The Whistler Half Marathon will follow a gorgeous route showcasing some of the best views in Whistler and early indications are that there will be a large number of runners taking in the scenery.
The route for the inaugural race was revealed on Thursday (March 3) — a 13-mile course utilizing the Valley Trail and municipal roads, starting and ending at Whistler Olympic Plaza on June 4.
“We've spent the better part of a year designing the course and we're really excited with what we've been able to put together here,” race director Dave Clark said Thursday. “We've definitely taken some of Whistler's best views with about as minimal elevation gain as you could possibly have in Whistler for a run of this distance.
“We wanted to create a uniquely Whistler running experience.”
Starting out going north down Lorimer Road, the route crosses Highway 99 before heading towards Lakeside Park, looping back and following the Valley Trail to Rainbow Park. From there, it heads back towards Mountain Square in the Village and on through the White Gold neighbourhood before ending at the plaza.
“What we want is that when people finish they go, ‘Man, that was amazing,'” said Clark. “When we do the out-and-back turnaround at Rainbow Park, my hope is that it's going to blow people's minds.”
A full map of the course can be viewed under the ‘Related Links' heading on the right side of this page.
Clark also said that nearly 350 runners were registered as of Thursday and he expected entries to increase now that the race course is available.
Early bird registration continues until March 31 at a discounted entry fee of $75. For more information or to register, visit www.whistlerhalfmarathon.com.
