Gear Up for the Vancouver Sun Run and BMO Marathon
Spring has sprung, and as the weather gets warmer, gear up for running season in Vancouver. Both locals and visitors will be training for the city’s two major running events coming up. If you’re not much of a runner, cheering on friends or watching a big race is still a great way to embrace Vancouver’s athletic atmosphere as a spectator.
Vancouver has effortless access to nature. This makes running, walking, and training the perfect opportunities to embrace all the gorgeous scenery, stunning views, and fresh air around us. Destinations like the Seawall and Grouse Grind offer the perfect physical challenge and connection to nature. Our city's natural beauty also often draws people to participate in races here.
Sun Run
The 41st annual Vancouver Sun Run, Canada's largest running event, races again on Sunday, April 27. Participants should prepare for a scenic 10-kilometre run or walk that welcomes 35,000 runners from across Canada each year.
The Sun Run course runs through the West End to English Bay, then heads East along Beach and Pacific amidst the scenic views of Vancouver's Waterfront in Coal Harbour. Runners will head south across the Burrard Street Bridge before passing Kitsilano, South False Creek, and Mount Pleasant. Then, they’ll go past Science World and finish outside BC Place.
BMO Marathon
The BMO Vancouver Marathon is among the world’s highest-ranked destination races and the largest marathon in Canada. It returns on Sunday, May 4, with its eye-catching and award-winning course that takes runners on a 42.2km (26.2 miles) run past beautiful beaches into natural parks and alongside the famous Seawall, the longest uninterrupted waterfront path on the globe.
It begins in South Cambie before heading west towards Kerrisdale, Dunbar, UBC, and Point Grey. It then wraps around Kitsilano towards Stanley Park before ending in Coal Harbour.
Watching the Races
The Sun Run’s 10km race starts 9am on Apr. 27 at Burrard and Georgia before heading North to Denman Street, and the 2.5km Mini Sun Run starts at 8am outside of BC Place.
A nice spot somewhere in English Bay on Beach Avenue (after 2km) is a good choice for spectators to see runners go by in the great area by the beach. Cheer runners somewhere along Quebec Street in Olympic Village at the 9km mark to see participants before the finish line along Pacific Boulevard.
BMO's half marathon starts at 7am on May 4, and the full marathon at 8:30am (both at Queen Elizabeth Park), with the 8km race starting at 9:30am at Stanley Park.
Watch the scenic destination marathon from Kits Beach for a great view, or get to Stanley Park as early as you can to cheer on runners all day long. For those looking to witness friends at multiple race points, you can try after 32km at English Bay, walk down along Denman Street and spot them again by the finish line in Coal Harbour.
Getting Around
Make sure to plan ahead and be prepared to get around during road closures for either race. During the Sun Run, many major roads across downtown will be closed, and street access will be restricted. Take transit or walk to avoid the downtown core, West End, and False Creek areas from the Burrard Steet Bridge to Main Street by car.
You can access the BMO route by bus or SkyTrain. Avoid major westside roads by the Burrard Inlet and English Bay by car.