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BMO Vancouver Marathon

May 2, 2027 · 8:30 AMVancouver, BC, Canada

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Race Day

52°F

43–61°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

525ft

Moderate rolling hills · Net elevation change +26 ft

Participants

10K

Large field

Crowd Rating

7/ 10

Excellent spectator turnout

The Lowdown

The BMO Vancouver Marathon is one of Canada's longest-running and most beloved city marathons, attracting runners from around the world to Vancouver's spectacular waterfront. First held in the early 1970s, the race has grown into a marquee spring event on the West Coast, known for showcasing the city's dramatic combination of ocean, mountains and urban green space. Over the years it has been a destination for elite competitors seeking fast times as well as thousands of recreational runners chasing Boston-qualifying performances and personal bests.

The course highlights include long stretches along the iconic Stanley Park Seawall with sweeping views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains, scenic passages through Kitsilano and along False Creek, and passes by Granville Island and numerous waterfront neighborhoods. Many runners also take in the urban landmarks—bridges, waterfront promenades and tree-lined avenues—before finishing in a lively stadium or nearby festival area. The route's combination of flat, fast sections and occasional rolling stretches makes it both scenic and competitive.

The race atmosphere is energetic and community-focused, with enthusiastic crowds, local volunteer support, pacers for common goal times, and a robust race expo and post-race festival that celebrate finishers. The BMO Vancouver Marathon is AIMS/Athletics Canada certified and is recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifying course, making it attractive for athletes targeting qualifying standards as well as those simply seeking an exceptional destination marathon experience.

Jun 24, 2026: 2026 Edition Completed; 2027 Race Date Confirmed as May 2
The 2026 BMO Vancouver Marathon (May 3, 2026) has been completed. The next edition is officially scheduled for Sunday, May 2, 2027. As of 2026-06-24, registration has not yet opened; 2027 registration details will be announced at a later date. Follow @bmovanmarathon or subscribe at runvan.org for updates.
May 4, 2025: Record-Breaking Participation: Over 25,000 Runners in 2025
Over 25,000 people from more than 60 countries participated in the 2025 BMO Vancouver Marathon, making it a record-breaking year and confirming its status as Canada's largest marathon. The race has grown significantly since starting in 1972 with only 32 finishers.
May 5, 2024: Record Participation Milestone: 23,000+ Runners in 2024
The 2024 edition saw over 23,000 participants from around the world tackle the challenging Vancouver course. Participants collectively raised over $360,000 for charity through the RUN4HOPE program, which has raised over $16 million to date.

Course Highlights: 01Queen Elizabeth Park – Start and finish area with panoramic city views and the park's famous Quarry Garden
02Granville Island – Artistic hub and market where runners pass along the island's waterfront and spectator zones
03False Creek Seawall – Scenic waterfront section offering views of downtown Vancouver skyline and marina
04Granville Street/Granville Bridge area – Downtown stretch with lively spectator support and city landmarks
05Stanley Park Seawall – Iconic coastal pathway around Stanley Park with views of the harbour and North Shore mountains
06Lions Gate Bridge – Historic suspension bridge providing a dramatic crossing with views toward North Vancouver
07English Bay/Kitsilano Beach – Oceanfront promenade and popular seaside cheering areas along the race route
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon
Time Limit: "6 hours"
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration
Charity Entry
Tour Operator
Corporate Entry
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old on race day to enter the full marathon
Complete online registration and sign the race waiver prior to race day
Provide proof of age or identity if requested by race officials
Race bib is non-transferable and must be visibly worn on the front at all times
Participants must start in their assigned wave/corral and follow race official instructions
Adhere to course time cut-offs and aid station rules
No unauthorized wheeled devices on the course—official wheelchair division only
Medical clearance recommended for participants with pre-existing conditions; follow any medical guidance from race staff
Obey all traffic and course marshals; failure to follow instructions can result in disqualification
International participants must ensure they have valid travel documentation and any required visas
Required Documents: Government-issued photo ID for bib pickup
Signed race waiver/assumption of risk form
Emergency contact information
Proof of age if claiming age-group or Masters category (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds under any circumstances
Race entries are transferable to another registered runner for a transfer fee (organizer approval required)
If the event is cancelled by organizers, registrants will be offered a full refund or deferral to the next edition

01: The course is a Boston-qualifying, AIMS/IAAF-certified point-to-point course that begins in North Vancouver and finishes inside or adjacent to BC Place in downtown Vancouver.
02: Runners enjoy iconic Pacific Northwest scenery including views of the Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, English Bay and the North Shore Mountains along several waterfront and parkway stretches.
03: All finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical race shirt, and there is a substantial post-race food area with refreshments and beverage options including a beer garden for those 19+.
04: Race weekend includes an official race expo with packet pickup and gear vendors, a family-friendly kids run and an optional Saturday pasta dinner for registered participants.
05: There are plentiful aid stations approximately every 3–4 km with water, sports drink and gels at key points, and organizers strongly recommend using public transit (SkyTrain/SeaBus) due to limited race-day parking and widespread road closures.

Prepare for This Race

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