From inspiring personal stories to standout performances, the 2026 BMO Vancouver Marathon drew widespread media attention from across the country and beyond. With over 25,000 runners and a city-wide show of support, race weekend showcased the energy, community, and impact that define this iconic event. Here are some of the top media highlights from race weekend.
The rise of running in B.C., by the numbers,
BC Business
“From just 32 finishers in 1972 to more than 25,000 runners today, Vancouver’s marathon boom reflects a broader surge in running—now embraced by over a quarter of Canadian adults and powered by growing community events and data-driven fitness trends. Here’s how the numbers stack up.”
Cork woman raising funds for Aid Cancer Treatment to run 42km marathon in Canada,
The Echo
“A Cork woman, who is currently living in Canada, has raised almost €36,000 for Leeside cancer patients ahead of the annual BMO Vancouver Marathon.”
Could this Dutch influencer take down the BMO Vancouver Marathon record?
Canadian Running Magazine
“Three weeks after winning the Dutch Marathon Championship, this elite runner is making a surprise debut in Canada”
Stewardess Mikky Keetels vliegt 3 weken na ’Rotterdam’ in recordtijd naar marathonwinst in Vancouver,
De Telegraaf
“Atlete Mikky Keetels (27) won onlangs de marathon van Vancouver in 2:33.01, waarmee ze het bestaande parcoursrecord van 2:34.27 ruim verbeterde (ongeveer 1 minuut en 26 seconden sneller). De Canadese Dayna Pidhoresky, die de race vorig jaar had gewonnen, werd tweede op 24 seconden achterstand.”
Volgende marathonsucces voor stewardess Keetels: ze wint in Vancouver,
NOS Nieuws
“Mikky Keetels heeft in het Canadese Vancouver opnieuw succes gevierd op de marathon. De 27-jarige Nederlandse atlete zegevierde in 2.33.01 en dook bijna anderhalve minuut onder het parcoursrecord van de Canadese Dayna Pidhoresky.”
Mikky Keetels wint Vancouver drie weken na Rotterdam, parcoursrecord,
Runners World Magazine Nederland
Dutch athlete breaks BMO Vancouver Marathon course record,
Canadian Running Magazine
“The BMO Vancouver Marathon drew more than 25,000 runners across the marathon and half-marathon distances, with participants coming from over 60 countries. First held in 1972, it is one of Canada’s most popular races. This year, the women’s field led the way, with records falling in both the marathon and half-marathon.”
Fujiwara Kosuke and Mikky Keetels win BMO Vancouver Marathon,
Athletics Illustrated
“The 2026 Vancouver Marathon was won by Japan’s Fujiwara Kosuke in 2:22:02 and Dutch athlete Mikky Keetels in 2:33:01, respectively.”
North Vancouver woman breaks BMO half marathon record,
Vancouver Is Awesome
“No matter the task, we often do our best work when we’re having a good time.
That was certainly the case for North Van athlete Natasha Wodak, who ran to first place and set a new race record at the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon on Sunday.”
Stewardess Keetels wint 3 weken na succes in Rotterdam marathon in Vancouver,
NU.nl
‘Mikky Keetels heeft zondag in een parcoursrecord de marathon van Vancouver gewonnen. De 27-jarige atlete, die fulltime stewardess is, legde de 42,195 kilometer af in 2:33.01. Het was voor Keetels haar tweede marathon in drie weken.”
Nuu-chah-nulth mom and son thankful for BMO Vancouver Marathon experience,
Penticton Herald
“Tseshaht First Nation member ƛiniiḥak (pronounced Tli-nii-hak) ran the BMO Vancouver Marathon with her 27-year-old son Edward Johnson Jr. on Sunday, May 3.”
Streetfront Alternative students take unique path to BMO Vancouver Marathon,
Canadian Running Magazine
“This East Vancouver alternative school is using movement to help students discover what they’re capable of”