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Race Info

Schedule

Pre-Race

Today

The Marathon and Half Marathon is sold out.

 

Race Month: May

In-person : Sunday, May 5, 2024

The BMO Vancouver Marathon is traditionally held on the first weekend in May. Limited spots are available for the live in-person race.

Virtual Race : April 1 – May 31

You may run your Virtual Races anytime between April 1 and May 31. Go for a Run Happy Combo or go for the Dynasty by running four race distances. You may use the shorter distances as training for the in-person event. You’ll earn a Brooks bonus prize if you combo races and special medal if you go for the Dynasty.

Safety is Priority

Please be respectful and follow all event restrictions. Safety continues to be a top priority for event organizers, and RUNVAN® has updated its race offerings to support the return of in-person racing.

Event organizers will continue to closely monitor all health guidelines and follow the appropriate regulations. Event details are always subject to change, as permits are subject to the approval from governing bodies. RUNVAN® has various event plans that will be adjusted according to the official guidelines of the Provincial Health Officer, City of Vancouver, and Vancouver Parks Board, to support the in-person event.

Registration Includes:

  • Tech tee for all registered runners or the new Green Bib option to forgo the race shirt
  • Medal options with unique designs
  • Results, leaderboard, and more
  • Brooks bonus item when you combo races
  • Souvenir options from Brooks Running
  • Show Your Bib for even more bonus offers

Combo and Dynasty champs, you may run your races in any order, on any day, throughout the months of April and May! Dynasty runners earn a bonus medal included with registration.

Add to your collection

Technical tee is included for all registered runners or you may go green to forgo the tech shirt. You may also add souvenir items in the race store.

Souvenirs

New for 2024 you may add the BMO Vancouver Marathon Podium Jacket during race registration. From Brooks Running, this new Canopy Jacket is a lightweight, packable layer that provides reliable protection from wind and rain while staying breathable. These commemorative items will be available exclusively from Running Room during the event’s Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo!

Limited in quantity. Order online to secure yours. Souvenir jackets will only be available for pickup during the BMO Vancouver Marathon Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo.

  • 99% Recycled materials
  • Wind and water protection: Breathable DriLayer® Seal fabric lets excess heat out without letting the elements in
  • Improved packability: Updated so the whole jacket stuffs into a built-in backpack integrated with the back of the garment
  • Zip-secure pockets
  • Elastic at wrists to keep elements out
  • New cinch adjustability for stay-put, stowable hood

See the world in polarized colour with the souvenir sunnies – some of the lightest, most comfortable running sunglasses from MarsQuest. Please note souvenir sunglass purchases made with registration are non-refundable, non-exchangeable, and only available for pickup pre-race by the MarsQuest Booth at this year’s BMO Vancouver Marathon Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo. Thank you.

Run Happy Combos

Run Happy Combo registrants will also receive a bonus prize from RUNVAN and Brooks Running! This fun new design will be printed on the Brooks Running Podium short-sleeve shirt in the colour combo previewed below. Combo and Dynasty champs, you may run your races in any order, on any day, throughout the months of April and May! Dynasty runners earn a bonus medal included with registration.

IN-PERSON RACES

Join Vancouver’s only Marathon event. RUNVAN® offers several race services including pre-race gear check, entertainment, on-course aid stations, official Start Line, Finish Line, timing and race results.

VIRTUAL RACE

You may run, walk or stroll your race distance at your own pace and at a time and location of your choice, following the guidelines of your local health authorities. You may choose your own race day and your own starting line, whether it’s a treadmill, a park, your neighbourhood streets or Seawall. For the Virtual Race, you’re asked to please find your own pedestrian friendly route. The below info is for the in-person race. To learn more about the Virtual Race options, please visit bmovanmarathon.ca/virtual.

BIB LOOKUP

Bib lookup will be available closer to event month.

All registered runners are assigned a bib number and corral according to their estimated finish time.

Share your pics @bmovanmarathon #bmovm #runvan and ‘Show Your Bib’

8KM

PACKAGE PICKUP

Package Pickup is available the Friday and Saturday immediately before the race at the Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo. Registration will also be available at Package Pickup via credit card. Package Pickup is not available on race day. Virtual runners may opt-in and pay for shipping within Canada and the US. 

