Race Guide - Comox Valley RV Half Marathon

Comox Valley RV Half Marathon Race Guide

Race guide: The Comox Valley Half Marathon is one of the fastest half marathon courses in Western Canada! The race is hosted by the Comox Valley Road Runners, and is one of the oldest continuously held road races in British Columbia.This challenging out and back course will take runners on quiet country roads through the beautiful scenery of the Comox Valley. Along the way, runners will experience views of Mt Washington, Forbidden Plateau, as well as the Tsolum and Puntledge rivers.

While the course is known for its fast times and scenic views, runners would do well to keep in mind the climb beginning at 6km. Over the following 2.5km, runners will have to climb 60m of elevation, after which a number of other smaller rolling hills occur before the turnaround point. Have patience! Be ready to tackle the first climb, but make sure to leave enough in the tank to get you through the rest of the course. 

2024’s race is expected to have a number of fast entrants. Olympic hopefuls in the marathon Natasha Wodak and Dayna Pidhoresky will both be racing this year, and local sensation Rosalyn Smith will be attempting to set an age group world record for the 75-plus category. Recent men's and women's winning times of the half marathon are ~1:08 and ~1:20 respectively - there might be a long climb, but this course can be quick!

The Comox Half is the longest race of the Island Series, and is a great tune up/fitness check for those training for marathons taking place in the spring. CVRR always put on a great race day experience - starting in downtown Courtney, enjoy the scenic views of the Comox Valley on this beautiful course!

Photo: The 2023 Comox Valley RV Half Marathon by Joe “Crazy Legs” Camilleri

Our Experience

During your pre-race strategising, you would do well to identify the most challenging part of this course; to quote acclaimed singer/songwriter Miley Cyrus, “it’s the climb”. But don’t fret! All you need is a patient race plan to guide you through all that this 21.1km course has to offer. 

The first couple kilometres are relatively flat, but the race really gets going at 6km. Try your best to manage your energy! The elevation profile might make it seem like you have time to reclaim some energy once you make it up the big climb, but you would do well to err on the side of conservative pacing to make sure you have enough left in the tank for the remainder of the course. 

Water stations will be placed at ~4km and ~9km points along the course according to the race map posted on the CVRR website. 

Race Details

 *for those with an expected finish time over 2.5hrs

Course Map

Race Package Pickup

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