This year’s Start Line will be moved forward. (April Fool’s) 2016 Photo: Christopher Morris / RUNVAN®
BMO Vancouver Marathon event organizers will run Vancouver’s world-class Marathon and Half Marathon courses short in 2017, rounding the event distances down respectively to 40KM and 20KM, instead of the traditional 42.2KM and 21.1KM.
Runners will now receive two finish times this year:
- Officially clocked 40KM or 20KM finish times
- Forecasted 42.2KM or 21.1KM times (based on clocked finish times)
“Due to the difficult training weather we’ve had this past winter, we wanted to give runners a break and a leg up at our event this Spring,” says Graeme White, Executive Director of the non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society, the event’s organizer.
“We’ve worked closely with key stakeholders to make these course changes for 2017, and are confident that runners will respond positively to the shorter race distance,” says White. “Runners can now go all-out and try to post their Marathon and Half Marathon PBs, technically over a shorter distance.”
“You’ll still enjoy that stunning scenery and community support we’re known for,” adds White. The BMO Vancouver Marathon has been ranked one of the top destination marathons in the world by the likes of Forbes, CNN, USA Today, and plays host to the BC Half Marathon Championships in conjunction with BC Athletics.
To account for the shorter distances, the Start Line will be moved up Midlothian Avenue near Queen Elizabeth Park and the Finish Line will be pushed back down Georgia Street with a Finish closer to Stanley Park.
To accommodate those who still want to cover the traditional 42.2KM and 21.1KM courses by foot, instead of forecasted times, event organizers may erect a second Start Line further back down – and will monitor feedback on social media @bmovanmarathon #bmovm #runvan
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Just kidding. April fool’s, of course!
You’re still going to have to conquer the full 42.2KM and 21.1KM courses this year – and we’re confident you’ll crush it and find it rewarding!
“We know our runners aren’t made of sugar,” says White. “While it’s been a wet winter for many, it’s shaping up to be a beautiful Spring and we’re excited for this year’s race on May 7!”
“Runners from over 60 countries have signed-up for BMO Vancouver Marathon race weekend, Voted Vancouver’s Best, and we’re excited to welcome the running world back to Vancouver, Canada.”
We HAVE extended current pricing through this weekend for those still looking to join.
More music and entertainment has also been added to the Stanley Park section which will feature an additional four music stations this year, bringing the total number of entertainment groups on race course to over 35.
And for the record, history shows the first weekend of May often holds optimal conditions for running in Vancouver – with an average high of 15°C and clear skies!
The event, wholly organized by the local non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society with the support of nearly 4,000 volunteers annually, also features an 8KM race, Relay (for teams of two, three or four runners), Walk and Kids Run, plus a free three-day Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo.
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More Music and Entertainment Added
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