Finish Line Details for the Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8KM (2014)
Reminder: The Switch Your Race option closes on April 25th
You may change your race (for example, from Marathon to Half Marathon and vice versa) up until April 25th as long as there is still space available in the race you want to run.
Log on to the Participant Dashboard to switch your race: it’s now faster and simpler than ever to modify your race experience. Connect to the Participant Dashboard here.
After April 25 and if there is still space available, you may switch your race at the Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo, which takes place from May 1 – 3 at Canada Place, Vancouver Convention Centre. (More details here.)
If you registered via the Running Room system, please send an email to [email protected] to switch your event.
Everything You Need to Know About the Finish Line
The Finish Line for all events (Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8 KM) is located on West Pender Street between Bute and Thurlow in Vancouver’s downtown core.
Surrounded by thousands of spectators and offering views of the Pacific Ocean and North Shore Mountains, the Finish Line’s stunning location and exciting amenities will reward you for all those weeks of training!
What happens after I cross the Finish Line?
After completing your run, you will enter the Runners Compound, a fenced-off area that stretches from Bute to Thurlow on West Pender (see map).
Here, you will have access to all Finish Line amenities. You will receive your finisher’s medal, pose for photos, pick up your gear from Gear Check, and enjoy free Finisher’s Food (a Fitful Box filled with delicious, science-based recovery snacks).
You’ll also have use of our Changing Area and the opportunity to describe your race experience inside our new Finish Line Video Booth!
Please note that there will be no showers or space blankets at the Finish Line.
Where do I pick up my gear?
Gear Check is located at the end of the Runner’s Compound near Thurlow Street. After you cross the finish line, walk straight ahead, past medals and the Finisher’s Food table, and look for signs that will point towards Gear Check. You will need your bib in order to collect your gear. After picking up your gear, turn onto Thurlow Street and walk towards the Finish Line Street Festival, where friends and family may wait for you.
How long can I stay in the Compound?
Please move through the Compound once you have enjoyed the amenities available. Volunteers will guide you to the Finish Line Street Festival on West Hastings Street (about 100 meters from the Finish Line).
Where can my friends and family watch me cross the Finish Line?
Supporters are not allowed inside the Runner’s Compound. The spectator viewing area is located on either side of West Pender Street from the intersection at Georgia and West Pender to West Pender at Bute Street.
Arrange to meet your supporters at the Finish Line Street Festival on West Hastings Street (just one block away from the Finish Line).
Where can I check my results after the race?
Results are posted live at the Results Tent, which is located at the Street Festival on West Hastings Street, and later online at sportstats.ca and bmovanmarathon.ca
Please note that the “gun time” (the time displayed on digital clocks at the Finish Line) will be different from your results (chip time). Chip times are synced with timing mats.
How can my friends and family travel to the Finish Line?
By public transit
The Expo Line, Millenium Line, and Canada Line all travel northbound to Waterfront Station, which is about a five-minute walk from the Finish Line. See Translink for more details and to plan your route.
By car
Drive and park in one of many parkades in downtown Vancouver. Remember: there will be road closures throughout the city on race day. Check our road closure page or the local newspaper before you depart for the Finish Line; plan your route accordingly to avoid delays.
By bike
Thanks to Travelsmart, a division of Translink, there will be a bike valet at the Finish Line Street Festival. Check out travelsmart.ca to plan your cycling route.
Information for Platinum Package Runners Only
After you (Platinum Runner) receive your medal, volunteers will direct you to a chute on the left hand side (north side) of West Pender Street. The chute leads to the Platinum Recovery Area inside the Coast Hotel, where runners may use luxury washroom facilities, pick up gear, and hydrate with water and Ultima.
Platinum runners may come and go between the Hospitality Tent and Recovery Area, and should arrange to meet friends and family at the Finish Line Street Festival outside of the Coast Hotel; supporters are not permitted inside the Platinum Recovery Area or Hospitality Tent.
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Come Out to the Street Festival
What is the Finish Line Street Festival?
The Street Festival is a fun and family-friendly event, where supporters reunite with runners; runners gather to celebrate their accomplishments; and everyone experiences the excitement of race day with local musicians, vendors, a Kids Zone, and a Charity Village.
Where can I meet my friends and family?
Runners will reunite with their supporters in the Family Reunion area or in another pre-determined location at the Festival.
Where is the Street Festival?
The Street Festival is located on West Hastings Street between Bute and Thurlow Street—only one block away from the Finish Line and about five minutes from Waterfront Station.
Bike to the Street Festival: Travelsmart, a division of Translink, will provide a free bike valet. Check out travelsmart.ca to plan your route.
When is the Street Festival?
The Street Festival opens at 8:30 am and closes at 2:30 pm, once the majority of runners have crossed the Finish Line.
Can I check my results at the Street Festival?
Yes! At the Results Tent, volunteers will use handheld devices to find your finish time.
How will runners get from the Finish Line to the Street Festival?
Volunteers will help guide runners north on Thurlow Street towards the Street Festival on West Hastings.
Information for Platinum Runners only
Arrange to meet your support crew at the Street Festival outside of the Coast Hotel (West Hastings/Bute Street). Your friends and family will not be allowed in the Platinum Recovery Area with you.