EVENT POLICIES

Legal

• General Release
• Privacy Policy
• Sustainability

Age Restrictions

By Event Distance

RUNVAN follows the industry norm or age policy requirements:

• Marathon participants must be 18 years old or older, as of race day
• Half Marathon participants must be 16 years old or older
• 10KM, 8KM and 5KM participants must be 11 years old or older
• Kids Run participants must be aged 6 to 13 years old

Parents/guardians must also sign a waiver during online registration for participants aged 18 or under, and are urged to ensure that young runners have the training and pace judgement to complete the event safely. This policy follows international standards, has been informed by our external medical advisers, and is in place for the safety of participants. Organizers reserve the right to require proof of age.

REFUND POLICY

Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable per the agreed to registration. For legal and liability reasons, runners cannot offer their unused bib to any other runner. No exceptions. Registrants violating this policy will be banned from future events. However for any reason, one may apply in advance for a personal Deferral Discount. Refunds are not available. The majority of the event’s budget is already committed to well in advance of race day. RUNVAN invests into a marketing campaign that helps attract runners locally and globally, has fixed operational costs, plus makes large advance purchases. Since that product is ordered months in advance, refunds on products like the technical shirts and medals are simply unavailable as they are likely already purchased. Thank you for understanding. All registrants may still collect their race kits at Package Pickup. The non-profit is financially prudent per its Pillars of Sustainability and has a stated Event Cancellation Policy.

NO RESALE

Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable per the agreed to registration.

For legal and liability reasons, runners cannot offer their unused bib to any other runner.

Scams are also common unfortunately, so please do not attempt buying another’s fake bib.

No exceptions. Registrants violating this policy will be banned from future events.

However for any reason, registered runners may apply in advance for a personal Deferral Discount.

If you’re advertising your bib for sale, you may also be contacted and banned from events.

Course Time Limits

Safety is of utmost importance, and course restrictions are in place across all RUNVAN events.

• Marathon: 6 hour overall course time limit, running the first 30KM within 4 hours
• Half Marathon: 3 hours at First Half, BMO Vancouver Marathon; 4 hours at Great Trek*
• *Special times for the Great Trek Hat-trick 36.1KM, 21.1KM, 10KM, 5KM race distances
• 10KM: 2 hours
• 8KM: 1.5 hours
• 5KM: 1 hour 10 minutes

Course time limits are based on your wave start time. If you’re unable to complete longer distances within these course time limits, RUNVAN also offers fun 10KM, 8KM and 5KM races. Our non-profit is inclusive to all, plus the community is invited to cheer and volunteer.

Since the races take place on roads, participants will not be allowed to start early or late due to potential live traffic and safety concerns. The course and stations will not be open until the roads are clear and it is deemed safe for participants. Any participant attempting to start early or late will not receive a finisher medal. In addition, the timing company will register your time as a DNF or Did Not Finish.

PACING REQUIREMENTS

Course sections are closed once passed by the official Sweep Pacers.

Time limits are in place for a multitude of reasons including for safety, financial and logistical. For more detail, please visit our FAQs.

 

Aid stations act as checkpoints and reinforce that anyone behind the Sweep Pacers are no longer part of the official event. Zone leaders will encourage runners to pickup their pace as needed, or consider retiring here to allow access to the Sweep Vehicle.

Medical vehicles will additionally be available to transport those who may not make it to aid stations.

Note: At the BMO Vancouver Marathon, athletes will see designated Checkpoints that must be met. BMO Vancouver Half Marathon: 8KM Cutoff is 8:45am, 16KM Cutoff is 10am. BMO Vancouver Marathon: 9KM Cutoff is 10:15am, 19KM Cutoff is 11:45am, 29KM Cutoff is 1:15pm

Runners passing these clearly marked signs must use the sidewalk and follow the regular ‘Rules of the Road’ 

If you are swept, or passed by Sweep Pacers, you are no longer part of the event and must be fully self-sufficient. You must follow your specific event distance time limit. Please move safely to a sidewalk as available and continue to the closest aid station only as you see fit, or stay with a race official who will request support through the Command Centre.

Individuals who continue beyond course closures and event warnings are seen as pedestrians otherwise, and must follow the regular ‘Rules of the Road’ including not entering the roadway. Organizers and volunteers do not provide support outside of the course limits and will begin the process of re-opening roads to the public once the Sweep Pacer passes each checkpoint.

 

 

GENERAL POLICIES

Prohibited Items

The use of bicycles, inline skates and pets are prohibited during in-person races. Strollers are permitted at the Granville Island Turkey Trot 10KM event only. Strollers are not permitted at any other RUNVAN race. Hydration vests are allowed. Backpacks are not allowed for safety reasons. The right to disqualify runners who fail to comply with this policy is at the sole decision of event organizers.

