By: Magi Scallion
Sometimes you don’t get to run all the events and you’ve got to crew or volunteer. It’s not so bad – quite fun actually – and a great excuse to spend a day outside.
Today I was a course marshal captain for the SeaWheeze half marathon in Vancouver. The best part of the day was watching 7500 runners ascend their final hill before running the final 2 km to the finish. However, the sweet golf course I got to drive about in was also nice!
The event started in downtown Vancouver – right by the Vancouver Convention Centre – before heading across the Burrard Bridge to a loop in Kitslano, back across the bridge and then around the seawall in Stanley Park. The route… and weather… could not have been better! With 7500 runners and over 600 volunteers there was some great energy in the air.
The event was all about setting and achieve goals – so all of the runners were treated like winners! Prizes for the top 3 were limited (I think they only gave an award to the first place male and female) but everybody got to have an amazing experience – manicures, massages, organic fruit at the rest stops… and more. There were two great bands – Hey Ocean and Fun – that played at the post event concert and sunset yoga on the beach in Kitslano.
What a day! I enjoyed volunteering… but I needed to go for a run when I got home, as I was so inspired!
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Born in Nova Scotia and emigrating to British Columbia via Ontario and Alberta, Magi has been running the entire way. Primarily defined as a cross country ski racer, Magi has competed nationally and internationally in that sport. The highlight of her career was competing in the World University Games and the World Cup races in Canada in 2007. Cross country skiers rely heavily on running for cross training and Magi has become an accomplished trail and mountain runner, representing Canada at the World Mountain Running Championships in 2005 and the winning numerous national championships medals.
Today Magi runs for fun… and it’s a lot of fun! Epic mountain runs, city cruises with friends, and more keep her happy and occupied outside of work and school.
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