BMO Vancouver Marathon
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.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Record-Breaking Participation: Over 25,000 Runners in 2025
May 4, 2025Over 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.
Women's Marathon Course Record Set by Dayna Pidhoresky
May 1, 2022Canadian Olympian Dayna Pidhoresky set a new women's course record of 2:34:30 in 2022, breaking the previous record of 2:37:00 held by local runner Kim Doerksen.Fellow Olympian Lanni Marchant also finished under the old record with a time of 2:36:42.
Record Participation Milestone: 23,000+ Runners in 2024
May 5, 2024The 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.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Start and finish area with panoramic city views and the park's famous Quarry Garden
Granville Island
Artistic hub and market where runners pass along the island's waterfront and spectator zones
False Creek Seawall
Scenic waterfront section offering views of downtown Vancouver skyline and marina
Granville Street/Granville Bridge area
Downtown stretch with lively spectator support and city landmarks
Stanley Park Seawall
Iconic coastal pathway around Stanley Park with views of the harbour and North Shore mountains
Lions Gate Bridge
Historic suspension bridge providing a dramatic crossing with views toward North Vancouver
English Bay/Kitsilano Beach
Oceanfront promenade and popular seaside cheering areas along the race route
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Vancouver, BC, Canada
CA
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Official Hotel Partner PortalVerified
This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
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 (approximately 7 hours for the full marathon) 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)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Corporate Entry
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds under any circumstances
Participant may defer entry to the 2027 BMO Vancouver Marathon until April 1, 2026 for a $25 administration fee
Race entries are transferable to another registered runner until April 15, 2026 for a $10 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
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.
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.
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+.
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.
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.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.