Come out and cheer!
The BMO Vancouver Marathon is more than just a race, it’s a city-wide celebration!
This year, runners and spectators will experience live performances, music, cheer zones, giveaways, and community energy all across the course. If you have friends or family racing, or you simply want to be part of the atmosphere, come out and cheer along the route. Your support helps power every step.
Chinatown Comes Alive
Location: W Pender Street and Shanghai Alley
When to Expect Runners:
- 7:21am: Half-Marathon Elites arrive
- 7:38am: Half-Marathon masses arrive
One of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods will set the tone early in the race. BMO brings cultural performances to Chinatown with dragon and lion dances from Eternal Dragon and the Hon Hsing Athletic Club of Vancouver.
Kitsilano Beach Festival Zone
Location: Cornwall Avenue in Kits Beach Park, west of Arbutus
When to Expect Runners:
- 10:05am: Marathon Elites arrive
- 11:06am: Marathon masses arrive
One of the biggest activation areas on course, Kitsilano features an ACHÉ BRASIL dance performance, face painting, lawn games, and public bleachers. KITS Eyewear will also be onsite with games, product displays, plus lemonade and coffee at their nearby storefront.
Sounds of the Course in Kitsilano
Location: Chestnut Avenue and Creelman Avenue
When to Expect Runners:
- 10:08am: Marathon Elites arrive
- 11:11am: Marathon masses arrive
Runners will be welcomed by the Robert Malcolm Memorial Pipe Band, bringing a classic race-day soundtrack to one of the most scenic sections of the route.
High Energy at Sunset Beach
Location: Beach Avenue and Broughton Street
When to Expect Runners:
- 7:34am: Half Marathon Elites arrive
- 8:02am: Half Marathon masses arrive
- 10:17am: Marathon Elites arrive
- 11:25am: Marathon masses arrive
The Sunset Beach water station will be impossible to miss. BMO is bringing three inflatable men to the course, adding movement and energy to one of the most scenic sections of the route.
English Bay Celebration Zone
Location: Beach Avenue and Denman Street
When to Expect Runners:
- 7:34am: Half Marathon Elites arrive
- 8:02am: Half Marathon masses arrive
- 10:17: Marathon Elites arrive
- 11:25: Marathon masses arrive
English Bay turns into a race-day party with a drag queen performance, live DJ, face painting, and lawn games. Public bleachers will also be available, making this another top spot to watch the race unfold.
Brooks Running Cheer Station
Location: Stanley Park, Second Beach Pool
When to Expect Runners:
- 7:37am: Half Marathon Elites arrive
- 8:07am: Half Marathon masses arrive
- 10:22am: Marathon Elites arrive
- 11:33am: Marathon masses arrive
Brooks Running brings music, crowd energy, and bananas to help lift runners through the later stages of the race.
XACT Cheer Station
Location: Stanley Park, Devonian Park
When to Expect Runners:
- 7:57am: Half Marathon Elites arrive
- 8:45am: Half Marathon masses arrive
- 9:49am: 8KM Elites arrive
- 10:01am: 8KM masses arrive
- 10:47am: Marathon Elites arrive
- 12:14am: Marathon masses arrive
XACT adds another cheer zone in Stanley Park with a live DJ, crowd support, and product giveaways.
The 2026 BMO Vancouver Marathon offers more than a finish time. It is a chance to experience Vancouver at its best, with community spirit, entertainment, and support around every corner.
Pick your cheer zone. Plan your route. Soak in the atmosphere. We’lll see you on race day!