Vancouver’s only Marathon
Vancouver’s only marathon started in 1972 when Tom Howard of Surrey, BC led a handful of marathon runners around five loops of Stanley Park to complete the first “British Columbia Marathon.” Since then, the event has expanded to include a Half Marathon, 8KM and Kids Run. Olympians, Canadians and International Elites have now taken home the prestigious Vancouver Marathon title.
Current Course Record Holders
BMO Vancouver Marathon Course (2012-present)
Yuki Kawauchi (CAN)
Marathon
2:15:01 (2019)
Dayna Pidhoresky (CAN)
Marathon
2:34:27 (2023)
Paul Kimugul (KEN)
Half Marathon
1:02:36 (2014)
Jane Murage (KEN)
Half Marathon
1:12:53 (2015)
Historic Courses
Vancouver Marathon Course (1999-2011)
One of the longest standing course designs, this route follows a similar track to the 1986 course, but converts it to a loop course that starts and ends near BC Place. With two out and backs, one through Mount Pleasant and other through Kits and Point Grey, it was the staple course for over a decade.
Course Record Holders
Kassahun Kabiso (ETH), 2:15:40 (2005)
Claudia Camargo (ARG), 2:35:50 (2007)
Vancouver Marathon Course (1990-1998)
One of the most memorable courses, known as the double bridge course, runners would start near BC Place, travel up Pacific and through Stanley Park to cross into North Vancouver. After a quick tour of North Van, they’d cross back south on the Second Narrows Bridge then follow Powell to China Town and then back towards BC Place for the Finish.
Course Record Holders
Makato Sasaki (JPN), 2:17:24 (1994)
Yuka Terunuma (JPN), 2:43:16 (1992)
Vancouver Marathon Course (1987-1989)
The following year, a new course was established that did a lap of downtown, and three laps of Stanley Park similar to the 1979 course. For variety, the Stanley Park loops alternated between the seawall and the interior course.
Course Record Holders
Mitsumasa Matsuyama (JPN), 2:19:20 (1988)
Cathy Kroll (USA), 2:46:50 (1987)
Vancouver Marathon Course (1986)
Introducing the first point to point race, the 1986 course lasted only a year. Runners would start in central downtown, travel across the Granville Street Bridge, around Science World, do a loop of Stanley Park, then cross the Burrard Street Bridge for an out and back towards Spanish Banks to end up at a Finish Line near Kitsilano Beach.
Course Record Holders
Hiromi Nishi (JPN), 2:21:14 (1986)
Joi Belyk (CAN), 2:45:37 (1986)
Vancouver Marathon Course (1984-1985)
In 1984, the Start and Finish lines were moved towards BC Place. Runners would run the perimeter of downtown twice, and one loop through Mount Pleasant and back up Granville Street Bridge.
Course Record Holders
Rick Sayre (USA), 2:16:34 (1984)
Carol Raven (NZL), 2:55:34 (1984)
Vancouver Marathon Course (1979-1983)
Starting in 1979, the course was updated to go around downtown Vancouver. With Nike signing on as title sponsor, runners would start from downtown, do two laps of the park, then run the perimeter of downtown, back for a third and final loop of the park and then back to central downtown.
Course Record Holders
Garry Henry (AUS), 2:13:14 (1980)
Beverley Bush (CAN), 2:43:19 (1983)
Vancouver Marathon Course (1972-1978)
The first ever Vancouver Marathon course featured five laps around Stanley Park, and was organized by local run club Lions Gate Road Runners. To mark each lap, runners were given popsicle sticks to hold.
Course Record Holders
Tom Howard (CAN), 2:14:33 (1974)
Doris Heritage (USA), 2:47:34 (1976)