  • Friday, May 3, 11am-7pm
  • Saturday, May 4, 10am-5pm
  • Vancouver Convention Centre East, 999 Canada Pl

All runners must collect their own kits during the Package Pickup hours. Race day pickup is not an option. Runners will be required to present their Bib Number and Photo ID.

Shipping is not available for in-person races as race bibs with timing chips will not be mailed, and not available outside of Canada and the United States due to high and extremely variable shipping costs. Thanks for understanding. Please consider visiting our beautiful city and destination event in May.

Details subject to change. Note: Shirt sizes are not guaranteed, so visit the Expo early. Thank you for understanding.

Featuring great vendors, the Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo is open to the public.

CHECKLIST

Tech tee
Pre-purchased Souvenirs

Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo

The Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo is a two-day extravaganza of excitement and celebration that kicks off Marathon weekend in Canada’s most active city. Located at the stunning Vancouver Convention Centre along the waterfront, the event is free and open to all. Meet lots of great vendors featuring the latest fitness gear, health and performance tips, and taste-test a vast array of free samples. Experience energizing activations and displays from top lifestyle and running brands.

Expo runs race week only, Friday, 11am-7pm, and Saturday, 10am-5pm.

Elite Athlete Panel, Saturday, 12pm. Hear from top Elite contenders. The 2023 Elite Panel, Saturday, 12pm featured defending champs Chris Balestrini, Dayna Pidhoresky, course record holder Yuki Kawauchi of Japan, Margarita Quintero of Mexico, Olympians Evan Dunfee and Natasha Wodak!

LOCATION : Vancouver Convention Centre East, 999 Canada Pl.

Where is the Course?

In-Person: The Marathon and Half Marathon start near Queen Elizabeth Park and finish in Downtown Vancouver. Each race distance offers a uniquely scenic experience. The 8KM starts within Stanley Park on Lagoon Drive.

TravelSmart to the Start Line

The Marathon and Half Marathon share a Start Line inside Queen Elizabeth Park and is easily accessible by public transit on the Canada Line. Runners are provided transit tickets at the Expo.

  • Marathon runners are suggested to utilize Oakridge-41st station
  • Half Marathon are suggested to get off at King Edward station
  • Passenger drop-off is suggested near Main St & E 30th Ave

The 8KM Start Line is located inside Stanley Park. Runners may utilize Gear Check services near the Finish Line in Downtown Vancouver race morning, then catch a shuttle to the Start Line.

  • 8KM Gear Check is located at Burrard & W Pender St.
  • 8KM shuttles depart every 10min from 7:30am-8:30am.
  • 8KM Start Line is inside Stanley Park on Lagoon Dr

       

       

       

    When is the Marathon?

    In-Person : Sunday, May 5, 2024

    • Half Marathon : 7am start (Queen Elizabeth Park)
    • Marathon : 8:30am start (Queen Elizabeth Park)
    • 8KM : 9:30am start (Stanley Park)

    Virtual Race : April 1 – May 31

    • Marathon, Half Marathon, 8KM, 5KM, Run Happy Combo and Dynasty options

    Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo : Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4

    • Includes Marathon and Half Marathon Gear Check

    Kids Run : Saturday, May 4

    • Register Soon

    Please arrive early for your in-person race. We encourage all to arrive at least 45 minutes early.

    Before the race, head to the Start Line and into your designated corral, which can be found on your race bib. Please give yourself plenty of time to get to your corral.

    GEAR CHECK

    Runners must use the clear Gear Check Bag provided at Expo, and all items must be visible. Backpacks or items that restrict the view of contents inside the clear bag will not be accepted for security reasons.

    The intent of Gear Check is to provide yourself with dry, warm clothes after the race. Valuables should not be checked. Marathon and Half Marathon runners may Gear Check exclusively at the Expo. Bring to the Expo the change of clothes you’d like to pre-check. 8KM runners should arrive with designated Gear Check Bags already packed prior to arriving at the event to speed up the process. There is NO Gear Check at any of the Start Lines.

    GEAR CHECK LOCATION:

    • Marathon and Half Marathon Gear Check is only available pre-race at the Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo on the Friday or Saturday before the race. There is NO Gear Check at the Start Line.
    • 8KM Gear Check is only available race morning near Burrard and W Pender, 7:30am-8:30am. There is NO Gear Check at any of the Start Lines.

