Fall Classic closes out RUNVAN® Hat-trick series
The local non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® concluded its racing year with another record-breaking race – its third in a row.
After reaching sell-out capacities at the 2016 BMO Vancouver Marathon and Granville Island Turkey Trot, the non-profit sold-out its Fall Classic Half Marathon and 10KM races early, and the Fall Classic 5KM race had its highest numbers every by race day, November 13.
“It has been a banner year for the non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society, and our series of RUNVAN® races, and overall a true celebration of our running community,” says Graeme White, Executive Director of the non-profit Society.
“With Kids Runs, 5KMs, 10KMs, a Marathon Relay, Half Marathons and Vancouver’s only Marathon – we truly offer a race for everyone,” says White. “RUNVAN® also makes a significant investment into the race day experience with food, entertainment, volunteers, prizes, music and medals.”
“As a non-profit organization, we put runner registrations directly back into the event, and we see strong satisfaction scores with our post-event surveys as a result,” says White. “RUNVAN® races are a celebration of community, and we encourage everyone to take part and enjoy the fun whether you run, cheer or volunteer.”
In addition to organizing its marquee races, the local non-profit RUNVAN® is also active in the community year-round, volunteering at various community events, helping runners fundraise for charity – more than $14.5 million over the years – supporting youth, and offering free weekly runs through its Downtown RUNVAN® Club.
Free fun runs and socials are scheduled throughout the year. And those who run all three RUNVAN® races in the same calendar year – the BMO Vancouver Marathon, Granville Island Turkey Trot, and Fall Classic – are rewarded with a special RUNVAN® Hat-trick award.
BMO Vancouver Marathon weekend this year welcomed more than 16,500 runners from over 50 countries, representing 40% growth in participation since 2011. The event has garnered acclaim as one of the top destination marathons in the World by the likes of Forbes, CNN and USA Today.
While the Marathon is the hallmark race for the weekend, the event actually offers six different race distances including BC’s largest Half Marathon, an 8KM race, Relay, Walk and Kids Run, plus a free three-day Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo. The Society’s overall goal with the BMO Vancouver Marathon is to deliver the world’s best running experience, celebrating all that is Vancouver. This year marked the 45th edition of Vancouver’s only marathon event.
The non-profit’s two other events are more locally focused, featuring the Granville Island Turkey Trot over October Thanksgiving long weekend and Fall Classic Run at UBC in mid-November. RUNVAN® acquired both events in late 2014 to add to its race offerings.
The 19th annual Granville Island Turkey Trot welcomed nearly 1,600 finishers this year, beating a mark that previously stood from 2007. Overall, the event has grown 70% since RUNVAN® acquired the race in 2014. “The event is now at capacity given the unique Start and Finish on Granville Island,” adds White.
The Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10KM and 5KM broke a record in number of participants this past Sunday with 2,387 finishers. That mark bettered a finisher count that had stood for ten years at 2,140 in 2006. Those who ran all three RUNVAN® races in 2016 and earned themselves a commemorative long-sleeve technical shirt.
“Congratulations to everyone who participated in any of our RUNVAN® events,” adds White. “We are extremely proud to help support the growth of healthy, active lifestyles in Vancouver – our mission to promote the sport of running and community spirit will go on!”
To learn more and get involved as a runner, fan, or volunteer, please click around this website or visit runvan.org.
Join the next RUNVAN® Race – the 2017 BMO Vancouver Marathon!