Vancouver, BC – Apr 24, 2024 Sold out months in advance, RUNVAN® is excited to host the BMO Vancouver Marathon on Sunday, May 5, 2024. This year’s event welcomes over 22,000 registrants and invites the community to cheer on runners from over 60 countries.
Free and open to the public, the event’s Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo runs pre-race Friday and Saturday at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The Expo features health exhibitors, new gear, free samples, and is the largest Expo of this kind in Canada.
- Event Details:
- Dates:
- Expo: Thursday, May 3 and Friday, May 4, 2024
- Marathon: Sunday, May 5, 2024
- Time & Location:
- Half Marathon: 7am (QE Park), Champion 8am (Downtown)**
- Marathon: 8:30am (QE Park), Champion 10:40am (Downtown)**
- 8KM: 9:30am (Stanley Park), Champion 10am (Downtown)**
- **Media Accreditation is required to access the Finish Line. Apply at bmovanmarathon.ca/media
One of the world’s top destination marathons, the BMO Vancouver Marathon offers runners stunning courses winding through lush forests in Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park and along the Seawall – the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world. Participants will receive their finisher medal designed by Musqueam artist Darryl Blyth and RUNVAN.
RUNVAN is hosting Block Parties on Race Day. Everyone is invited to come out to enjoy live music, fun activities and snacks, and cheer on runners as they complete Vancouver’s only Marathon. There will be free giveaways across the Block Parties, at the Finish Line and Street Festival. Prizes up for grabs include Brooks Running gear, Marsquest sunglasses, Stance socks, and Fitness World.
For the Marathon event, eyes are on Chris Balestrini (CAN), a favourite and past champion, Sergio Raez-Vallenueva (CAN), the 2023 Canadian Champ, and Daniel Ortiz (MEX) who will also challenge for the podium. The event also plays host to the Athletics Canada Road Race Label Series.
Fondly known as the ‘Citizen Runner,’ two-time BMO Vancouver Marathon Champion, Yuki Kawauchi (JPN) returns to pace the Half Marathon race and is also part of pre-race Meet & Greets. Olympian Lucas Bruchet (CAN), 2023 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon Champion will make his marathon debut.
In the women’s category, American Megan Taylor (USA) is a likely favourite, challenged closely by Kate Landau (USA) and Argentina Valdepenas (MEX). Notable Canadian contenders to watch also include Rozlyn Boutin (CAN) and Olympian Krista Duchene (CAN).
In the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon event and host to the BC Athletics Championships, watch rising star and local favourite Samantha Jory (CAN) along with Olympian Natalia Allan (CAN). Dylan Alick (CAN) and David Mutai (KEN) will battle for the top spot in the men’s line up.
Stories of interest also include Guiness World Record attempts. Alex Read is returning to attempt the “Most T-shirts Worn During a Marathon,” Corbin Lowe to run the fastest marathon while dressed as a body part – a runny nose, and his brother-in-law Brendon Vander Veen will try for the fastest marathon while carrying golf clubs in a golf bag to the weight of approximately 15lbs.
Over $280,000 have been raised this year by runners for charity and over $16M combined through RUN4HOPE, the charity program of the BMO Vancouver Marathon. The charity aims to raise funds for social impact and community good, and foster a spirit of community celebration.
The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® and the BMO Vancouver Marathon thank the over 3,000 volunteers, stakeholders, and partners who help make the event happen.
Event info
Event photos
Traffic detours
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, please contact:
[email protected]
604-872-2928
The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® is a non-profit that organizes the First Half presented by BlueShore Financial, BMO Vancouver Marathon, the Jerome Classic, Granville Island Turkey Trot and Great Trek presented by BlueShore Financial. runvan.org/races