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"Congratulations to organizers & volunteers — a well run event
— especially the logistics for the day trippers! The bus service from & to the ferry made it a 'no worries'
event to participate in. Thanks!"
— Andrew Parr, Vancouver
Quick Facts 2010
- When: Sunday, April 11th, 2010, 9:00am start (8:00am early start for walkers & 3hr15min+ runners only). Visitors can take 7:20am ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, or 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. 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 Davis Bay Beach.
- Weather: Variable at this time of year. 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. Every km marked.
- Course: Point to point, mix of large-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 colourful design), short-sleeved. $28.
- Entry Limit for 2010: 600 (half-marathon individuals). No limit for Relay teams.
- 2009 Participation: 537 total, including Relays and Walkers.
- Online Registration: through EventsOnline.ca. Open until midnight April 6th.
- Printable Entry Form: click here (
150 KB) - Late Registration & Package Pickup on Thursday, April 8th at Forerunners North Vancouver, 980 Marine Drive (604-982-0878), noon–7:00pm; in Gibsons at the Community Centre (700 Park Road, Room 204) on Saturday April 10th from 2:00 to 6:00pm and at the Community Centre on Sunday April 11th 7:30am to 8:45am (race morning).
- Pre-race Pasta Dinner: Saturday evening April 10th, at participating local restaurants. Click here for more info.
- Post-race Refreshments: Baked goods, yogourt and fruit from MarketPlace IGA; coffee, tea and hot chocolate from Wheatberries; Canadian Springs water; sports drink.
- Gear Check: We will transport your bag to the finish for you at no charge. Baggage check 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 and at finish line by Kellei Baker of BC First Aid. details.
- Post-race Massage: Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy provided free of charge at the finish line by Peak Performance Chiropractic. First come, first served.
- Toilet Facilities: plenty of indoor toilets at the Gibsons Community Centre (start). One portapotty at each aid station. 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+. 2-person Relay: total age under 80, total age 80 and up; 4-person Relay: total age under 100, 100-199, 200+. Club/Team competition. Corporate team challenge.
- Awards: Medal for each finisher, including relay team members. Unique awards to top 3 in each age division, top 1 team in each relay division. Cash prizes to top 3 overall males and females and 1st male and female masters 40+. BC Championships medals to top 3 open BCA competitive members; ribbons to top 3 in each 5-year age division. New Balance shoes to first Sunshine Coast male and female.
- Awards Ceremony: approx 11:30am–12:00 noon 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, At The Shore B&B and other local facilities. See Travel & Lodging page.
Race Weekend Schedule 2010
Thursday, April 8 |
Noon—7pm: early Package Pickup at Forerunners North Vancouver,
980 Marine Drive, (604) 982-0878. New registrations also taken. |
Saturday, April 10 |
2pm—6pm: Package Pickup and Late Registration at the Gibsons & Area Community Centre, 700 Park Road, Room 204 (for all registrants not yet picked up) Evening: unofficial Pasta Dinner at participating local restaurants |
Sunday, April 11 |
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 and Gear Check at Gibsons Community Centre on Park Road, Room 204 7:30-8:45am: Timing Chip Pickup at Gibsons Community Centre (NO CHIP = NO TIME) 8:00am: Walkers and 3:15+ runners Early Start 8:10am: Buses leave ferry terminal, take passengers to start area 9:00am: Main race start 11:30am-12:30pm: Awards ceremony and prize pickup in Davis Bay at finish line 10:45am-12:45pm: Buses head back to Gibsons from Davis Bay 11:20am: Bus to 12:20 ferry leaves Davis Bay 1:55pm: Bus leaves Cedars Inn for ferry terminal 4:30pm, 6:30pm, 8:20pm: later ferries leaving Langdale for Horseshoe Bay. |
Pre-Race Pasta Dinner
At participating local restaurants (TBA)
Unofficial pre-race pasta dinner, Saturday April 10th at participating local restaurants offering pasta specials. Check closer to race weekend for locations. A great way to carbo-load, socialize and relax the night before your race! Note: there is no single official dinner this year with pre-ordered tickets.
