The 2026 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in recent years. This year’s field brings a strong mix of proven veterans, rising talent, and fresh faces ready to make their mark. The men’s race is especially deep, with several legitimate contenders and no obvious favourite, setting the stage for a thrilling battle for the win and podium spots. On the women’s side, accomplished champions and dangerous challengers promise a high-quality race of their own. Whether you’re racing, cheering on course, or following from afar, there will be plenty to watch from the first stride to the finish line.
2025’s BMO Vancouver Half Marathon winner Andrew Davies (Center) 3rd place finisher Harry Halford (Right) and 9th place finisher Ryan Tyrrell (Far Right)
Men’s Race Preview
Santiago Gaitan Caballero
Santiago Gaitan Caballero enters the race as the top seed and the fastest man in the field on paper. His standout mark of 1:00:53 at the St. George Half Marathon places him among the quickest Canadian performers ever over the distance. While that time is not eligible for record purposes due to course elevation regulations, it still signals world-class ability.
He also represented Team Canada at the 2018 U18 Jamaican Invitational Meet and arrives in Vancouver as one of the clear favourites for the win.
Max Turek
Max Turek has built a resume of strong performances in major races and knows how to compete in deep fields. He placed inside the top 10 at the 2024 Boston Half Marathon, where he ran a personal best of 1:02:45.
Other key results include:
- 2nd at the 2023 Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon in 1:02:49
- Top 10 finish in one of North America’s most competitive half marathons
With proven speed and race experience, Turek looks like a serious podium threat.
Thomas Broatch
Few athletes in this field bring the same mix of range and consistency as Thomas Broatch. He has delivered strong results across the half marathon, marathon, and shorter road races.
Career highlights:
- Half marathon PB of 1:04:08
- 3rd at First Half 2023 in 1:04:23
- 6th at First Half 2026 in 1:05:02
- Marathon PB of 2:10:35 at the 2025 Houston Marathon
- 2023 Canadian Champion at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon
- 2025 Eastside 10K Champion in 30:06
Broatch has the strength to stay in contention deep into the race and should be firmly in the podium conversation.
Other Men to Watch
Nageso Nyafaro Tuse
An Ethiopian refugee training in Kenya, Nageso Nyafaro Tuse is a 2028 Refugee Olympic Team hopeful with strong upside.
- Half marathon PB of 1:04:34
- 2nd at the 2025 Manitoba Marathon
- 7th at the BMOVM Half Marathon last year in 1:05:49
He has the credentials to challenge the front group.
Ryan Tyrrell
Ryan Tyrrell continues to trend upward and has quietly become one of the stronger names in the field.
- Half marathon PB of 1:05:10 at the 2025 Marathon Beneva de Montreal
- 2nd at the 2024 Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon in 1:05:29
- 9th in Vancouver last year
- McMaster track and field alumnus
Expect him in the mix.
Harry Halford
Harry Halford already knows how to race well in Vancouver. He finished 3rd here in 2025 while setting a personal best of 1:05:24.
That course familiarity could prove valuable when the pace lifts late in the race.
Alex Drover
A McMaster Marauders alumnus, he brings a strong middle-distance background and championship experience. In 2023, he stood on the U SPORTS podium twice, winning gold in the 3000m and silver in the 1500m. His strength over shorter distances makes him an interesting wildcard as he steps into the half marathon.
Natasha Wodak crossing the finish at the 2018 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon
Women’s Race Preview
Natasha Wodak
Natasha Wodak headlines the women’s field and enters as the athlete to beat. She is one of the most accomplished distance runners in Canadian history, with success on the national and international stage.
Career highlights:
- 2-time Olympian
- 2019 Pan American Games Gold Medallist in the 10,000m
- Former Canadian women’s marathon record holder, 2:23:12 at Berlin in 2022
Her record in Vancouver is just as impressive.
- 4-time BMO Vancouver Half Marathon Champion (2012, 2013, 2017, 2018)
- 2020 Virtual Champion
- Women’s event record holder, 1:12:58
- 5-time First Half Champion
- First Half course record holder, 1:10:17
- Winner of the 2026 First Half in 1:11:51
Few athletes have enjoyed more success on Vancouver roads.
Leslie Sexton
Leslie Sexton looks like one of the strongest challengers to Wodak. She owns a past victory in this race and has consistently delivered in major championship settings.
Highlights include:
- 2022 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon Champion in 1:14:56
- 2nd at First Half 2023 in 1:11:40
- 3rd at First Half 2022 in 1:12:42
- Half marathon PB of 1:11:40
- Marathon PB of 2:28:14
- 3-time Canadian Marathon Championship medallist
She has the experience and speed to contend for the win.
Argentina Valdepeñas
Returning Mexican favourite Argentina Valdepeñas brings experience and resilience. She won the 2024 BMO Vancouver Marathon in 2:39:38 and competed at the 2023 World Championships.
Career highlights:
- Marathon PB of 2:35:16
- Half marathon PB of 1:16:23
- 44 career marathons completed
- First Latin American finisher at Chicago, Tokyo, New York, and Berlin
- Second Latin American finisher at Boston
- Mother of five competing at an elite level
Danielle Jordan
Danielle Jordan enters as one of the most intriguing newcomers in the field. She recently won the Brooks Lake Sammamish Half Marathon with a fast PB of 1:14:05, and brings strong leg speed from her background on the track.
- Former UConn athlete
- 16:57 road 5K PB
What to Expect on Race Day
The men’s race has several athletes with times close to 1:04 or faster, which should create an honest pace from the gun. The women’s field features one of Canada’s all-time greats, plus proven challengers and dangerous newcomers.
If you’re on the course, keep an eye on the lead packs early. This field has the depth for fast times, bold moves, and close finishes.