ABOUT US
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL MARATHON SOCIETYAbout Us
RUNVAN®
The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization (Registration number S22985) maybe best known for organizing Canada’s largest Marathon race. RUNVAN® relies on a dedicated group of volunteer Board of Directors and nearly 3,000 volunteers to annually organize the First Half presented by BlueShore Financial, BMO Vancouver Marathon, Granville Island Turkey Trot and Great Trek presented by BlueShore Financial participant events, as well as the Jerome Classic for both elite athletes and spectators.
Races for Everyone
RUNVAN® annually organizes four iconic events featuring races for everyone, including Vancouver’s only Marathon, fast Half Marathons, 10KMs, 8KMs, 5KMs, Relays and Kids Runs.
Events
runners
Vision, Mission + Values
Vision & Mission
Vision
To be a top destination marathon and home of the best running events in Canada.
Mission
To deliver premiere running events that inspire active lifestyles and invite the world to experience Vancouver.
Values
RESPONSIVENESS, SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY
We are active, engaged and responsive members of our community, who embody the values of and are committed to collaborating with community members to ensure positive support of the Vancouver International Marathon event.
INNOVATION, EXCELLENCE AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
We challenge ourselves to seek innovation and excellence, finding practical solutions that lead to continuous improvement.
HEALTHY LIVING
We promote and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle within our community through year-round delivery of the marathon event experience.
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AT ANY LEVEL
We believe in delivering a marathon experience that offers every participant the opportunity for personal achievement, at any level.
COLLABORATION
We believe the greatest achievements come from working together with our employees, sponsors and community.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
We strive to deliver positive, memorable experiences that are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.
INCLUSIVENESS
We believe in creating a hospitable, respectful and welcoming environment so that everyone can benefit from engagement in healthy lifestyle and participate in the marathon experience.
EDI – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
EDI
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment where all are respected and treated fairly. The purpose of this statement is to highlight the driving factors for being inclusive and diverse in all aspects of our organizational operations and conduct and to reinforce our commitment to providing equality and fairness to all. We believe in a culture that values diversity, dignity, and respect. We foster an open and inclusive workplace that respects, values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, unique differences, and the variety of strengths of our employees, contractors, partners, volunteers, participants, and spectators. We aim to bring a respectful, diverse and inclusive approach to the way we interact together. Discrimination and bullying and harassment are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Our commitment to EDI means that we actively work to eliminate biases, barriers, and systemic inequalities within our organization. Accordingly, RUNVAN is committed to providing equal opportunities to our employees, contractors, partners, volunteers, participants, and spectators.
We acknowledge the value and importance of diversity and inclusion and will continue to:
- Create an environment that promotes dignity and respect for every employee, contractor, volunteer, spectator, and participant;
- Abide by all applicable human rights, privacy, and related laws; and
- Educate employees and volunteers about the importance of maintaining a respectful workplace and the importance of EDI.
We understand that creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization is an ongoing journey. As part of this process, we are dedicated to regular assessment, improvement, and accountability, as we strive to build an organization that reflects our
diverse community.
As part of RUNVAN’s commitment to EDI, RUNVAN is committed to the following initiatives:
- Races for everyone regardless of gender, age, ability, ethnicity, etc.;
- Age Category prizing for men, women, and non-binary athletes;
- Accessible gender-neutral washrooms;
- Merchandise designed to fit all body types;
- Multi-lingual support to help welcome participants from 65+ countries;
- EDI training for all staff and nearly 3,000 volunteers;
- Complimentary entry for individuals in financial need including StreetFront students;
- Discounted youth pricing and school programming, including the donation of extra inventory;
- Team Benefits are standardized for all Run Crews and Groups with 10 or more registrants;
- Collaboration with Indigenous partners including Musqueam Indian Band and Indigenous Tourism BC;
- Collaboration with Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I-SPARC);
- Entertainment Stations representing diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds; and
- Collaboration with a broad range of event partners and charities that reflect the diversity of the Vancouver community.