Builders
Vancouver International Marathon SocietyLegacy
Founders & Builders
RUNVAN pays tribute to its founders and builders including Dr. Jack Taunton, Don Basham, Doug and Diane Clement, Dan Cumming, Tom Howard, and others.
Pacific Road Runners race directors included: Colin Atkinson, Scott Gavin, Heather Moorhouse, Mike Bjelos, Marco Iucolino, Dan Cumming, Nicki Decloux, David Parker and Terry Bushnell.
This page will be updated over time to pay special tribute to the event’s original founders and include special interviews from the event’s biggest builders. Please stay tuned for more as we share the rich history of the Vancouver Marathon dating back to 1972, and the key individuals behind the scene.
Vancouver’s only Marathon started in 1972 when Tom Howard of Surrey, BC, led a handful of marathon runners around five loops of Stanley Park to complete the first “British Columbia Marathon.” Now, the BMO Vancouver Marathon has grown into one of Canada’s greatest running events with races for everyone including a Marathon, Half Marathon, 8KM and Kids Run.
“For the first marathon, we had just a few organizers but only dealing with 32 runners. All had to see the start physician and have a brief physical exam to make sure we could make the distance,” said Jack Taunton, co founder of the event in 1972 in an earlier interview. “Today’s marathon is a well oiled machine… nothing but the best.”
Very proud to see that the torch has been carried with great involvement of the community and great spectators and wonderful entertainment along the course and Finish Line.
We always wanted to promote health and wellness and now can do it in a very affective fashion.