.
- Gear Check: We will transport your bag to the finish for you at no charge. Baggage check on buses at Community Centre in Gibsons.
- Aid Stations and Medical Support: 4 aid stations en route at approximately 5.5k, 11k, 15k and 18.5k, and at finish. Medical support provided on course by Kellei Baker of BC First Aid. details.
- Finish Line entertainment: rockin' music by DJ Astrid and race commentating by Bruce "Ironman Canuck" Bauman
- Toilet Facilities: plenty of indoor toilets at the Gibsons Community Centre (start). One portapotty at each aid station plus one at third relay exchange (top of Marlene Rd). Public indoor washrooms and changerooms at finish.
- Post-Race Transportation: Free buses from finish to start and ferry.
- Timing and Results: ChampionChip timing by Race Headquarters. Display clock at finish line. Results posted on RHQ site within hours of the race. details
- Divisions: Half Marathon: Male and Female 19&U, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+. 2-person Relay: total age under 80, total age 80 and up; 4-person Relay: total age under 100, 100-199, 200+. Club/Team Challenge: Men's, Women's and Mixed (minimum 5 members; top 4 times combined). For 2012 edition: Best Costume Category.
- Awards: Medal for each finisher, including relay members. Unique awards to top 3 in each age division, first in each Relay division, and first in each Club/Team division. Cash prizes to top 3 overall males and females and top 3 male and female 40+ masters. Gift Certificates from New Balance and Trail Bay Source for Sports to first Sunshine Coast male and female.
- Awards Ceremony: 11:30am–12:00 noon in Mission Point Park at the finish.
- Showers: available at the Gibsons Community Centre.
- Accommodation: Official race hotel is The Cedars Inn Hotel & Convention Centre, Gibsons. Special rates for Fool's Run participants. Additional accommodation at Up the Creek B&B, Davis Bay B&B and other local facilities. See Travel & Lodging page.
Race Weekend Schedule 2012
Thursday, March 29 |
Noon—6:00pm: early Package Pickup at Forerunners North Vancouver, 980 Marine Drive, (604) 982-0878. New registrations also taken. |
Saturday, March 31 |
2pm—6pm: Package Pickup and Late Registration at the Gibsons & Area Community Centre, 700 Park Road, Room 209 (for all registrants not yet picked up) 5:00pm—6pm: Access to Package Pickup only through outside door to Room 209 (Community Centre closed) Evening: unofficial Pasta Dinner at participating local restaurants |
Sunday, April 1 |
7:20am: Ferry leaves Horseshoe Bay for Langdale (must catch this one if travelling on race day) 7:30-8:45am: Package Pickup, Late Registration at Gibsons Community Centre on Park Road, Room 209 7:30-8:20am: Gear Check at Gibsons Community Centre on Park Road, Room 209 8:00am: Walkers and 3:00+ runners Early Start 8:10am: Buses leave ferry terminal, take passengers to start area 8:20-8:55am: Gear Check moves to school buses outside Community Centre 9:00am: Main race start 10:45am-12:45pm: Buses head back to Gibsons from Davis Bay 11:15am: Bus to 12:20 ferry leaves Davis Bay 11:00am-12:30pm: Awards ceremony (11:30) and prize pickup in Davis Bay at Mission Point Park 1:55pm: Buses leave Cedars Inn and Community Centre for ferry terminal 4:30pm, 6:30pm, 8:20pm: later ferries leaving Langdale for Horseshoe Bay. |
Pre-Race Carbo-loading Dinner
Unofficial pre-race carbo-load dinner, Saturday March 31st at local restaurants. Many offer pasta specials, call to inquire/reserve. A great way to carbo-load, socialize and relax the night before your race!
