Pictured R–L: Alex Remtula, Manager-Partnerships & Special Events, RUNVAN; Eric Chéné, Executive Director, RUNVAN; Nikolai Muth, Project Manager, Office of the City of Yokohama to the Americas; and Masa Nishikawa, Director, Office of the City of Yokohama Representative to the Americas.
News
Sister Cities Strengthen Ties Through Running, Celebrating 60 Years of Friendship and Cultural Exchange
VANCOUVER, B.C. / YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – July 7, 2025 – The Yokohama Marathon and the BMO Vancouver Marathon are proud to announce a new international partnership, uniting two world-class running events from sister cities that have shared diplomatic and cultural ties since 1965.
This collaboration commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Vancouver–Yokohama sister city relationship and the 10th anniversary of the Yokohama Marathon’s transition to a full marathon. The agreement celebrates the enduring friendship between the two cities and promotes international exchange through sport, encouraging mutual runner participation and deeper community engagement on both sides of the Pacific.
“The BMO Vancouver Marathon is excited to partner with the Yokohama Marathon and strengthen the bond between our two world-class races,” said Eric Chéné, Executive Director of RUNVAN, organizers of the BMO Vancouver Marathon. “As sister cities, Vancouver and Yokohama share a long-standing connection, and this collaboration is a natural extension of that relationship. It’s a wonderful opportunity to unite our running communities and celebrate the global spirit of the sport.”
Japan has a rich history at the BMO Vancouver Marathon, highlighted by elite runner Yuki Kawauchi, who captured victories in both 2019 and 2023. Kawauchi, a fan favourite, continues to return to Vancouver, drawn by the city’s scenic beauty and the warm hospitality of the local running community. Now wife Yuko also won in 2019, and numerous Japanese runners won event titles from the mid ’80s to mid ’90s.
“It is a great honour to sign this partnership agreement with the BMO Vancouver Marathon, the largest marathon in Canada – in this milestone year for the Yokohama Marathon,” said Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Chair of the Yokohama Marathon Organizing Committee and President of the Yokohama Sports Association.
“Through this agreement, we aim to mutually promote the appeal of both races, encourage runner exchange and citizen interaction, and further strengthen the bond between our two cities. We hope this becomes a new model of international exchange through sport, bringing fresh vitality and value to both Yokohama and Vancouver.”
Both marathons share a vision of connecting communities, celebrating wellness, and showcasing the natural beauty and vibrancy of their respective cities. The partnership looks forward to a future of increased global connection through grassroots sport.
For more information:
Yokohama Marathon: yokohamamarathon.jp/en/
BMO Vancouver Marathon: bmovanmarathon.ca
Media Contacts:
RUNVAN – Vancouver International Marathon Society: [email protected]
Yokohama Marathon Organizing Committee: [email protected]
