Pillars of Sustainability

About the Marathon

More than Just a Race

Vancouver’s only Marathon event has a well-earned, world-class reputation, driving high tourism value for the Province of British Columbia. The event showcases Vancouver, BC, while delivering remarkable experiences for travelers from across the globe. Runners from nearly 65 countries now annually join.

The event has expanded over the years to includes races for everyone, highlighted by the Marathon, a fast Half Marathon, 8KM race and Kids Run. And some of the key components that are part of the BMO Vancouver Marathon program are distinctively outside of the run itself.

RUNVAN® offers a number of free initiatives for the general public, including Block Parties, a Street Festival, Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo, a RUN4HOPE Charity Program, and other initiatives to help inspire active lifestyles and make sport more accessible to those who may face financial barriers to participating.

Vancouver’s only Marathon is more than just a race. The Society brings together diverse groups in a celebration of community, sport, and healthy, active living.

RUNVAN® will continue to grow the sport of running, to improve health outcomes, to create a spirit of community celebration, to inspire volunteerism, and to share this great running city with others. This inclusive experience is what our founders envisioned and its what we continue to strive for today.

Operations

How do we do it?

With your support as runners, sponsors and contributors, we’re able to create memorable and safe race experiences. You have told us to build a world-class event, and it is our goal to strive towards this goal while creating a sustainable event.

Economic health is obviously important for long-term event sustainability. RUNVAN® carefully manages revenues and expenses to ensure they are deployed in the most effective and efficient manner. Our volunteer Finance Committee oversees the financial performance of the organization, while our volunteer Board of Directors carries the overall fiduciary responsibility of the organization. Your entry fees are directed back into the race itself.

Covering Costs

Wholly organized by the local non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society, RUNVAN® pays for all traffic management plans and traffic personnel, plus covers staffing costs required to offset the additional Vancouver Police Department and Park Rangers employed on race day.

To keep the event green and allow runners to travel conveniently, the non-profit also purchases transit passes and shuttles from Translink as a value-add for runners. RUNVAN® further offsets the costs of re-routes and additional operational costs incurred by Translink on race day.

RUNVAN® covers race day medical and emergency personnel, plus equipment and entertainment, supplies and city services like police officers, fire officials, engineering support and sanitation services.

RUNVAN® also invests in volunteer engagement, which is at core of the organization. Founded by, governed by, and supported by volunteers, the Society remains one of the few non-profits, volunteer-based organizations left in the sector. Nearly 4,000 volunteers annually contribute over 16,000 person hours.

As a local non-profit, RUNVAN® is also proud to invite the general public to a number of free events Marathon weekend, including to the free Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo with 120+ exhibitors. The Society also organizes a free Street Festival and various Block Parties on Race Day for the general public.

In addition to attracting international runners, RUNVAN® is engaged locally, investing in numerous charitable causes and community outreach initiatives.

The Society supports aspiring Elite Athletes and makes sport more accessible to those who may face financial barriers to participating.

RUNVAN® offers free youth running clinics with a focus on creating fun, social running experiences for youth, plus special discounted race entry for youth, students and seniors. The non-profit further supports those who may face financial barriers to participation, including donation of clothing.

Through the RUN4HOPE Charity program, the event has helped runners raise over $15 million for charity since 1996.

Vancouver’s only Marathon is more than just a race. The Society brings together diverse groups in a celebration of community, sport, and healthy, active living.

Overall the Marathon event promotes a green message that has helped to achieve an overall event waste diversion of 98%.

Source of Funding

• 63% Participants
• 24% Sponsorships
• 7% Grants or other
• 6% Expo