in Gibsons:
- Benjamin's International Café, Sunnycrest Mall, Gibsons (next to London Drugs), 604-886-1646
- Blackfish Pub, 966 Venture Way (1 block from Park Rd, upper Gibsons), 604-886-6682
- Gramma's Marine Pub, 412 Marine Dr (Gibsons Landing, across from Molly's Reach), 886-8215 — daily pasta specials
- Leo's Tapas & Grill, 274 Gower Pt Rd (Gibsons Landing), 604-886-9414
- Sailor Dan's, at the Cedars Inn, 895 Gibsons Way (upper Gibsons) — pasta specials
- Sita's Spag & Suds, Gibsons Way across from Sunnycrest Mall (new location), 604-886-7721
- Waterfront Restaurant, 440 Marine Dr (Gibsons Landing), 604-886-2831
in Roberts Creek:
- The Gumboot Restaurant, 1041 Roberts Creek Road (near Beach), 604-885-4216
in Davis Bay/Sechelt:
- Sirens by the Sea Steakhouse, 4748 Sunshine Coast Highway, Davis Bay, 604-740-3700
- The Old Boot Eatery, 5531 Wharf Ave, Sechelt, 604-885-2727
- Daphanes (Greek fare), 114 - 5530 Wharf Ave, Sechelt, 604-885-2008
These are just our suggestions. There are many more restaurants in Gibsons and Sechelt. See BigPacific.com for more ideas (call ahead, as not all listings may be up to date).
What's new for 2012
- New Title Sponsorship from BMO Bank of Montreal!
- BMO Running Gloves in every race kit
- New Finish Line right in Mission Point Park — awards, food, gear pickup and cheering all in one place!
- Hot food at finish!
- As a result of the new finish line, adjusted start line and first km (more like 2009/2010).
- Special 35th Anniversary finisher's medal
- Pledge of Sustainability: see Green Page
- Jester theme celebrations for April 1st date, including Costume Contest
- Two additional drop-off locations for registration forms (BMO in Gibsons and Sechelt)
- Technical Long Sleeve 'FIT Fool In Training' shirt for clinic members and available for everyone to order
- Earn referral credits for 2013 registration when your friends sign up for the Fools Run for the first time
- Masters 40+ prize money to top 3, doubled amount for 1st
- More age group awards: up to 80+
What's the same as previous years:
- Low entry fees
- Seniors' discount (age 60+) and Youth discount (age 19 & Under)
- Entry limit of 700 individuals (relays included)
- Short sleeve uniquely designed tech shirt in men's and women's styles
- Easy online registration; no online surcharge
- TV coverage by Coast TV
- Finish line DJ and race announcer
- Finisher's medals for all finishers, including relays
- Cash prizes for overall winners; Masters cash prizing
- Portapotty at each aid station/relay exchange
- Traffic cones along entire course
- Every km clearly marked, plus first mile and halfway
- Officially marked exchange zones for relays
- Special rates at race hotel the Cedars Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
- Free bus transportation from the finish back to Gibsons and ferry
- Free gear check
- Great scenery
- Great draw prizes
- "One of a kind" age group awards by local artisans
Course Map
New finish line off the highway, in Mission Point Park!
Course Certification #: new number pending
Click on the map above to see a larger version, or click here for a printer-friendly version (PDF). (For area map see the Visitor Info page.) Relay exchange points are indicated by the black numbered circles; aid stations are indicated by the blue water drops. A portapotty will be located at each of the 4 aid stations, as well as the 3rd relay exchange.
Elevation Chart
Click chart to enlarge. Net drop is 140m, but there are plenty of uphills to keep you honest!
Sunshine Coast History
Learn a little about the communities along the race route: read now.
Course Description 2012
(See photo tour here.) Due to the new finish line being a bit closer to Gibsons, we are going back to the 2010 starting configuration to make up the missing distance.
The start is on Park Road near the Community Centre. Proceed north on Park Road, which is flat at first, followed by a little uphill to Reed Road. Turn left onto Reed Road and go for one flat block then turn left down Payne Road. Straight down Payne (stay on the RIGHT side here) and across the highway continuing down Pratt Road. Stay on the right side when going down Pratt (there's a wide shoulder).
