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Tom Howard

Tom Howard is a distinguished Canadian long-distance runner renowned for his significant contributions to marathon running. He etched his name in history by winning the inaugural Vancouver Marathon in 1972, completing five laps around Stanley Park with a time of 2:24:08. Howard continued his dominance by securing victories in the subsequent two editions, setting a remarkable course record of 2:14:34 in 1974, a record that stood for several years.

Internationally, Howard represented Canada at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, competing in the marathon event. He also earned a bronze medal at the 1975 Pan American Games, further establishing his status as one of Canada’s premier marathoners.

Beyond his competitive achievements, Howard has maintained a lasting connection with the Vancouver Marathon and RUNVAN events. He is honored among the founders and builders of the Vancouver International Marathon Society (RUNVAN), recognizing his pivotal role in the event’s early success and continued growth. Even in his later years, Howard continued to participate in the Vancouver Half Marathon, exemplifying his enduring passion for the sport and inspiring new generations of runners.