The 2026 BMO Vancouver Marathon brings a deep and varied field to the start line. You have defending champions, proven international runners, strong Canadian contenders, and several athletes stepping up to the marathon distance for the first time. The men’s race features past winners alongside debut runners with real upside, which opens the door to multiple possible outcomes. On the women’s side, experienced champions and consistent front-runners set the tone for another competitive battle. Expect an honest early pace, with the race shaping up through the second half along Vancouver’s course.
Tristan Woodfine (center) runs alongside other elites at the 2025 BMO Vancouver Marathon
Men’s Race Preview
Tristan Woodfine
Tristan Woodfine leads the men’s field and enters as the clear favourite on paper. He has proven himself at both the national and international level across multiple distances.
Key results:
- 2:16:51, 2nd at the 2025 BMO Vancouver Marathon
- Marathon PB of 2:10:39 at the 2024 Houston Marathon, 6th place
- Two-time Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon champion (2017, 2022)
- Half marathon PB of 1:02:40, 6th at the 2023 Boston Half Marathon
Woodfine brings elite range and experience in major races. He remains the athlete to beat.
Russell Pennock
Russell Pennock enters his marathon debut with strong recent half marathon performances and steady progression.
Highlights:
- 1:04:36 at First Half 2026, 4th overall
- 1:07:29 at First Half 2025, 1st in age category 25 to 29
- 2025 Royal Victoria Half Marathon champion in 1:05:15
He arrives with momentum and moves up in distance for the first time.
Keisuke Yokota
Keisuke Yokota brings international depth from Japan and ranks among the top contenders based on personal best.
- Marathon PB of 2:11:43 at the 2023 Osaka Marathon
- Based in Saitama, Japan
- Experienced Japanese road racer with consistent national-level performances
He adds strong international competition to the front group.
Sergio Raez Villanueva
Sergio Raez Villanueva returns as one of the most proven athletes in the field and a past champion.
- 2024 BMO Vancouver Marathon champion in 2:22:45
- 2023 Canadian champion in 2:23:21
- 4th in 2025 in 2:22:52
He knows this course well and consistently performs at the front.
Louis Marmar Maruk
Louis Marmar Maruk represents VFAC and has shown consistent strength across Vancouver-area races.
- 1st at Great Trek Half Marathon 2025 in 1:10:20
- 1:11:06 at First Half 2024
- 1:11:58 at First Half 2025
He has steady half marathon form and moves up in distance with confidence.
Lindsay Lamrock (left) and Dayna Pidhoresky (center), 2nd and 1st place winners at the 2025 BMO Vancouver Marathon
Women’s Race Preview
Dayna Pidhoresky
Dayna Pidhoresky leads the women’s field and enters as the clear favourite based on past results in Vancouver and on the international stage.
Career highlights:
- 3-time BMO Vancouver Marathon champion
- 2020 Canadian Olympic Marathon Trials champion in 2:29:03
- Represented Canada at the Tokyo Olympic Games
- 2019 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon winner in 1:13:07
She brings experience, consistency, and proven winning ability on this course.
Lindsay Lamrock
Lindsay Lamrock returns after a 2nd place podium finish last year and continues to build her marathon experience.
- 2:39:50, podium finish at the 2025 BMO Vancouver Marathon
- Believes she can improve upon her previous time.
She continues to improve in every appearance.
Rita Jelagat
Rita Jelagat adds international strength from Kenya and arrives with a strong personal best.
- Marathon PB of 2:32:19 at the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon
She brings front-of-pack experience from major races.
Yukari Yatsutome
Yukari Yatsutome makes her BMO Vancouver Marathon debut representing Japan and the Yokohama sister city connection.
- Marathon PB of 2:34:43
- Experienced Japanese marathon runner
She adds depth to the international field.
Maguie Quintero
Maguie Quintero returns with deep experience at this event and consistent finishes over multiple years.
- Marathon PB of 2:44:00
- 5-time BMO Vancouver Marathon finisher
She is one of the most consistent returning athletes in the field.
Stephanie Ryall
Stephanie Ryall steps into her first marathon with strong endurance credentials.
- 2024 and 2025 Canadian 50K Trail Running Championships bronze medallist
- 34:30 at Ottawa 10K (2025)
- 1:18:09 at 2024 Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon, 8th place female
She brings strength from ultra-distance racing into her marathon debut.
What to Expect on Race Day
The men’s race features proven winners and strong debut talent, with no guaranteed outcome at the front. The women’s race features an experienced champion at the top, with several athletes capable of pushing the pace and challenging for the podium.
Expect a patient start, followed by decisive moves in the second half as the race unfolds along Vancouver’s course.