Turn right on Chaster Road, still staying on the right side, then right again at King Road. Straight up the right side of newly paved King Road (flat to slight incline) to Fitchett. Right on Fitchett (starting to climb), then left onto Veterans (climbing more here and using left side). From this point on you will be on the left side facing traffic. Crest the hill on Veterans and continue downhill to the highway, where you will turn left and head towards Roberts Creek. The first aid station and Relay exchange are near the end of Veterans.
Stay on the highway for less than a mile before turning left onto the very scenic and rural Lower Road (curves sharply to the right as soon as you leave the highway).
Lower Road drops down a major 3-part hill then runs approximately parallel to the Highway right into Roberts Creek. While cruising along the forested road, you may catch a glimpse of the unique metal sculptures of Axel Stenzel at his home studio, and a beautiful ravine garden, both on your right. Much of this stretch is flat or slightly downhill. The second relay exchange and aid station are past Joe Road, about the midpoint of Lower Road. This is near the halfway point.
Upon reaching the heart of Roberts Creek make a short LEFT turn onto Roberts Creek Road followed by a quick RIGHT onto Beach Avenue. Though you will be tempted, try not to stop for a bite at the funky Gumboot Garden Cafe or a snack at the Roberts Creek General Store. You can always come back and do this later! Wind gradually uphill past the beautiful beachfront properties, then slightly downhill until you reach Marlene Road, where you will find the third aid station. Then turn right and head uphill to the highway. The bottom of Marlene is a steep but short hill, before rising more gently up to meet the highway. The third relay exchange is at the top of Marlene.
Turn left on the highway and continue towards Sechelt, heading slightly uphill for a bit, then fly DOWN the nice big long hill. This hill is known to locals as 'Rat Portage Hill' for reasons unsure to us. Just after the downhill is complete you'll find the fourth aid station at Jack Road. A good place to hydrate before you start your final push to the finish line.
There's one last little incline before a final descent to the flats of Wilson Creek. Start to pick up the pace here as you're nearing the finish line — it's pancake flat to the end! Just after crossing the bridge over Chapman Creek, you'll be directed to turn left into Mission Point Park, the site of our new finish line (last year's food and awards location). The last 50m is on grass.
Water and Gatorade, Portapotties, Gear Pickup and Post-Race Food will be all be right there in the park beside the finish line. There are also indoor washrooms with change cubicles at the adjacent beach parking lot (about 150m beyond the finish area). Awards ceremony will also be held in the park.
Mission Point Park is connected by short walking paths to Davis Bay Beach, with picturesque views across Georgia Straight to Vancouver Island. The pier, hotels and restaurants are about 800m beyond the finish line, along the seaside promenade parallel to the highway.
Sorry, this course is not suitable for wheelchairs. No dogs, bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, strollers, or headphones allowed on the course, for safety reasons. No baby joggers on the Leg 3 or Leg 4 portions of the course (after second exchange zone) — Legs 1 and 2 okay (must start at the back if Leg 1). This is due to Leg 3 and Leg 4 being on the highway and/or narrow roads in Roberts Creek.
Aid Stations
Aid stations will be located at 5.5k, 11k, 15k and 18.5k. Each of the aid stations will have 1 portapotty, plus one extra portapotty at the 3rd relay exchange. Canadian Springs water and orange Gatorade will be offered at each station by our enthusiastic volunteers.
Medical Support
Medical support will be on hand pre-race, on course and at the finish line. Pre-race and on-course support provided by Kellei Baker of BC First Aid.
Timing & Results
In 2012 the race will again be timed by Race Headquarters using the ChampionChip timing system. New since 2011: disposable chips — no need to return chip at finish line. There will be a display clock at the finish line. Results will be posted at the finish area and online on race day.
Please note the following:
- There is no start chip mat. This allows for a wide start line so everyone will be across it in a very short time. We do not record net chip times in our event, only official gun times. Please wear your sports watch and use the chrono feature if you'd like to record your net time. The difference will only be a few seconds, unless you're late getting to the start!