Drone use, personal and commercial, is also strictly prohibited at any Vancouver International Marathon Society event.

   

Headphones

For runner safety, headphones and music devices are strongly discouraged, although safe, open-ear technology is allowed. There is no risk of disqualification for simple use generally. However, if a runner puts themselves or others at risk, directly or indirectly, the runner will be disqualified. The event kindly requests all participants to please remove headphones and enjoy the race day vibes! Be aware of your surroundings. Runners must be able to hear announcements, officials, and other runners. Headphones use is prohibited for professional and Elite runners competing for prizing.

Pacing

RUNVAN provides Pacers at all events. Additional Elite Pacers should be made known to all competitors, including the target pace or Estimated Finish Time so as to ensure others equal opportunity to benefit from that pacing, if they so desire. Pacers must also be registered in the same race they are pacing, and start at the very start of the event, running the entire race unless and until they drop out.

Course Availability

Races are restricted and limited to officially registered participants only with a valid race bib. All participants must Register Online.

The Society reserves the right to disqualify any individual from the event. Individuals disqualified will be removed from the results and barred from future events. This disqualification may be based on, but is not limited to, competing with an unofficial bib number; competing with an official bib number assigned to another person; transferring or attempting to transfer an official bib number, or to obtain such bib number from another person; being paced during the race by a person not entered in the race; accepting assistance from non-race participants; finishing without having completed the entire course or without having a clearly visible race bib. Participants may also be disqualified for providing false information during registration; unsportsmanlike conduct; or for failing to follow the Runner Code of Conduct. 

Participants are also encouraged to educate their cheer squad of the stated Fan Policy.

Event Cancellation Policy

The Vancouver International Marathon Society, in accordance with the Board, City officials and local law enforcement, has the authority to cancel any of the events for emergency purposes such as, but not limited to, inclement weather or threat of terrorism. If such emergency conditions force cancellation, refunds cannot be provided since funds will have been spent in preparation for race day. 

If the event is cancelled due to events beyond the reasonable control, such as acts of God, acts of government, acts of wars, epidemics, quarantines, riots, fire, strikes or labour problems (including legal work stoppages or slowdowns), unavailability of communications or electrical power or other necessary utility services, governmental regulations superimposed after the fact and earthquakes, floods and other disasters, and other events of a similar nature (collectively, “Force Majeure Events”), depending on the date of cancellation, the Society shall provide participants the following:

Event Cancellation announced two months prior to the initially scheduled event date:

• Entry switch into this year’s Virtual Race, race bonuses, AND
• 75% Deferral Discount into one of the next events

Event Cancellation announced within two months of the initially scheduled event date:

• Entry switch into this year’s Virtual Race, race bonuses, AND
• 25% Deferral Discount into one of the next three events

Refunds are not available per the stated Refund Policy.

Runner Code of Conduct

RUNVAN and its events are committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all participants and fans. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment, free of discrimination and harassment. As an entrant, runners are requested to follow the general Code of Conduct below:

• Display a valid Race Bib on the front of your body, throughout the entire event, including at the Start Line, on course and at the Finish Line. Bibs are non-transferrable. One may not compete without a valid event bib, in the wrong corral wave or wrong event. Individuals found violating, or attempting to violate this rule, will be removed from the course and banned from future RUNVAN events.
• Follow event protocols which includes picking up your kit in advance, being prepared for gear check if utilized, starting with your assigned corral, removing headphones, listening to event officials, allowing others to pass, never littering, taking one serving of each food item only, and not inviting non-participants into race participant zones. Please note medals and food are for paid entrants only, and participants are limited to one item each per runner.
• Stay within course boundaries, and allow others to pass. Compete fairly and safely. Exiting or attempting to exit the course boundaries, or any other locations other than that permitted by participant entry, will result in a disqualification DNF and Did Not Finish. Participants must stay within course boundaries as designated by event officials, marshals, traffic cones, barriers, and other markings, at all times.
• Refrain from inviting fans within course boundaries to pace, race, or celebrate. Inviting or attempting to invite other non-participants including children onto the course, or any other locations other than that permitted by a fan’s credential, is strictly prohibited. If you have a cheer squad, please notify them that they’re also requested to follow a general Fan Code of Conduct. 
• Behave appropriately. Behaviour that is unruly, disruptive, threatening or violent in nature, including verbal or physical harassment of officials, participants, staff or fans will not be tolerated. Similarly, you may not engage in irresponsible use or consumption of alcohol or other substances. Conduct that results in damage to others, personal property, or event venues, is obviously unacceptable.
• Welcome all, and be respectful of everyone. Displaying flags, signs, symbols, images, using language or making gestures that are threatening, abusive, or discriminatory, including on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, ability, and/or sexual orientation is not tolerated. RUNVAN is welcoming to all per its EDI Policy.
• Participate without negatively impacting others. Displaying signs, symbols or images for commercial purposes or for campaigning or advocating for or against any candidate, political party, legislative issue, or government action is discouraged. Refrain from behaviour that otherwise targets others or interferes with others’ enjoyment of the event and please respect our brand partners.
• Be environmentally responsible. Throwing objects of any kind, including gel packs and water cups or water bottles, is prohibited on course. Hold your waste until an event aid station and use the available garbage and recycling bins throughout the course and post Finish Line. Never litter on course. Do not litter. Do not use any pyrotechnic devices, streamers or other prohibited items.

