Seven years ago, my besties and I planned an epic road trip to Sun Peak for Foam Fest 2016. That was so much fun that we did it again and had a blast at Foam Fest 2018. The minimum age is 8 years old so back then, only my friend's oldest daughter could run the race with us. We signed up to do it in 2020 and I was so excited that Big Sis would be old enough to run the course but sadly a global pandemic cancelled that dream and everything fun for a few years.
So here we are, three years later and we finally get to run this race. Aaaaand the perk of waiting a few years is that I get to run the race with not just one but both kiddos!
Here’s the full recap and tips (in case you're getting major FOMO reading this and you want to sign up for next year)
#1: Sign up early! The prices are tiered based on when you sign up and the event does sell out. So if you're on the fence, just do it. If you want to make it a destination event, look for the other locations Foam Fest is held. There are events across BC and Canada.
# 2: Wear something that can get wet, foamy and muddy. Costumes are awesome and highly encouraged. We tried to coordinate with matching bandanas - the kids came up with the name Team Bandits. They also gave out buffs which are supposed to be worn around your neck or head but these girls are so slim, they wore them as tube tops.
#3: Prepare to be foamed! At the start line, you will run through a 7 foot wall of foam, as much as you want yelp and holler at how fun this is, the foam (aka soap) will get in your mouth and soap in your mouth is gross. Close your eyes, keep your mouth closed and just run through the wall of foam until you make it out the other side.
#4: Enjoy the obstacles. There is lots of climbing over and crawling under. Pretend you’re in The Amazing Race.
#5: The course is 5km long. Pace yourself if you’re not used to running this distance. You don't need to run the 5km, you can walk the whole thing if you want. There is no chip timer like 'real' races. The kids were stoked and had no issues running the whole course and had a blast racing to the next obstacle.
#7: Beware the Death Drop. This is the last obstacle and it’s a climb up a ladder and a steep slippery foamy slide down the biggest inflatable slide I’ve ever seen. At the top of the slide, cross your arm, cross your legs, cross your heart and go before the panic sets in.
#8: Run or you will freeze. There is no way to get through the course without getting wet and you will get cold if you stop moving. So keep running, adrenaline will keep you warm.
#9: Celebrate your finish with a sweet medal, a free popsicle and have a towel ready!
Bring a plastic bag for all the wet clothes. Pack hot chocolate and have towels to keep your car clean-ish.
#10: Take SO many pictures! Spectators are allowed into the course (but not on the obstacles) so Simon was InstaDad for the day and able to take the GoPro and document the super fun day we had.
