Q: How do I get to Bowen Island?

A: Take HWY 1 West to Horseshoe Bay. Follow the signs for Bowen Island at the BC Ferries terminal. You may want to try to get to the terminal early on busy summer weekends to avoid overloads.

You may either bring your car to Bowen Island, or park it and come across on the ferry as a foot passenger.

Traffic can be heavy on summer weekends, so please get to the terminal early to avoid being overloaded.

For more information on the Horseshoe Bay – Bowen Island route, or about parking facilities, go to: www.bcferries.ca, or call the Horseshoe Bay Terminal at (604) 921-7414.

Q: Is there parking in Horseshoe Bay?

A: There is a large (350 spaces) underground parking lot near the ferry terminal in Horseshoe Bay. For more information, please visit the B.C. Ferries parking info page.

Overflow parking is located on Marine Drive, close to exit No. 2 and the HB overpass. The Howe Sound Lions Club operate the parking lot and a shuttle – contact them at (604)921-8086. Please allow plenty of time to make parking arrangements.

Q: How long does it take to get to Bowen Island?

A: It takes approximately twenty minutes by ferry from Horseshoe Bay. The ticket you buy is a return ticket.

Q: Can I get a shower after the run, so that I can be less sweaty for a day of fun on Bowen?

A: You betcha!  The new Loonie shower at the Union Steamship Marina will be operational by then. Rondy says, “shower with a friend and save water!”  You can also cool off in the water at our fine beaches, but either way, be sure to bring your own towels and stuff.

Q: What do I do when I get to Bowen?

A: If you’ve already registered and have your race package, go to the starting point near the ferry dock. Or, if you haven’t registered or picked up your race package, you can do that at the registration tables in front of the library building, on the right, 120 meters from the dock.

After the race, with your free entry, check out Bowfest – Bowen Island’s annual community celebration, featuring fun, food and entertainment. Race results will be given from the main stage right after the parade. Drop by the Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce cottage on Cardena Road, just behind the Library, to learn about island attractions, or check out the website before you come: www.bowenisland.org.

Q: Can I stay on Bowen?

A: Yes! There are many ‘bed and breakfasts’ on the island. Find out more about Bowen Island’s bed and breakfasts by going to the Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce website (www.bowenisland.org), and clicking on “where to stay.”

Q: Where can I leave my personal gear during the race?

A: There will be a bag check van clearly marked.

Q: Can I still register on race day?

A: Yes! You can register on race day from 7:30am to 8:15am for the KId’s 1.5K run and from 7:30am to 8:45am for the 5K and 10K runs, at the registration table in front of the Library, just 120 meters west of the ferry dock. Race representatives will also be on the 7:00 am and 8:00 am ferry sailings from Horseshoe Bay. They will have registration forms that you can fill out while on your way to Bowen, to speed up your registration process. They will also have race maps and will be able to answer questions you may have.

Q: How is the race timed and when will results be posted?

A: Run for the Ferry uses a very accurate “manual” timing system called “The Time Machine” coupled with a large digital clock at the finish line. The Time Machine hardware, in conjunction with the Race Director software allows us to generate reports according to any of the participant categories, such as age group, gender, and overall standing in 1.5K 5K or 10K events. The clock and time machine start with the starting shot (air horn), therefore, fast and competitive runners who really want a very accurate timing result, should position them selves closer to the start line. In reality, the back of the pack takes less than 30 seconds to cross the start line, so your time can not be off by very much. Many of you runners wear watches and other sophisticated devices and so you can determine for yourself, any small differential between clock time and real race time. We will generate the first report 1 hour after the start. This initial report will include all of the 5K and most of the 10K runners, for the benefit of the participants needing to leave the island on the noon(ish) ferry. Naturally we hope you stay to enjoy the parade and Bowfest activities which are part of your entry fee. The official results will be posted and winners announced at Bowfest a little later on.

Email: info@runfortheferry.ca