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Edit Reg + FAQs

Registration

The 2024 BMO Vancouver Marathon event is sold-out. No waitlist. No exceptions. @bmovanmarathon

Capacity limits are set in collaboration with City of Vancouver Stakeholders.

Bib transfers are not allowed for safety, legal and liability reasons. If one attempts to race without an officially registered race bib, that time will be registered as DNF, and organizers will ban that runner from future races.

Edit Registration from the Participant Dashboard

How do I know if I’m registered?

You will receive email confirmation once registered. To confirm your race registration, view all your transaction details, receipts, and manage any switch requests, you may also login to your Participant Dashboard.

How do I edit my runner profile and Estimated Finish Time?

To edit your runner profile or estimated finish time, before the cut-off date in mid-April, login to your Participant Dashboard.

How do I create or join a team?

To join a team, please do so during the registration process or login to your Participant Dashboard. Fun teams may be created across all event distances and there is no maximum or minimum. If you do have 10+ team members, please email: [email protected].

How do I switch events?

Space permitting, you may switch races. For full details, please see the section below on Race Switches.

Where may I find my deferral discount code from 2020?

For 2020 runners, your deferral discount code was emailed to you on January 26, 2021, and it is valid for one use through the 2025 event. Learn more.

Switches

To switch race distances, find the event ‘Transfer’ tab after you log into your Participant DashboardFrom the BMO Vancouver Marathon Race Roster event page, click the ‘Transfer’ tab top-right, select your new distance and follow the prompts. Please use the code: TRANSFER2024. Note race transfer and switch fees may apply.* Switches are subject to availability.**

You may switch to a shorter distance – ie. switch from the Marathon to Half or 8KM – however, any potential price difference will not be refunded. You may switch to a longer distance, however, you will be charged the price difference at the date of the switch.* **

*New entry fees are the latest fees, at the date of the switch, and thus, may not be the initial registration fee. **While organizers reserve some spots to accommodate change requests, space remains limited. Races are capped in accordance to City permits for a multitude of reasons, including safety.

You may switch race distances at the Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo only if there’s space. Pick up your race kit, and then proceed to the Solutions Desk. Online switches close early. All events have hard capacity limits.**

If a registered runner runs another event distance without officially switching events, the timing company will register that runner’s time as DNF or Did Not Finish and event organizers will ban that runner from future races.

Wear your bib on the front of your shirt with your name and bib number clearly visible. All entrants must have a valid race bib. For safety and liability reasons, bibs are non-transferable. Unofficial transfers are subject to bans. Thank you for understanding.

Policies

Non-refundable. Non-transferable.

Race policies are clearly stated at the time of registration and on the site: bmovanmarathon.ca/policies

May I defer my race to another year?

Yes, for Medical Reasons only, you may Apply for a Medical Deferral.

May I receive a refund?

No, entry fees for the BMO Vancouver Marathon are non-refundable.

The majority of the event’s budget is already committed to well in advance of race day. RUNVAN® invests in a marketing campaign that helps to attract runners from 65+ countries, has fixed operational costs, plus makes large advance purchases. Since that product is ordered months in advance, refunds on products like the tech shirts and medals are unavailable. All registrants may still attend Package Pickup to collect their kit. Thank you for understanding.

May I transfer my race to another participant?

No, all races are non-transferrable from one participant to another for safety, legal and lability reasons.

RUNVAN® reserves the right to disqualify any individual from the BMO Vancouver Marathon. This disqualification may be based on, but is not limited to, all race policies; competing with an unofficial bib number; competing with a bib number assigned to another race distance; competing with an official bib number assigned to another person; transferring or attempting to transfer an official bib number, or to obtain such bib number from another person; and providing false information on the race entry form. Individuals disqualified from a race will be removed from results and may be barred from future events.

RUN4HOPE Charity

 

How may I switch to become a Charity Runner?

Email us your registration information and preferred charity: [email protected]. Charity runners are eligible to receive a discount from the non-profit organizers RUNVAN® if the mandatory fundraising minimum is reached. Learn more

How MAY I switch from a Charity Runner to a Regular Runner?

