The 2022 edition of the VIRA Island Race Series Comox Valley RV Half Marathon is set to take place on March 13. Just like all the other events, runners of all levels are welcome. Early start is available for the runners and walkers who expect to take more than 2.5 hours to complete the half marathon. Therefore, if you think you will take longer than 2.5 hours to complete the race, you can start at 10 am. However, the main start is at 11 am.
Race package pickup is on Sunday, March 13th between 9 am and 10:30 am at Sim’s Park Pavilion.
It is the longest race of the series. The Comox Valley RV Half Marathon is a beautiful rural out and back course with views of Mt. Washington, Forbidden Pleateau and Tsolum and Puntledge Rivers.
Many people have set personal bests on this course (myself included, when I got 1:28:15 back in 2015). The course is net downhill after the turnaround. The Comox Valley RV Half Marathon was the only time that I ever broke 1:30 in the half marathon and it was definitely because of the course.
Comox Valley RV Half Marathon 2018. Photo by Ken & Lois DeEll
This race is perfect for first-time half marathoners who are looking for a non-intimidating environment as well a seasoned runners who are shooting for a personal best.
I’ve always enjoyed this race (with the exception of 2016, where I probably would have been better off not starting due to illness and injury).
I’ve done the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon a number of times and each time was a different experience for me depending on how prepared I was for the race and what my nutrition was like leading up to the event.
WHAT THE COMOX VALLEY RV HALF MARATHON COURSE IS LIKE AND HOW TO RUN IT:
From what I remember, there are no significant elevation gains in this race.
Additionally, I don’t recall there being any super challenging nor overwhelming hill climbs. I remember that there is a small hill after the turnaround point.
As we can see from the course map below, this course does not have too many turns, which I like. There are many straight stretches to take advantage of.
Comox Valley RV Half Marathon 2022 Map
Leading up to the turnaround, there is a very small elevation gain and primarily some rolling hills. The hills are very small and will be barely noticeable if you pace yourself well.
This is a race where it’s OK to run the first 6k slightly faster than your goal pace, then slow down a bit if you need to. Without a doubt, as we start to approach the turnaround point, we should back off a bit on the rolling hills.
Therefore, we should run a little bit slower between kms 6-11.
Once you get past the turnaround point and have less than 10k left in the race, you can speed up as much as you can and give it all you got.
Once you get past the hill that’s after the turnaround point, it turns into a gradual net downhill course.
Every time I’ve reached the turnaround point, with the exception of the 2016 race (where I walked at least 5k after the turnaround point), I felt great.
A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
Just because it’s OK to start this race a bit faster, doesn’t mean that you should start too fast. The key thing to remember is that “fast” or “slow” is relative to your past results, training and current fitness level.
Don’t beat yourself up over your pace and your time. Instead, focus on having fun. After not being able to participate in races for quite some time, I’m grateful for every race that I get to do.
Remember, when you cross that finish line, no one can take that accomplishment away from you. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday! 😊
Super helpful, thanks Yana!!