Yoga. Run. Party.

By: JayEll Vaughn (@curlznpumpz/@blackgirlsrun) Where can you find gorgeous weather, yoga enthusiasts, awesome workout gear, and popsicles? Join lululemon athletica inc. in Vancouver for their inaugural half-marathon event: The SeaWheeze on Saturday, August 11, 2012. Black Girls RUN! had the great opportunity of chatting with SeaWheeze's Race Director, Allison Forsyth to discuss what participants can expect for The SeaWheeze Experience. The SeaWheeze is positioned to be a weekend experience "from the time you step off the plane or park your car" comments Forsyth. lululemon is expecting over 6,000 participants over the course of The SeaWheeze weekend; 75 percent visiting from outside of the Vancouver area. The weekend kicks off on Friday, August 10 with the Run Expo at the Vancouver Convention Centre, including entertainment and yoga. lululemon has designed an exclusive line of product only for this event, and the product will only be available for sale at the run expo. Saturday, August 11 kicks off with a mass morning yoga class to help prepare participants for the actual race. Later on, you will be able to enjoy an afternoon outdoor concert, and sunset yoga on Kitsilano Beach. When asked "What is so great about Vancouver?", Allison responds that it is "the most beautiful city in the world, and this is lululemon's hometown!". The race route was created with the intentions of showing the beauty of the city and allowing the runners to see some lululemon's favorite places. The race starts and finishes at the Vancouver Convention Centre, includes runs on the infamous seawall, oceanfront views, passes the Olympic Cauldron, the head office of lululemon, and even the first ever lululemon store. "We want this to be the most fun half marathon event ever!" says Allison. Black Girls RUN! New Jersey member, Avis West has already signed up for race, and is very excited about participating. "Aside from my adoration for the lululemon brand, I've been spotting the cheer team at many of the races I've participated in during the past year, and I always seem to see them JUST when I need them. They are always SUPER spirited - the signs, cheers, the high leg kicks, jumping and head nods acknowledging my gear, lulu has gotten me through that last mile," says West. As soon as the participants cross the finish line, they will be able to enjoy a mini brunch. So, all weekend the goal is indeed to have fun! Vancouver is a very active, commuter friendly, and sustainable community, and so the city is very excited about the upcoming race in August. "I've never been to Vancouver - and from the website this race looks as if it's going to be FUN! But honestly, the lure of popcicles at the finish is the real reason (smiles)," adds Avis. With signing up for the race, participants will be receiving an exclusive pair of lululemon technical speed shorts. They are very comfortable and versatile for runners. For beginner runners, Allison suggests running crops. lululemon also has great jackets (with hidden pockets!), and with all of lululemon's products, they really focus their efforts on design and quality of their product. The SeaWheeze has really been a grassroots movement with the Vancouver local community. lululemon has partnered with the downtown YMCA, and will be donating $15,000 in support of programs geared toward promoting healthy living and yoga, of course! Be sure to continue checking out The SeaWheeze website, as lululemon will soon be announcing the entertainment for the outside concert on race day, August 11. To participate in the race and for more information, visit: The SeaWheeze. Only 99 more days until the "most fun half marathon, in the most beautiful city event", The SeaWheeze!

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