Please also pay attention to all race announcements and compete safely. Follow requests from staff regarding operations, policies and potential emergency response procedures.

Any participant who violates any of these provisions may be subject to penalty, including, but not limited to, ejection without refund, plus loss of entry and bans from future events. Reminder to please never litter.

Waste Drop Zones

Athletes may dispose of cups and gels only at the aid stations, officially identified as ‘Waste Drop Zones’ with clear ‘Start’ and ‘End’ Zones. Participants may discard their waste, gels and cups, only within these dedicated zones.

Athletes littering outside of ‘Waste Drop Zones’ are at threat to be disqualified. This policy and operation execution is very similar to that already followed by triathletes.

‘Waste Drop Zones’ assist volunteers in the overall clean up. There is no reason to litter outside of these zones.

RUNVAN offers extensive recycling options pre, during and post events. At the BMO Vancouver Marathon, for instance, participants have access to over 200 bins on course, including at each aid station and at every kilometre of the last 10KM.

Thank you to all who help keep our events green and the community clean.

Green Pledge

Do Not Litter. Local non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® is known in the community for hosting sustainable events with a high waste diversion rate. To assist, everyone – including runners, volunteers and spectators – is asked to please respect the ‘Green Pledge’ below, to help keep our Province one of the greenest in the world.

• Dispose of goods such as cups, gels, etc. in proximity of the water stations on-course
• Do not dispose of any items on bridges, along the Seawall, or close to the shoreline
• Use the clearly marked recycling stations, not City bins, at the Start and Finish Line
• Dispose of all recyclable food in recycling stations and garbage at green waste stations
• Only dispose of gels, cups and other items within designated ‘Waste Drop Zones‘

Green Chair Recycling and volunteers will further help sort discarded items into the categories below:

 

• Compost = Water and electrolyte cups, banana peels, tea bags, food scraps, wet paper, compostable foodware
• Soft Plastics = Plastic bags, packaging, candy wrappers, chip bags
• Mixed Containers = Coffee cups and lids, plastic cups, milk containers, glass jars and bottles
• Refundables = Juice boxes, plastic water bottles, other deposit beverage containers
• Paper = Paper sleeves from coffee cups, brochures, newspaper
• Garbage = Styrofoam, straws, gel packs, balloons, dirty plastics

Runner Etiquette

In registering as a participant, the entrant agrees to take part in a spirit of fair play, honesty and integrity within the event rules and regulations. To make the most out of your experience, please also familiarize yourself with the etiquette points below:

Before Race Day

• Provide all of the correct information, including editing Estimated Finish Time if need be, after Registering
• Read the site and all race related emails. To ensure you get those E-News, please also Email Subscribe
• Race bibs must be collected in advance, so please be aware of the date and location of your Package Pickup

Race Day:

• Be Prepared. Have all your race clothing and gear ready the day before
• Arrive early, approximately one hour before your race start time
• Wear your Race Bib number on the front of your shirt and do not cover it ever
• Pay attention to all race announcements and please remove your headphones
• Do not litter. Use washrooms, portables, the garbage and recycling bins provided
• Line up in your assigned corral, and allow faster participants to line up at the front
• Do not block the race course. Allow others to pass on the left with verbal cues
• Do not block stations and never litter. Carry your gel packs and cups if necessary
• Do not invite fans or children onto the course; Children may not finish with you
• Run through the Finish Line. Keep moving so as not to impede others
• Take one serving of each food item only
• Yield to potential emergency vehicles
• Thank volunteers!

