For 27 years, Streetfront has been using long-distance running as a catalyst for personal growth; helping students discover what they’re capable of, one run at a time.
Based out of Britannia Secondary School, Streetfront is a Vancouver School Board program for students in Grades 8–10 who may not have found success in traditional school settings. Alongside core academics, students take part in regular physical activity like running, hiking, swimming, and more – building confidence, routine, and a sense of belonging.
Through one of several community initiatives supported by RUNVAN, which has backed the program for the past 12 years – students have the opportunity to train for and take on the BMO Vancouver Marathon, a challenge they’ve embraced every year since 2000.
That commitment has grown into something extraordinary. Streetfront’s marathon team is now the largest group of high school marathoners in the world. But beyond the numbers, the impact is deeply personal.
“Partnering with the BMO Vancouver Marathon for all these years has literally changed Britannia Secondary – not just Streetfront. We have over 60 students who hound us to run marathons, to change their personal narratives and take on challenges they never thought possible. Without the most beautiful marathon in North America, they don’t get the real, tangible opportunity to put that to the test.” says Trevor Stoke, Streetfront Department Head and teacher.
For every student who lines up at the start, the finish line represents more than a race. It’s proof that they can take on something difficult and see it through.