New tree trekking element added to Stanley Park section of BMO Vancouver Marathon courses

Extreme and tough and maybe a bit of mud

Vancouver, BC – April 1, 2015 – With a new popular trend of obstacle course running events, organizers of the BMO Vancouver Marathon have decided to alter the Stanley Park section of the Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon and 8KM to incorporate a tree trekking component.

“This year, as runners approach Vancouver’s famous Stanley Park they will be marshaled to complete a tree trekking course through some of the park’s tallest Douglas Firs,” says Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society.

The section will consist of tree ladders, cargo nets, bridges, tightropes, and platforms suspended in the trees. Runners will navigate from tree to tree for approximately one kilometer before descending back to ground level to complete the final kilometer of their race.

In order to nullify the potential impact to finish times, runners will be credited with the distance they will have to climb up to reach the treetop course. The BMO Vancouver Marathon will be the first race in the world to recognize vertical course distance and it is expected that this new initiative will have minimal impact on runners’ finish times.

“We are thrilled to assist with this tree trekking aspect for the four BMO Vancouver Marathon races”, says John Coupar, Chair of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. “This trend is becoming very popular across British Columbia and will allow runners to have a treetop view of their course, while also adding a fun and unique element to the race. Stanley Park is renowned for its beauty, so this is definitely a great way to see the park as well as the city of Vancouver.”

“This course alteration will make for a lasting memory during the final two kilometers of the races and this area will be staffed with additional photographers to capture these memories for runners,” adds Krepiakevich. “With the Marathon event 90% sold out, and other races filling quickly, runners are encouraged to sign up soon to secure their spots and ensure they are able to experience this unique new tree trekking element.”