The West Van Run [T: @westvanrun | IG: @westvanrun] is an annual 5K and 10K run/walk in scenic West Vancouver. The race is held in early March each year with the 5K on the Saturday, 10K on the Sunday, and a 1K kids run both days. Runners are welcome to join for one or both days. The race is chip timed and features waterfront views. Registration includes a t-shirt, finisher’s medal, and post-race snacks.
I am proud to be a member of the West Van Run Team of ambassadors for this well-organized and community-minded race. I have participated in the West Van Run every year since 2016 and have always opted for both the 5K and 10K. Over the years I’ve achieved PR’s, run it 2 months pregnant, and run it with a 5-month-old baby. It’s always a fantastic time! Check out my West Van Run 2016 race report, the first time I ran it.
The next West Van Run is on March 2 & 3, 2019. Use discount code ‘brie’ to save 10% on registration.
Race Director
Kirill Solovyev
[T: @lekirill | IG: @kirillsolovyev]
The West Van Run is organized by Kirill Solovyev who has since expanded to two more races: the West Van Run Summer and North Van Run [T: @northvanrun | IG: @northvanrun]. Despite being a super speedy runner himself, he’s more than happy to slow down and hang out with the pack. In fact, he hosts all-speeds-welcome training/social runs through his club, the West Van Run Crew, every Saturday at 9:30am starting from Caffe Artigiano.
Ambassadors
The West Van Run Team includes several of my run blogger friends who are super active members of the running community. One of the highlights of the race for me is seeing these awesome people there. The full list of ambassadors can be found on the West Van Run website, but here are the ones I know best.
Jeannine Avelino
[W: Everything but Weddings | T: @jeannineavelino | IG: @jeannineavelino]
Jeannine is a road and trail runner. She hosts a popular wedding blog in addition to her running blog, hence the name Everything but Weddings. I am envious of all her travel, especially her trips to run the Paris and Berlin Marathons. Jeannine takes great photos, loves her cat, Hobbes, and is a foodie.
Bradley Cuzen
[W: Bradley on the Run | T: @bjcjapan | IG: @bradleyontherun]
You can recognize Bradley by his signature orange hat and constant smile. He’s participates in tons of races every year and is always trying to set a new PR. We did a road trip together in 2016 to run the North County Wine Run in southern Washington as BibRave Pros. It was a blast! Fun fact: Bradley lived in Japan and can speak Japanese!
Karin Femi
[W: Loose Leaf Runner | T: @looseleafrunner | IG: @karinfemi]
Karin is a sprinter, running coach, and mom. I remember her running the Moustache Miler 5K quite pregnant one year and still achieving an incredible time. She is energetic, upbeat, and knowledgable about everything running and fitness. She even helped me with prenatal and postnatal exercises. I’ve always impressed by how many languages her family speaks!
Mountain Mark
[IG: @runnermarkt]
Mark is a hardcore trail and ultrarunner who recently BQ’ed. His list of accomplishments include running the Club Fat Ass Van 100, a double crossing of the intense 50K Baden Powell trail, and the Squamish 50/50, a 50 mile race followed by a 50 km race the following day.
Debra Kato
[T: @debrakato | IG: @debrakato]
Last but not least, Debra! She deserves awards for her dedication and commitment to the running community. Debra is at every local race either running, volunteering, or often both. She takes 1000s of photos at every event and shares them on social media for everyone to enjoy. Oh, did I mention that she wears the most amazing costumes too?