    GEAR CHECK PROCEDURE:

    • Place all items you’d like checked into your Gear Check bag. No loose items
    • Detach the tear-off tag at the bottom of your race bib
    • Attach your tear-off tag securely to the outside of your bag, near the top
    • Hand your one tagged bag to the volunteers at Gear Check at the Expo

    Do not check any valuables. Although RUNVAN will do its best to ensure your gear is waiting for you at the end of the race, the non-profit is not responsible for potentially lost or damaged items.

    Gear Pickup for all runners may be found after the Finish Line at the Street Festival. Show your race bib to collect your checked bag after you finish. Any items left unclaimed will be donated. Change rooms will be available.

    Consistent with almost all major Marathons with point-to-point courses, the Sun Run and GranFondo locally, Start Line Gear Check is not offered. Please plan ahead and enjoy an unforgettable race experience.

    Event Protocols

    Please follow all event protocols so we may safely host this outdoor flow through event in-person.

    • Corrals will be colour coded based on your estimated finish time
    • Spacing is requested of individuals to maintain a safe physical distance
    • Health checks are encouraged, please race safely

    Start Line

    Please arrive early to enter your corral and enjoy the positive Start Line experience:

    • Corrals will be colour coded based on your estimated finish time
    • Please line up in your designated corral ahead of your scheduled Start Time
    • To stay warm at the Start Line, you may consider wearing an extra layer to take off before the race starts. Note: Any clothing left near the Start Line will be donated to charity. Gear Check is NOT available at any of the Start Lines per the industry norm with point-to-point courses, the Sun Run and GranFondo locally.

    Green Pledge

    Please help us keep the event green and environmentally friendly.

    • Dispose of goods such as cups, gels, etc. only in proximity of the aid stations on-course
    • Do not dispose of masks oncourse, these should be kept with you at all times
    • Do not dispose of any items on bridges, along the Seawall, or close to the shoreline
    • Use the clearly marked recycling stations, not City bins, at the Start and Finish Line
    • Dispose of all recyclable food in recycling stations and garbage at green waste stations

    Runner Etiquette

    Please be respectful of others when running and follow the runner etiquette notes below:

    • Allow faster participants to line up at the front of your designated corral
    • Allow other runners to pass on your left and do not block the race course
    • For safety, headphones are discouraged. Enjoy the race environment!
    • Pass on the left and indicate with verbal cues to others around you
    • Do not block the aid station tables, and please thank the volunteers
    • If you dispose of items or warm layers, do so by clearly marked recycling stations, not on-course

    It is the RUNVAN® mission to deliver premiere running events that inspire active lifestyles and invite the world to experience Vancouver! Please help our non-profit host a great event for all participants and volunteers.

    Pacers

    In the Marathon and Half Marathon courses, RUNVAN® Pacers are located in each corral to help you maintain your pace and finish with your goal time! Most pace groups will offer continuous running. Some Pacers will follow ’10s and 1s’, walking 10 min; walking 1 min, or both options. Look for the Pacer signs that say Walk Run.

    Marathon Times

    3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:45, 3:50, 4:00, 4:05, 4:10, 4:15, 4:30, 4:30 run/walk, 4:45, 5:00, 5:00 run/walk, 5:45

    Half Marathon Times

    1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:10 run/walk, 2:15, 2:15 run/walk, 2:20, 2:20 run/walk, 2:30, 2:30run/walk

    8KM

    0:35, 0:40, 0:45

    Water & Aid Stations

    Thousands of volunteers will cheer you on and keep you hydrated and energized on Race Day! Spread out along the course, aid stations will be fully stocked with a variety of Nuun Electrolytes, Xact Nutrition, bananas and water, in this order. Check out the course map for exact locations.

    RockDoc Medical Team will be out on course and at the Finish Line to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.

    Need to take a pit stop? Pit Stop Portables will help provide toilets at numerous stations along the course, plus at the Start and Finish.

    Offered on Course

    Nuun electrolytes
    Xact Nutrition
    Bananas
    Water
    First Aid
    Portables

    Block Parties

    English Bay (Gilford & Beach Ave)
    7:30am – 2pm

    Kitsilano (Cornwall & Arbutus St)
    9:45am – 1pm

    LIVE-TRACKING + RESULTS

    Real-time tracking will be available on Race Day through the RTRT app! Your friends and family can also cheer you on virtually through our livefeed.

