Builders
Vancouver International Marathon SocietyLegacy / Founders & Builders
Dr. Jack Taunton
In Memory of Dr. Jack Taunton who passed in October of 2024. Our heartfelt condolences extend to the entire Taunton family and those grieving. Dr. Taunton touched an extremely large and grateful community, which he helped to create.
Dr. Jack Taunton’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Vancouver’s running community. As a co-founder of the Vancouver Marathon, Dr. Taunton’s vision transformed the city into a premier destination for marathon runners from around the world. Jack didn’t just create the race—he was part of its history from the very beginning, running the inaugural Vancouver Marathon in 1972.
In that very first Vancouver Marathon race, Jack finished sixth with a time of 2:33:42. He continued to excel, finishing sixth again in 1973 with an event PB of 2:25:28, and in 1975, he completed the Marathon in 2:28:03. In 1980, he ran 2:33:19 for Top 25, and in 1981, Jack Taunton clocked 2:26:15 for another Top 10 finish at the Vancouver Marathon.
Beyond his impressive marathon achievements, Dr. Taunton was the official race starter for the Vancouver Marathon for the last 10 years into 2024, taking great pride in his role. His enduring connection to the Marathon, whether as a runner or the official race starter, reflects his deep commitment to the running community he helped to build.
Today, as we lace up our running shoes and take to the scenic streets of Vancouver, we honour Dr. Jack Taunton’s extraordinary contributions. His spirit of perseverance, community, and passion for the sport continues to inspire generations. His legacy lives on in every stride taken at the Vancouver Marathon and in the vibrant athletic community he helped to create.
Thank you, Dr. Jack Taunton.
Jack Taunton & Rick Hannah / 1973 Vancouver Marathon
Dr. Taunton is also celebrated for his lifelong dedication to sports medicine, where his contributions have benefitted countless athletes. Dr. Taunton was also the Chief Medical Officer for the Jerome Classic, and for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, and for numerous national and international sporting events. His impact on running culture and sports medicine has left an indelible mark, empowering countless individuals to lead healthier, more active lives.
Dr.Jack Taunton Life Member 2015
Dr. Jack Tauntan / 2024 Vancouver Marathon
Dr. Jack Taunton at the Start of the 2024 BMO Vancouver Marathon
Bill MacIntosh & Jack Taunton / 1982 Vancouver Marathon
Jack Taunton / 1981 Vancouver Marathon
Jack Taunton with Marathon Elite Coordinators Lynn Kanuka, Julia Hawkins
Jack Taunton & Gordon Rogers / 1993 Vancouver Marathon
Jack Taunton / 1973 Vancouver Marathon
Jack Taunton (31) / 1975 Vancouver Marathon
1973 Bill Herriot (36) Tom Howard(29)Jack Taunton(17)
Gunnar Shaw & Jack Taunton / 1972 Vancouver Marathon
Jack Taunton & Rick Hannah / 1973 Vancouver Marathon
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.
Years
Since
History
Accolades
Dr. Jack Taunton’s list of accomplishments are amazing and he is an Honoured Member of the BC Sports Hall of Fame, inducted into the Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame, the Simon Fraser University SFU Sports Hall of Fame, the University of British Columbia UBC Sports Hall of Fame, Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame, the Richmond Sports Wall of Fame, and BC Athletics Hall of Fame. His accolades also include being a recipient of the Order of Canada, the Government of Canada Commemorative Medal, the BC Silver Medal of Service, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, reflecting a lifetime devoted to enhancing sport and community service. Dr. Taunton was a co-founder of SportMedBC, the Vancouver Sun Run, as well as the Vancouver Marathon, plus he was very involved with the Jerome Classic as the event’s Chief Medical Offer. He was also dedicated to the Allan MacGavin Sports Medicine Centre. Source: BC Sports Hall of Fame.
History
Through the Years
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
In that very first Vancouver Marathon race in 1972, Dr. Jack Taunton finished sixth with a time of 2:33:42. He continued to excel, finishing sixth again in 1973 with an event PB of 2:25:28, and in 1975, he completed the Marathon in 2:28:03. In 1980, Jack Taunton, ran 2:33:19 for Top 25, and in 1981 he clocked 2:26:15 for Top 10 at the Vancouver Marathon.