If you no longer would like to be a charity runner, please email: [email protected]

How MAY I make a donation after I’ve registered?

To make a donation to one of several charities, please visit the RUN4HOPE charity page at bmovanmarathon.ca/RUN4HOPE

Event Shirts, Green Bibs and donations

Runners who opt-in for the Green Bib skip the Event Shirt and save slightly on race registration.

To change your race classification, ie. to opt-in for the exclusive Event Shirt instead of the Green Bib, after you’ve already registered, please log into your Participant Dashboard. From the BMO Vancouver Marathon Race Roster dashboard, find the event, click the ‘Transfer‘ tab top-right, then select the regular non-green bib option and follow the prompts. Note you’ll have to pay the new price at the time of registration which may not be the same price as when you initially purchased registration. Please note external Race Roster transfer fees will also apply.

Please also note shirt sizes are not guaranteed as they are ordered well in advance, so please visit the Expo early for the best chance to receive your desired shirt size. Thank you for understanding.

If you’d like to switch to the Green Bib, follow these steps in reverse. Note you’ll have to pay the new price at the time of the race switch, which may be higher than when you initially purchased, even if you’re switching to a green option. Thus, please consider just leaving your shirt as unclaimed.

Any shirts unclaimed will be donated to charity. Non-profit event organizers RUNVAN® connect with local school groups and youth at risk to distribute any potential left-over shirts, to help inspire active lifestyles. Thank you considering donating your shirt by leaving it with volunteers at the Expo.

About the Event 

What happens over Race Weekend?

BMO Vancouver Marathon kicks off at the Vancouver Convention Centre pre-race on Friday and Saturday with a two-day Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo. The Kids Run also takes place Saturday inside Stanley Park.

Race Day Sunday starts early inside Queen Elizabeth Park with the fast Half Marathon at 7am, and the world-class Marathon following at 8:30am. The 8KM starts inside Stanley Park at 9:30am, and all races share an energized Downtown Finish Line on W Pender St between Bute & Thurlow.

What’s the weather like on Race Day?

Vancouver’s only Marathon event is held annually on the first weekend of May, and that is traditionally an ideal time to race in Vancouver, Canada. The last few years have proven perfect conditions for running a Marathon or Half Marathon, with clear blue skies and temperatures between 10°c and 18°c.

Is the BMO Vancouver Marathon a Boston Qualifier?

Yes, the BMO Vancouver Marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. In fact, the BMO Vancouver Marathon is continually one of the Top 20 qualifying races for the Boston Marathon ranked against all eligible marathons around the world. Learn more

Is there a minimum age to register for the race?

You must be 18 or older to participate in the Marathon, 16 years or older to participate in the Half Marathon and Relay, 11 years or older to participate in the 8KM, and between 5 to 12 years to participate in the Kids Run.

Expo and Package Pickup

What’s included in my registration?

Your race package for the event includes a race bib with timing chip, tech shirt, plus a medal to be presented post-race at the Finish Line. Your fees also help to cover traffic management plans and deliver a world-class race. As a non-profit, RUNVAN® directs all entry fees back into the race itself.

When and where can I pick up my race package?

Package Pickup is located at the Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo, prior to Race Day, at the Vancouver Convention Centre. There is NO Race Day Package Pickup and in-person kits will NOT be mailed. Please pick-up your race package between Expo Hours.

What do I need to bring to package pickup?

Please bring your Photo ID and Confirmation Number. All runners must pickup their own kits at the Expo.

May i pick up someone else’s race package?

No, every runner must pick up their own package at the BMO Vancouver Marathon Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo.

May I exchange my tech shirt size?

Shirt sizes are not guaranteed. We recommend runners come early to claim the size ordered. You may be able to exchange your race shirt at the Expo T-shirt area on Saturday, 2-5pm, on a first-come first-serve basis, while sizes and quantities last.

Race Start

Where is the Start Line?

The Marathon and Half Marathon Start Line is inside Queen Elizabeth Park on Midlothian Ave and Clancy Loranger Way. The 8KM race and Kids Run start within Stanley Park near Ceperley Park. Learn more at bmovanmarathon.ca/travelsmart

Is there parking at the start?