    After your race, visit the Results Tent at the Finish Line Street Festival or check online to find your official finish time at bmovanmarathon.ca/results

    Timing Mat Locations

    Marathon

    Start Line, 13KM, 21.1KM, Finish Line

    Half Marathon

    Start Line, 5.5KM, 10.5KM, Finish Line

    Finish Line

    The downtown Finish Line features thousands of spectators, entertainment, and a Street Festival presented by Downtown Van. You’ll be congratulated by cheers, receive your medal, have a photo opportunity, and enjoy food and water.

    Note: The Runner’s Compound is available to runners, staff, and media only. Keep moving forward once you cross the Finish Line and meet your friends at the Street Festival.

    Once you pick-up your finisher food, you may proceed to Gear Check or exit the compound. You may not re-enter the compound once you exit and enter the Street Festival. Spectators may watch on W Pender St before the Finish Line, between Georgia and Bute St.

    Location

    W Pender St –
    between Bute & Thurlow St

    Street Festival

    Near the Finish Line, spectators may find entertainment, food sampling, and souvenirs, at the downtown Street Festival.

    Stretching from Burrard to Bute, W Hastings St turns into a family-friendly Street Festival on race day. The Street Festival builds on the spirit of celebration that Vancouverites experienced during the Olympics. Nearly 90,000 spectators are expected to take in the atmosphere.

    Meet up with your friends and family after the race and find vendors, food trucks, and more.

    Location

    W Hastings St
    between Bute & Burrard St

    Hours

    8:30am – 3:30pm

    Age Category Awards

    Male, female and non-binary runners are automatically entered into the following competitive age groups:

    U19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; 80-84; 85-89; 90-94; 95-99; 100+

    Winners will be recognized and first place finishers will receive entry into the following year’s race, plus Age Category 1, 2, 3 receive bonus medals! Chip time, not gun time, determine age group awards.

    Overall placements are determined by gun time. Overall Male and Female Champions will also be awarded on-stage race day near the Finish Line:

    • 9:15am – Half Marathon Championship Presentation
    • 11:45am – Marathon Championship Presentation

    Results

    View results at bmovanmarathon.ca/results

    Photos

    Wear your race bib number on the front of your shirt and do not cover the bib. Your race bib includes an embedded timing chip and your bib number will help identify your photos. Individual race photos will be available for purchase.

    Share your favourite race moments with us #bmovm

    Get notifications when your race day images are added in real-time! Fans can subscribe to see your photos as they’re captured in real-time. Submit your bib number below for details.

    Get your race day photos

    Enter your name or bib number:


    Photos

    Smile for the cameras! 🙂

    Results

    View your results at bmovanmarathon.ca/results

    Photos

    Smile for the cameras! 🙂

    SHOW YOUR BIB – TBC

    Claim special offers from participating members by showing your race bib.

    Downtown Van member offers in 2023 were available from Basil Box, Chatime Vancouver, Coach, Mink Chocolates, Sebastian & Co Fine Meats, the Pawn Shop YVR, Vancouver Mysteries and Vancouver Rock Shop. ‘Show Your Bib’ offers valid for a limited time only. Click the ‘OFFERS’ link below for more detail.

    You may also enjoy one celebratory 16oz sleeve of beer if of age at Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant and Brewpub (8901 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2). Bib = Beer at Stanley Park Brewpub. 19+ only. No cash value. Valid for a limited time. Restrictions apply.

    BMO Perks

    Title partner BMO will be at the Expo with some cool gifts for runners. Look for BMO brand ambassadors onsite to learn more. Also, visit the BMO booth at the Expo to see a cool photo wall and submit your cheers to the BMO Cheer Screen! #BMOVM

    Refer

    REFER others for a chance to win

    Share your Referral Tracking Promotional Link from your Confirmation Email if you’re already registered, or ‘Sign in’ to your Race Roster Dashboard. The more friends you refer, the more chances to win.

    Refer a friend and you’ll both be eligible to win prizes!

    2024 returns prizing from Brooks Running! 2023 prizes included gifts from Brooks Running with twenty referral winners chosen at random. Refer now and stay tuned for more giveaway prizes!

    Join in

    Cheer Loud

    Run, cheer, volunteer and join the BMO Vancouver Marathon, Canada’s largest Marathon race held annually on the first Sunday of May @bmovanmarathon #bmovm #runvan

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    Cheer by the course, the Street Festival presented by Downtown Van, and submit a cheer to play on the BMO Cheer Screen!

    BMO Vancouver Marathon

    Join In —

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