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.
Sergio Ráez Villanueva breaking the tape at the 2024 BMO Vancouver Marathon
Men’s Race Preview
Russell Pennock
Russell Pennock enters his marathon debut with strong recent half marathon performances and steady progression. He arrives with momentum and moves up in distance for the first time.
Highlights:
- 4th at First Half 2026, 1:04:36
- 1:07:29 at First Half 2025, 1st in age category 25 to 29
- 1st at 2025 Royal Victoria Half Marathon, 1:05:15
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. He knows this course well and consistently performs at the front.
- 1st at 2024 BMO Vancouver Marathon, 2:22:45
- 2023 BMO Vancouver Marathon Canadian Champion, 2:23:21
- 4th, 2025 BMO Vancouver Marathon, 2:22:52
Louis Marmar Maruk
Louis Marmar Maruk represents VFAC and has shown consistent strength across Vancouver-area races. He has steady half marathon form and moves up in distance with confidence.
- 1st at Great Trek Half Marathon 2025, 1:10:20
- 1:11:06 at First Half 2024
- 1:11:58 at First Half 2025
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. She brings experience, consistency, and proven winning ability on this course.
Career highlights:
- BMO Vancouver Marathon course record holder, 2:34:27 set in 2023
- 3x BMO Vancouver Marathon champion (2022, 2023, 2025)
- 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
Mikky Keetels
Mikky Keetels enters as a true darkhorse, arriving just days before race weekend but bringing serious credentials. The Dutch champion has the speed to contend and could be a surprise factor at the front of the race.
Highlights include:
- Dutch Marathon Champion at the Rotterdam Marathon
- Marathon PB of 2:30:42
- Half marathon PB of 1:13:29
Lindsay Lamrock
Lindsay Lamrock returns after a 2nd place podium finish last year and continues to build her marathon experience. She continues to improve in every appearance.
- 2nd at 2025 BMO Vancouver Marathon, 2:39:50
- Believes she can improve upon her previous time.
Rita Jelagat
Rita Jelagat adds international strength from Kenya and arrives with a strong personal best. She brings front-of-pack experience from major races.
- Marathon PB of 2:32:19 at the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon
Yukari Yatsutome
Yukari Yatsutome makes her BMO Vancouver Marathon debut representing Japan and the Yokohama sister city connection. She adds depth to the international field.
- Marathon PB of 2:34:43
- Experienced Japanese marathon runner
Maguie Quintero
Maguie Quintero returns with deep experience at this event and consistent finishes over multiple years.
- 2nd at 2018 BMO Vancouver Marathon, 2:50:25
- Marathon PB of 2:44:00
- 5-time BMO Vancouver Marathon finisher
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.