VANCOUVER, BC – May 3, 2026 – More than 25,000 participants took part in the 2026 BMO Vancouver Marathon weekend, as runners from around the world competed across marathon and half marathon distances throughout Vancouver.
The men’s marathon delivered a competitive international race, with Japan’s Kosuke Fujiwara pulling away from the field late to capture the BMO Vancouver Marathon title in 2:22:03, winning by 30 seconds over Canada’s Russell Pennock.
Representing Kanagawa, Japan, Fujiwara kept his post-race reaction simple and joyful: “Very nice day, I’m happy!”
Russell Pennock impressed in his marathon debut, finishing second in 2:22:33 after. American runner Zachary Anderson completed the podium in third place with a time of 2:23:30.
Men’s Marathon | Top Three:
- Fujiwara Kosuke (JPN): 02:22:03
- Russell Pennock (CAN): 02:22:33
- Zachary Anderson (USA): 02:23:30
The women’s marathon produced one of the most exciting finishes in recent event history, as Mikky Keetels of the Netherlands ran 2:33:02 to claim victory and break the former event record of 2:34:27.
Keetels arrived in Vancouver as a surprise late entry after recently winning the Dutch national marathon title at Rotterdam. Incredibly, the decision to race in Vancouver came together just days before the event.
“I have seven days off… I’m a bit impulsive and I saw the Vancouver Marathon,” Keetels said after the race. “I emailed the race organizers like three days ago and I took a flight and here we are!”
The Dutch runner battled stride-for-stride throughout much of the race with hometown Olympian Dayna Pidhoresky, with just 24 seconds separating the pair at the finish line and at times only six seconds between them during the closing stages.
“It was a battle out there today. In my mind, I knew whoever won was going to break the record.” reflects Pidhoresky.
Pidhoresky crosses second in 2:33:27, also under her own previous event record, further cementing her remarkable legacy at the event. She now owns four of the five fastest women’s marathon times in race history. American runner Madison Hibshman finishes third in 2:39:52.
When asked for advice to runners, Keetels encouraged participants to embrace the unknown. “Be surprised! I didn’t see the course before, so I don’t want to know what’s happening. I like to be surprised,” she says.
Women’s Marathon | Top Three:
- Mikky Keetels (NLD): 2:33:02 Event Record
- Dayna Pidhoresky (CAN): 2:33:27
- Madison Hibshman (USA): 2:39:52
The women’s half marathon produces another standout performance as Canadian Olympian Natasha Wodak shatters her own event record, winning in 1:12:01 in front of a hometown crowd. After the race, Wodak reflected on racing in Vancouver, saying, “I just love running here, I love running in my hometown.” Seattle’s Danielle Jordan places second in 1:15:43, while Sammie Kidder finishes third in 1:16:19.
Women’s Half Marathon | Top Three:
- Natasha Wodak (CAN): 1:12:01 Event Record
- Danielle Jordan (USA): 1:15:43
- Sammie Kidder (USA): 1:16:19
In the men’s half marathon, Canada’s Max Turek claims victory in 1:03:29, the second-fastest time ever recorded on the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon course. “I love the course, it’s a fast course,” says Turek following his win.
Fellow Canadian Santiago Gaitan Caballero finishes second in 1:04:39, followed closely by Thomas Broatch in 1:04:46.
Thousands of spectators lined the course throughout the day, with neighbourhood Cheer Stations and Block Parties creating a festival atmosphere as runners made their way through downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, and along the city’s waterfront.
Men’s Half Marathon | Top Three:
- Max Turek (CAN): 1:03:29
- Santiago Gaitan Caballero CAN): 1:04:39
- Thomas Broatch (CAN): 1:04:46
Charity Impact
This year’s participants raised more than $260,000 for charity through the BMO Vancouver Marathon’s RUN4HOPE program. Since its inception, runners have raised over $17 million in support of social impact initiatives and community organizations.
This extraordinary effort reinforces the event’s role not only as a celebration of athleticism, but also as a platform for giving back and building stronger communities.
Event Acknowledgments
The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN and the BMO Vancouver Marathon extend their sincere thanks to the more than 3,000 volunteers, event stakeholders, and partners who make the event possible.