- The early start will be chip timed.
- Relays: only the runner completing the last leg wears the chip.
- Attach your chip to your shoe using the zap strap provided or your shoelaces. NO CHIP = NO RESULT! You may keep or recycle your timing chip.
- Only registered runners who are completing the course may enter the finish area. If you stop running and get a ride to the finish line, DO NOT CROSS THE FINISH LINE. Relay team-mates: please do NOT run in with your final runner! If you have run with them for the last bit of the course (being careful not to obstruct other runners), carefully step off the course before you turn off the highway into Mission Point Park.
Transportation and Parking
See Visitor Info for transportation from ferry to start line.
Start and finish: There's plenty of parking at the Gibsons Community Centre at the start. After finishing, school buses will take you back to the start and the ferry terminal, free of charge. Multiple trips will be made starting at 10:50am or when each bus is full. One bus, leaving at 11:20, will meet up with the 12:20 ferry, if you feel compelled to rush back to the Lower Mainland.
If you need to return at a different time, public transit is available for $2.25 per adult ($1.75 for seniors 65+ or students). Buses leave Sechelt approximately every hour. Travel time is approximately 30-35 minutes to Gibsons (alternating trips go through Roberts Creek). For the complete bus schedule click here (new window).
Or, you may be able to catch a ride with other participants whose family and friends are driving them back to Gibsons.
If you choose to park at the finish line before the race and bus back to the start, you will have to catch the 7:20am bus in Davis Bay which arrives in Gibsons at 7:46am (next bus doesn't arrive until after 9:30—too late!). Parking is available at the Davis Bay Beach parking lot, and along the waterfront around the corner beyond the finish area and Whitaker Road.
Gear Check
Give
us your bag at packet pickup at the Gibsons Community Centre and we will transport it to the finish area for you free of charge. Put some warm sweats into the bag so you'll have them at the finish line. Do not check valuables. Volunteers will retrieve your bag for you (show your bib #).
We will provide a limited number of extra bags but please bring your own if you can. Use your bib tear-off as your baggage tag (with your bib # on it), which can be attached to your bag at check-in.
Gear Check will be inside the Community Centre (Room 209) from 7:30 to 8:20am; then will move to the school buses just outside (after ferry passengers have been dropped off), until 8:55am. After your run, look for the gear check sign in Mission Point Park (location details TBA).
Individual Race Photos
Sharper Images Photography will be out on course taking pictures of AFR participants. You can search by bib number and order your images online — a great memento of your race! Overlay option available. Search for your 2011 photos here!
Weather Conditions
Weather on the Sunshine Coast in early April is variable but moderate. In recent years, race morning has ranged from a crisp dry 5-7 degrees (Celsius) to a balmy 16° with sunshine, to a typical west coast 10 degrees and rain. The odds of sunshine are good, as it rained on the race only three times in the past ten years. Your best bet is to come prepared for a range of conditions and check the local forecast (see below) as close to race morning as possible. And note, Sechelt is usually warmer than Gibsons by a few degrees, with less precipitation.
If you can't view the above weather badges (Flash-based), use the following direct links from Environment Canada: 5-day forecast for Gibsons; 5-day forecast for Sechelt
Club/Team Challenge
Team up with your club-mates, co-workers, friends, family or neighbours for the Club/Team Challenge! Individual half marathon times are added together to see which team is the fastest (each member of the club/team challenge runs the entire half marathon). Full details here.
Relay Division
Not up to running the entire half marathon distance? 5k or 10k more to your liking? Do the relay! Full details here.
Walkers & 3:00+ Runners
8:00am start time
Walkers and slower runners welcome! Be sure to register in the early start so we can assign your bib number accordingly: select a predicted time of over 3hrs when entering online, or check the "3:00+ (8am start)" box on the printed entry forms. Full details here.