It is the RUNVAN® Mission to deliver premiere running events that inspire active lifestyles and invite the world to experience Vancouver! Please share any comments or feedback directly with the RUNVAN via email: [email protected]

ABILITY POLICY

Athletes with racing wheelchairs are welcome to participate in the event. Hand-cycles are prohibited. Please indicate in the registration form that you are participating in a wheelchair. Participants may also race with race-approved wheelchair where both the wheelchair participant and escort participant must be registered, and where escorts will be required to have the wheelchair tethered to their body, arm, wrist or waist, to ensure the wheelchair does not leave their company for the duration of the event. The wheelchair must have brakes. The Vancouver International Marathon Society reserves the right at any time to revoke the privilege of participants if there’s a determined safety risk. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. All wheelchair participants must submit a picture of their race wheelchair and receive official approval prior to race day via email: [email protected].

Wheelchair Requirements

For safety reasons, acceptable wheelchairs are as follows:

• Marathon: Racing Wheelchairs, Sport Chairs
• Half Marathon: Racing Wheelchairs, Sport Chairs
• 10KM, 8KM, 5KM, Kids: Racing Wheelchairs, Power Chairs, Sport Chairs
• For safety considerations, hand cycles are not permitted

Another registered participant must be tethered to the wheelchair via their body, wrist or arm, and ensure the wheelchair does not leave their company for the event’s duration. Wheelchair participants must have brakes on their chair and receive race official approval first.

Wheelchair Start Times

Racing Wheelchairs may potentially start before others, while Sport Chairs are likely to start in the second corral. Please first consult with event organizers as the start timing and wave may differ dependent on the race course. Please email: [email protected]. All wheelchair participants must submit a picture of their wheelchair for approval. Arrangements may be made to transport a participant’s non-racing wheelchair to the Finish Line if requested.

Nordic Poles and Walkers

Nordic Pole Walkers are discouraged due to course congestion. However, should poles be required, participants may be placed in the last corral and instructed to walk on the side of the course to reduce any potential congestion. All walkers must still meet Course Time Limits.

Visually Impaired

Persons with visual impairment or low-vision are welcome to participate with a guide. Please indicate in the registration form that you are participating with a guide and, if you’d like help finding a guide, please phone: 604 872 2928.

RESULTS POLICY

VALIDATION OF RACE RESULTS

It is the responsibility of each runner (“Runner”) to use the chip timing device (“Chip”) appropriately. Race bibs should be stored flat without folds and worn on the front of the shirt for accurate results. The Bib contains a timing device and any misuse of the race bib may interfere with the effectiveness of the chip. For this reason, race bibs are not mailed and must be collected during Package Pickup. To maintain the integrity of race results, results for any particular runner may be invalid in the circumstances following:

• Where (Chip) times at specific locations have not been recorded, despite both start and finish (Chip) times having been recorded;
• Where there is a significant difference between split times, including between the first half and the second half of the race.
• In such other circumstances, where a result is questionable as determined by the sole and exclusive decision of the race directors.

In the event a Runner’s time has not been validated in the circumstances described above, the Runner may appeal the non-validation of the runner’s time through a request in writing. Such review will be based on the written explanation of the runner and a review of event footage. All decisions by the Society as to any such appeal are final. Further, the Society will notify result changes and validation with BC Athletics, Athletics Canada, and other such race governing organizations as appropriate.

Gun and Chip Time

RUNVAN records results for both Gun Time and Chip Time. Gun Time is the time from the start of the race gun to when you cross the finish line as per IAAF, Athletics Canada, USATF, AIMS and International Awards standards. This time will be used for Elites and Overall Champions. Chip time is the time recorded by the BibTag/ Timing Chip once a runner crosses the Start Line during their wave start, then the Finish Line. Gun time will be the Official time for the top three overall male and female winners in each race distance. Chip time will be the Official time for all other runners, including Age Group winners. In the spirit of competition and high-performance, RUNVAN is proud to reward complimentary entry for first-place Age Group winners for the following year. As this based on Chip Time, please remember to only start with your assigned corral and start wave to ease congestion and allow volunteers to better assist everyone on course. For virtual races, virtual results are not validated and are based on an honour system so submission of GPS tracking app data is encouraged.

Doping Policy

RUNVAN fully complies and collaborates with the programs established by Athletics Canada (AC), including its Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP), Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, World Athletics, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). All RUNVAN events are subject to doping control. We anticipate all athletes to adhere to fair play standards. Athletes may be subject to testing pre or post-event. Athletes under any form of suspension imposed by these governing bodies will be ineligible to participate. RUNVAN does not impose additional bans on athletes beyond those already enforced by CCES, CAS, and WADA, which most often will include an exclusionary ban on competition.