Frequently Asked Questions
The non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society relies on the support of nearly 4,000 volunteers annually. Join in! Run, cheer or volunteer.
Do I need to register to volunteer?
Yes, all volunteers are required to register in order to volunteer. Registration is available here.
How do I know if I’m registered?
You will receive an email confirmation after you have completed your volunteer registration. Please ensure that you are providing a valid email address during registration.
I did not receive an email confirmation. What do I do?
If you did not receive an email confirmation after completing the online volunteer registration, please first check your spam or junk folder. Please do not go back into the system and re-register again until you have contacted us at 604.872.2928 to verify that you are not registered.
Can I register on Race Day?
No, there will be no volunteer registration on race day.
Will I receive a map of my volunteer role and location?
Yes, a map will be included in your volunteer package. Extra copies will be available at the event. To get the most out of the event, be sure to familiarize yourself with the Course, Start, Finish and Expo locations.
Where does the race start?
The Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay all start inside Queen Elizabeth Park at Midlothian Ave and Clancy Loranger Way. The 8KM starts at Lagoon Dr in Stanley Park.
Is there parking near the Start/Finish Lines?
We encourage all volunteers to take transit if possible. If you require parking facilities please review the options online near your volunteer post. All volunteers and participants must adhere to all City traffic postings and bylaws, including pay parking which will be in effect during race day as regulated by the City of Vancouver.
Is there transit service on Race Day?
Organizers of the event, the non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society have partnered with TransLink to help runners, volunteers and spectators arrive on-time to their Start Line on race day. Regular service will be offered, however, several bus routes in the race area will be altered to accommodate the race routes. Learn more
What time do roads start closing?
Road closures begin at midnight on Race Day. Learn more
WHERE ARE THE MEDICAL SERVICES STATIONED?
Medical stations will be located at regular intervals along all courses. Additionally, there will be a tent at the Start and a large medical station at the Finish. Please refer to the course map for exact locations.
Please note: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please indicate this on the registration application form in case of a medical emergency.
WHAT ARE WATER STATIONS?
Water stations offer runners water, electrolyte drinks and energy gels.
Water stations will be placed at regular intervals along all courses. Water will be available at all water stations while electrolyte sports drinks and energy gels will be available at select stations. Please check out course maps for exact water station locations.
ARE THERE COURSE MARKERS?
Yes, course markers will be at every kilometer.
ARE THERE PORTABLE TOILETS ON THE COURSE?
There will be portable toilets located in the Start and Finish area, as well as next to water stations on the course. There are also public toilets in Stanley Park at Lumberman’s Arch, Prospect Point, Second Beach concession and English Bay.
ARE THERE SHOWER FACILITIES?
No, there will be no shower facilities available.
IS THERE ON-COURSE ENTERTAINMENT?
Yes! There will be entertainment on the course provided at key locations. Learn more
WHERE DO I RETURN MY EQUIPMENT AND ASSIGNED SUPPLIES?
All volunteers are responsible for the safe keeping and return of all the equipment provided during the event. You will receive instructions from your captain regarding the pickup and return locations for equipment and supplies. Please check in with your captain and hand over all equipment before leaving your assigned area or station.
ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR VOLUNTEERING AT THE MARATHON?
For the safety of volunteers and participants, age restrictions are in place for the all events. Volunteers must be 19 years or older on race day.
The Vancouver International Marathon Society will accept volunteers under 19 years of age ONLY if the child is accompanied and supervised by their parent or guardian at all times while working together in the same area during the event. The BMO Vancouver Marathon is NOT responsible for looking after or managing children who are unaccompanied by their parent or guardian. Children without a parent or guardian will not be permitted on any site.
All school groups with students under 19 years must assign their own respective teacher from the same class or from within the same school to supervise the students at all times.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN?
Please bring your picture ID (2 pieces of ID) such as Driver’s License and Government Issued Identification Card. Please leave all valuables at home. Do not bring Passports, music players, cameras, tablets or expensive gadgets to the event. The Vancouver International Marathon Society and BMO Vancouver Marathon are not responsible for any stolen personal items.
ARE IPODS/MP3 PLAYERS/HEADPHONES ALLOWED IN THE RACE OR DURING VOLUNTEERING?
Due to safety of runners, volunteers, officials and spectators, all personal portable music gadgets and devices such as iPods, MP3 Players, video games, cell phones, earbuds, headphones and tablets are NOT allowed to be used during your volunteer shift. We kindly ask volunteers to focus on safety first while volunteering.
VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT POLICIES – IS THERE A GUIDELINE FOR THIS?
Yes, please visit our volunteer section to see and read the Guidelines.