2017 Whistler Half Marathon 'more uniquely Whistler'

The Whistler Half Marathon has started 2017 on the right foot.

Dave Clark, Race Director of the North Face Whistler Half Marathon says registration opened on New Years Day and successfully attracted a good number of participants to sign up early.

It was announced just before Christmas that all the distances will have new courses that will run into Lost Lake Park. Clark says; “It does bring in a really unique, nature experience. I mean, Lost Lake Park is the crown jewel really of the park system here in town…”

Clark says as far as difficulty goes it is no harder than in previous years. He says that in some cases some people may even find it easier, as there is more shade in some areas, and is a little easier on the knees. Clark is excited to make the event a prime example of a Whistler course; “…there’s not a lot of events that combine pavement and gravel as far as surfaces to run on. It’s usually either one or the other, so we’re super super stoked to be bringing this new element in and making it more uniquely Whistler than it was even before.”

This year’s distance options include a new 30km course, as well as the usual half marathon, 10km, 5km, kids run and recover run. Organizers say some participants wanted to do a longer run such as a full marathon but did not have the time to train. The goal is that the new 30km course will bridge the gap for those who want to run further without the need to train for an entire marathon.

Last year’s event saw approximately 1,600 participants competing in the various distances. You can register online at WhistlerHalfMarathon.com.

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