The first time I participated in the Vancouver Lake Half Marathon it was for one simple reason: a $35 half marathon. Then some of the added bonuses kept this race on my radar for every winter.
The Clark County Running Club has regular group runs throughout the year, so they know all the essentials to create a good race for runners and walkers. That support starts at the very beginning of the morning, which is not in the o-dark-thirty. Instead, walkers for the half marathon begin at 9:30am, runners start at 10am, and participants in the 4-mile event start off at 10:30am. That means you can get a good night sleep before this winter event.
And since this race is in the midst of winter, event leaders know you might be wearing some extra layers to keep warm. So, they have a clothing check set up right by the start line. The half marathon course includes an initial out-and-back toward the north, so those runners and walkers can also drop things off when they come back by around mile 3.
The course overall is incredibly flat and includes three out-and-back sections. The first 3-mile loop, a longer 7-mile that takes you to Frenchman’s Bar, and then that first loop again. It’s an open course, but a quiet area of Vancouver so cars will be few.
The event is limited to only 475 participants, due to parking, and every participant earns a medal after reaching the finish line. If you also want a shirt to celebrate the day, they are available for $15.
2019 Vancouver Lake Half Marathon (Vancouver)
When: Sunday, February 24. Half Marathon Walk @ 9:30am. Half Marathon Run @ 10am. 4-mile Walk / Run at 10:30am.
Where: Vancouver Lake (6801 NW Lower River Road)
Register: Online
Packet Pick-Up: Saturday, February 23rd from 10am to 12:30pm at Vancouver Lake, or Race Morning 8:30 to 9:45am.
Cost: $35 for Half Marathon. $25 for 4-miler.
