The Marathon/Half Marathon Start Line (2014)

Imagine you are at the Marathon and Half Marathon Start Line in Queen Elizabeth Park, home to sprawling botanical gardens and known as one of the highest viewpoints in Vancouver. You hear music playing from speakers and the excited chatter of runners beside you in your corral. You smell the rich scent of cherry blossoms, freshly cut grass, and a twinge of salt in the air. It’s springtime in Vancouver. It’s race day, and you’ve attached your bib, retied your laces, and pre-arranged to meet your family at the Street Festival downtown. Five minutes to go, and you’re ready!

What to Know About the Start Line

When does my race start?

The Half Marathon starts at 7:00 am. The Marathon starts at 8:30 am. Download the Half Marathon Start Line Diagram here. Download the Marathon Start Line Diagram here.

Where is the Start Line?

Both races start in Queen Elizabeth Park, on Midlothian Avenue.

Is there Gear Check at the Start Line?

Yes. Gear Check is located on Ontario Street, north of East 33^rd Avenue. Items are later transported to the Finish Line. Gear check opens to Half Marathon runners at 5:45 am and closes at 6:45 am; and opens to Marathon runners at 7:15 am and closes at 8:15 am. Please arrive at least 45 minutes early to check your gear. Gear Check procedure 1)    Put your gear into the provided 21 x 26 clear plastic bag 2)    Next, detach the label from your race bib and zip it to the bag 3)    Bring your bag to the Gear Check truck that matches your corral colour

Can my friends and family come to the Start Line with me?

Of course! But they will not be permitted inside the corrals with you, and instead are asked to watch from the sidelines.

How do I get to the Start Line?

As there will be extensive road closures on race day contributing to increased levels of traffic, we encourage you to take public transit to the Start Line. If you prefer to be dropped off, we recommend Main Street/East 30^th Avenue as a drop-off location. By public transit Use your FREE transit ticket (available at the Expo) to take the Canada Line to the Start Line. Marathon runners get off at Oakridge/41^st Station and walk north on Cambie Street to 37^th Avenue. Turn left and continue along the perimeter of the park. Make a left on Ontario Street and continue until you reach the corrals on Midlothian Avenue. If you are a Marathon runner do not get off at King Edward Station. It will be difficult to cross King Edward Avenue while the Half Marathon is underway. Half Marathon Runners get off at King Edward Station and walk east on King Edward, making a right turn on Ontario and continuing south until you reach the baseball diamond inside Queen Elizabeth Park.

What if I live in an area that does not have access to early-morning transit?

As a registered Marathon or Half Marathon runner, you are eligible for our free shuttle service to the Start Line if you live in one of these areas:

• Vancouver East (Burnaby border)
• Burnaby/New Westminster
• Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam
• Port Moody
• Pitt Meadows
• Surrey/Delta/Langley
• North Vancouver/West Vancouver
• Bowen Island
• Squamish/Whistler

Our new shuttle service to the Start Line takes off from four locations:

Marathon

• Scott Road Station (Surrey) at 6:50am from Bay 2. Download Area Diagram here.
• Lonsdale Quay (North Vancouver) at 6:40am and 6:50am from Bay 10. Download Area Diagram here.
• Brentwood Mall (Burnaby) at 6:50am, 7:00am and 7:10am from Bay 3. Download Area Diagram here.
• Patterson Station (Burnaby) at 7:05am, 7:15am and 7:25am from Bay 2. Download Area Diagram here.

Half Marathon

• Scott Road Station (Surrey) at 5:45am from Bay 2. Download Area Diagram here.
• Lonsdale Quay (North Vancouver) at 5:40am and 5:50am from Bay 10. Download Area Diagram here.
• Brentwood Mall (Burnaby) at 5:25am, 5:35am and 5:45am from Bay 3. Download Area Diagram here.
• Patterson Station (Burnaby) at 5:40am, 5:50am and 6:00am from Bay 2. Download Area Diagram here.

Reserve your spot on the shuttle here.

How early should I arrive at the Start Line?

If you wish to use Gear Check, please arrive 45 minutes early. Otherwise, please arrive at least 15 minutes early. There’s nothing worse than arriving late, especially to the BMO Marathon or Half Marathon Start Line, where amenities, music, entertainment, and stunning scenery make it well worth the cost of getting out of bed early!

Want to know more?

Check out our Race Details pages and begin preparing for your fantastic race experience! Marathon race details Half Marathon race details