Races Worth Travelling for in Vancouver
With 22 km of seawall to run and cycle, and clean water to swim in—all just steps from the downtown core—it’s easy to reach your fitness goals in Vancouver. Here’s a trip-worthy list of sporting events in Vancouver in 2018 to train for:
BMO Vancouver Marathon (May 6, 2018) Held on the first Sunday of each May, the BMO Vancouver marathon is the second largest international marathon event in Canada. AIMS certified, BMO Vancouver continually ranks in the Top 25 Boston Marathon qualifiers in the world according to Marathon Guide, and has consistently been named one of the Top 10 marathons worth traveling for by publications like Forbes and CNN.
SeaWheeze half marathon (September 22, 2018) Yoga, run, party! Some 10,000 fans of local lycra legend Lululemon descend on downtown Vancouver each summer for a weekend of running, partying to live music in Stanley Park, and plenty of sunset yoga.
RBC GranFondo (September 2018) Bike the 122 km from Vancouver to Whistler on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world, in the biggest GranFondo on the American continent.
James Cunningham Seawall Race (October 2018) This 10K and half-marathon around Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver is one of the city’s most fun fitness events.
Scotiabank Half Marathon & 5K (June 24, 2018) More than 6,000 participants run past beaches and mountains during Canada’s most scenic marathon, finishing in Vancouver’s beautiful Stanley Park.
Gastown Grand Prix (July 2018) Part of BC Superweek, the Gastown Grand Prix is a cycling race held in historic Gastown that attracts professional riders from across North America alongside crowds of spectators. Riders love navigating the tight corners and cobbled streets.
Snowshoe Grind Mountain Run (February 25, 2018) Annual race that encourages snowshoers of all abilities and fitness levels to get outside and enjoy the trails.
The Color Run (September 2018) 5K fun run paint race where participants start in white t-shirts and end up plastered in colourful powdered paint.
Vancouver Pride Run & Walk (July 2018) Taking place during Vancouver’s annual week-long Pride Festival, the Pride Run & Walk is open to every ability and aims to celebrate diversity and supportive community. Come dressed up, run as a team, and have a beer to celebrate your achievement!
Turkey Trot (October 2018) This Thanksgiving Day 10k trot features good food and a party atmosphere on Granville Island with proceeds going toward a local food bank.