What's new for 2010
- Chip timing for early start as well as 9:00 start
- Unofficial Pasta Dinner at multiple locations, no pre-purchased tickets or set menu
- Officially marked exchange zones for relay teams
- Short sleeve tech shirt in men's and women's styles
- Free massage therapy service at finish line from Peak Performance Chiropractic
- Bicycle draw from GIANT bicycles and Spin Cycles
What will be the same as previous years:
- Low entry fees
- Seniors' discount (age 60+) and Youth discount (age 19 & Under)
- Easy online registration (with EventsOnline); no online surcharge
- Finish line DJ
- ChampionChip timing
- Finisher's medals for all finishers, including relays
- Cash prizes for overall winners; Masters cash prizing
- BC Athletics Half Marathon Championships for 2nd year
- Portapotty at each aid station
- 5-year age divisions; relay age divisions
- Traffic cones along entire course
- Every km marked
- Highly visible distance markers
- Special rates at race hotel the Cedars Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
- Individual race photos by SiPhotography
- Free bus transportation from the finish back to Gibsons and ferry
- Free gear check
- Great scenery
- Lots of great draw prizes
- "One of a kind" age group awards
Course Map
Interactive course map and elevation profile from www.RunningAhead.com. You can view in miles or km, see map or satellite view, zoom in or out. To create an elevation profile, click the symbol with the arrow. Note: Distance is not exact on satellite map. Actual distance is exactly a half-marathon as measured with a Jones Counter.
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.
Elevation Chart
Click chart to enlarge. Net drop is 140m, but there are plenty of uphills to keep you honest!
Course Description
(See photo tour here.) The Start is on Park Road beside the Brothers Park playing field, adjacent to the Community Centre. From there, proceed north on Park Road to Reed, turn left on Reed, then left on Payne Road. Straight down Payne past IGA and across the highway continuing down Pratt Road.
Turn right on Chaster Road, then right again at King Road. Straight up King Road (flat to slight incline) to Fitchett. Right on Fitchett (starting to climb), then left onto Veterans (climbing more here). 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! After you finish and are getting your chip removed and receiving your well-earned finisher's medal, you may notice the breathtaking scenery of Davis Bay. Pretty at any time of year, this spot is very popular in the summer with its sandy beach and seaside promenade. The pier, hotels and restaurants are a short distance beyond the finish line.
The finish line is at the south end of Davis Bay, in the long parking lot by the beach.
Refreshments and gear check will be available right at the finish area. There are also indoor washrooms with change cubicles.
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. Canadian Springs water and sports drink 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 2010 the race will again be timed by Race Headquarters using the ChampionChip timing system. 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 of course you are late getting to the start!
- The early start will be chip timed in 2010.
- Relay teams: the last runner wears the chip.
- Attach your chip to your ankle using the Velcro band provided. NO CHIP = NO RESULT! (9am start)
- After you cross the finish line, do not leave the chute until after your chip is removed and you have received your finisher's medal.
- If you don't return your chip you will be charged $40. If you don't finish the run, don't go home with your chip! Give it the collectors at the finish line or awards ceremony, or click here to find out how to return it promptly.
- 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. Give your chip and Velcro band to the chip removers behind 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), step off the course before you reach the final approach to the finish line.
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+). 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 along the waterfront around the corner beyond the finish area and on Whitaker Road. Please do not park along the stretch of highway across from the finish area.
Gear Check
Give
us your clearly marked bag at packet pickup in the Community Centre (near the start) and we will
transport it to the finish for you free of charge. It will be located close to the finish line, under a big tent
next to the indoor changeroom/washroom building at Davis Bay beach. Volunteers will retrieve your bag for you (show your bib #).
We will provide extra bags if you don't have your own. Your bib tear-off is your baggage tag (with your bib #), which we will attach to your bag. Put some warm sweats into the bag so you'll have them at the finish line. Do not check valuables. Note: there are lockers available to rent inside the lobby of the Gibsons Community Centre.
Race Photos
2010 Individual race photos by:
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 2009 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 nine 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.
Environment Canada:
5-day forecast for Gibsons;
5-day forecast for Sechelt
Relay Division
Teams of 2 or 4 can run the April Fool's Run as a relay, exchanging at fixed points along the course. Full details here.
Walkers & 3:15+ 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 3hr 15min when entering online, or check the "3:15+ (8am start)" box on the printed entry forms. Full details here.