This marathon through one of North America's finest cities is a must for those who are truly into balancing running with travel (and not hung up on having to run a PR on some flat and easy course).

Vancouver is a physically beautiful and ethnically diverse city that is a treat to visit, and the marathon itself ain't half bad either.

From looking at posts from previous years, it seems that this marathon has improved it's water distribution, as this year I found the water stops to be way more than adequately placed and staffed (aside from a bit of a long gap at one point during the first half).

One unfortunate point, however, is that the marathon may be tweaking the course next year to make it flatter and faster by eliminating some of the bridge crossings as well as the climb up to Prospect Point in Stanley Park. In my opinion this would be too bad, as we need more marathons to maintain geographic integrity and not sell out to the mass appeal of a PR via a flat course. A marathon in Vancouver without bridge crossings or the outer loop through Stanley Park (including the climb) just wouldn't seem right...

The 2003 VIM was my first marathon, and in spite of the rain, I loved every minute of it. I think the fact that it was hilly made it even more satisfying to finish and all that much easier to be proud of my accomplishment. The Saturday morning bus tour was a huge help, but be warned, the tour was 2.5 hours, not the 40 minutes I was told. The race itself took place on a beautiful course (how could it not be in this amazing city?) and I felt that the water/aid stations were abundant. Runners were also given orange slices, Vector bars, and sponges, as well as water and Gatorade. The third time crossing the bridge isn't easy, but with enough hill training, it shouldn't pose too much of a problem for anyone. (We Edmontonians have more than enough opportunities for quality hill training.)
My only complaint is that there were completely inadequate bathroom facilities prior to the start of the race. It's a scary feeling to be in a bathroom lineup for half an hour and not be sure if you'll catch the beginning of the race. Otherwise, it was so much fun to run, and I haven't stopped smiling since! I can't wait to do it again, and I hope they DON'T flatten the course for next year!

I have parked on the street for years and never received a meter ticket until this year. You can't put enough money in the meter at 6:00 and secondly most of us are long gone before there is any type of traffic downtown. Why wouldn't the city look at the benefits of promoting an event like this downtown before any othere activity is under way and not ticket at 9:23 of the morning. This a great convention for the city!

It was wet and cold, yet I loved every minute of the race. The course was interesting and challenging and I can't imagine a better way of touring the fabulous city of Vancouver.
A couple of more waterstop in the first few miles would have been nice, but other than that, everything was GREAT !!

Ran the half marathon. A PR for me despite the light rain and gently rolling hills. Hill training would be good prep for this race, as it will provide you with the confidence to manage anything on the course. Volunteers toughed it out in the rain and were fun and in good spirits. Water and Gatorade stops were well placed and apparently improved from years past. Temp at 48F was perfect. Spectators were less than expected (probably due to the rain). Vancouver is a cool city and the Canadians are really nice people, eh. All in all, well organized, mostly scenic route to keep your mind off of things if you want. Stanley Park is a beautiful part of the race, despite the hill (don't look up). Fast finish the last two miles (helps make up time lost to the hills!).

Race is rumored to be changed next year to flatten things out a bit. I would recommend this race to anyone.

This was my first marathon, and you can count on me coming back every year.

The weather wasn't great and there were a few organizational glitches, but overall I thought this marathon was a great experience. Aid stations were well placed and volunteers were obviously working hard.

At the end they had given away all t-shirts in my size (why bother ordering one if they're just going to give it away?) but to be fair they did mail me one in my size a month later, which I appreciated.

The course is scenic, with lots to look at and you basically get a running tour of the city. Don't be fooled though - they say it's mostly flat with a few hills, but it's definitely a rolling course with more hills than I had anticipated.

Crowd support was good at the start but sparse through most of the rest of the run (this may have been influenced by the weather).

Overall, I found the course interesting, the people friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere just right. I would definitely come back in the future.

I have run the Vancouver Marathon 4 times and although the previous route was tough it was very scenic. I think for an International Marathon Vanc. can offer a much more scenec 26.2 miles.

At least the scenery was wonderful. The rather large hill climb to the halfway point was interesting and very challenging. No amount of hill training could have prepared me for it. Thank goodness I did the course tour ? it really helped to prepare for the hills. Crossing the bridge three times really got boring on the third time especially since I was practically alone as the pack had dispersed so significantly (must be the killer rolling hills) ? I am a 4 hour runner, OK 4:20 with the hills.

The weather was terrible with rain before the start, a hard hail on the bridge (I had bruising because there was no shelter), snow/sleet and some sunshine throughout the race. Plan for any weather condition in this race (snow, hail, rain, cold and warm temps).

Water is difficult to plan on and it is easy to become dehydrated. I was handed a cup of Gatorade with gravel at the bottom at one aid station (the volunteers where putting the cups on the ground and then picking them up to hand them to runners). Very disconcerted to hear the medical staff is giving out Advil ? that can kill you when running this far (I am serious).

Sponges are available ? but it was raining so kind of moot. The plastic sheet handed out at the end instead of Mylar did keep the rain off ? but did nothing to help keep warm.

The medal is nice ? nothing special, the t-shirts are earned and only given to actual finishers and will help keep you warm (long sleeve) and the CD of you finishing is very cool and unique.

Recommend this race as a one-time shot ? but come prepared to be self-sufficient during the race.

This was my first marathon,with Train to End Stroke. The scenery was incredible.I was baptized in style-hard rain, two pelting bouts of hail,and some serious hill duty, butI had the 'Hey,its my first marathon and I'm loving it all' grin the whole way.I found crowd support to be incredible,and had no problem with getting ample water, gel, support, potties. Was disappointed with post-race food, but too excited to eat anyway. DO NOT do the marathon-sponsored boat cruise/dinner. It was $65, touted as a 'sumptuous BC BBQ'. They ran out of food before the last 2 tables even ate, and we were told 'there's plenty of potatoes and salad'. None of the food was BBQ'd! It was the only bummer. Hotel:Sheraton Wall Centre was GREAT! Can walk to the expo/marathon, and a great city location. I loved this marathon! Finished 5:48, and there were still plenty of folks at the finish. The massages were terrific also!