No, parking for Marathon and Half Marathon runners will not be allowed in residential neighbourhoods adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Park, nor on Cambie Street. Note: the 8KM race has a different Start Line and Gear Check.

Participants are encouraged to use public transit. Transit tickets will be provided for pickup by RUNVAN® at the Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo for Marathon and Half Marathon runners. Marathon and Half Marathon runners located in North Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey or Coquitlam may also sign-up for shuttles to the Start Line, space permitting. 8KM runners may utilize the shuttles from their downtown Gear Check location. TravelSmart

When should I arrive?

All participants should arrive early to enjoy the Start Line vibes. Please only start with your assigned corral.

May my family friends watch me at the start?

Yes! There are spectator viewing spots near the Start Line, along the course and a terrific Finish Line viewing area. Everyone is encouraged to join in and Run, Cheer or Volunteer. Fans are also encouraged to take advantage of transit. Learn more at bmovanmarathon.ca/travelsmart

What are corrals?

Corrals are designated start areas to provide a smooth and fast start for the Marathon, Half Marathon and 8KM. To help space participants safely, corrals also ensure minimal line-ups at aid stations throughout the course. Corrals are assigned by estimated finish times provided at registration.

What do I do with my warm clothes at the start of the race?

Tip: Wear an old shirt that will keep you warm before the start of the race. You may discard clothing at the Start Line and we will donate it to charity. Gear Check is only available before the race at the Expo for the Marathon and Half Marathon. There is no Gear Check race morning, except for the 8KM.

On Course

What electrolyte products are on course?

Nuun and Xact Nutrition will be available at select aid stations. Each aid station will also have water.

Are there pace bunnies?

Yes, pace bunnies will be located in the appropriate corrals at the Start Line. Certain pace groups will be running continuously, while others will be doing ’10s and 1s’ – running 10 minutes and then walking 1 minute. Learn more at bmovanmarathon.ca/info#pacers

May I walk the events?

Yes, the BMO Vancouver Marathon is open to all participants who wish to register and can achieve the pace required. Please note, however, nordic pole walkers are discouraged due to course congestion. Should poles be required, participants will be placed in the last corral. In addition, Nordic pole walkers and walkers will be instructed to walk at the side of the course to reduce any potential congestion. 

What are the Time Limits?

The Marathon has a course limit of 6 hours, running the first 30KM within 4 hours; the Half Marathon 3.5 hours, and the 8KM 1.5 hours. The City of Vancouver requires the races to follow a rolling closure/open protocol, which means roads will not be closed for the entire duration of the event.

Marathon Course Time Limit Details: The Burrard Bridge on the Marathon course is closed to traffic until 1pm. Participants must maintain an approximate 8-minute per kilometre pace until 30km. After Burrard Bridge is crossed, participants may slow their pace to cross the Finish Line within the overall 6 hour time limit. Marshals will monitor and encourage participants to stay on pace and to ensure completion within the cut-off time. Participants still out on course after cut-off times will be asked to remove their bibs. A sweep vehicle will be available for pick up if necessary.

Since the races take place on roads, participants will not be allowed to start early or late due to live traffic and safety concerns. The course and stations will not be open until the roads are clear and it is deemed safe for participants. Any participant attempting to start early will not receive a finisher medal. In addition, the timing company will register your time as DNF or Did Not Finish.

May I run with headphones?

For the runner’s safety, music devices are strongly discouraged. If a runner puts themselves or other runners at risk through an unsafe act that event officials determine was caused directly or indirectly through the use of a prohibited item, the runner may be disqualified. Potentially wear one earbud at most, so you may hear instructions from race officials. In the event of an accident, earbud use may invalidate an insurance claim.

Is there entertainment on course?

Yes, you’ll enjoy a world-class experience while racing at the BMO Vancouver Marathon. Find music, cheering and spectators on-course to motivate, inspire, and entertain you!

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MARATHON

HALF MARATHON

8KM

Start / Finish

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