Press Release
Vancouver, BC – October 12, 2026 – The 2026 Granville Island Turkey Trot brought runners, families, friends, and supporters together on Thanksgiving Monday for a festive celebration of community, fitness, and gratitude.
More than 2,000 participants took part in the annual Thanksgiving tradition, enjoying a beautiful sunny, crisp fall day along the scenic False Creek Seawall, with the 10KM and Kids Run bringing plenty of energy to Granville Island.
Both the signature 10KM and Kids Run sold out well ahead of race day, continuing the event’s trend of selling out earlier each year.
Runners and walkers of all levels took on the fast, scenic course, while creative costumes and plenty of turkey-themed spirit added to the Thanksgiving atmosphere.
“We always look forward to this race,” says Race Director, Eric Chéné. “The community comes out with such great spirit, from the creative costumes to the smiles and energy along the course. It’s what makes the Granville Island Turkey Trot such a special Thanksgiving tradition.”
In Granville Island Turkey Trot tradition, the celebration continued well beyond the finish line. Participants received their 2026 Granville Island Turkey Trot medals, before enjoying post-race treats including full-size Trail Hopper IPA or non-alcoholic Trail Hopper IPA from Stanley Park Brewing (if of age), and a local favourite Lee’s Donuts – a Granville Island tradition in its own right.
The event also brought out plenty of creative costumes helping add to the festive Thanksgiving atmosphere.
The 10KM Granville Island Turkey Trot featured strong performances across the field, with Reuben Pienaar taking the overall men’s title in 33:33, followed by Joseph Green in 36:30 and Clarence Choy in 38:05.
Men’s 10KM
- Reuben Pienaar – 33:33
- Joseph Green – 36:30
- Clarence Choy – 38:05
“From 6KM onwards, there were so many people cheering, it was so great to see,” says Reuben Pienaar who runs with West Van Track & Field Club.
In the women’s division, Kelly Hellman crossed the finish line first in 39:43, followed by Leslie Liu in 40:30 and Ornagh Higgins in 40:58.
Women’s 10KM
- Kelly Hellman – 00:39:43
- Leslie Liu – 00:40:30
- Ornagh Higgins – 00:40:58
“It’s a great race and something nice to do in Vancouver on Thanksgiving Monday. Doing a race brings the best out of you. If I ran a 10KM on my own, I wouldn’t have run as fast.” says Kelly Hellman, who adds “Have reasonable expectations but be open to surprising yourself.”
Age Category Champions across multiple age groups were also recognized with special gold, silver, and bronze awards.
Kids Run Brings Plenty of Smiles
The Granville Island Turkey Trot’s youngest runners brought plenty of energy to the Kids Run, with 160 young participants racing to the finish line.
Jocelyne Chéné led the girls’ field in 03:37, followed by Everly Holm in 03:53 and Avila Bernardino in 04:10.
“My favourite part of the race is the Finish Line and I’m going to treat myself to the arcade at the Kids Market on Granville Island!” says Jocelyne Chéné who runs her last Kids Race as she ages out. Chéné led the Kids Race, breaking the Kids Race course record for the fourth year in a row.
Girls’ Kids Run
- Jocelyne Chéné – 03:37
- Everly Holm – 03:53
- Avila Bernardino – 04:10
In the boys’ division, Bento Sedlacek Prata claimed first place in 03:42, with Lev Finkel in 03:43 and Terry Rudyuk in 03:43 rounding out the podium.
Boys’ Kids Run
- Bento Sedlacek Prata – 03:42
- Lev Finkel – 03:43
- Terry Rudyuk – 03:43
Giving Back and Giving Thanks
The Thanksgiving spirit extended beyond race day, with the Granville Island Turkey Trot raising $7,800 for local charities, including the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Surrey Food Bank, and SHARE Family and Community Services.
The event’s volunteers were also instrumental in making race day possible. RUNVAN volunteers help participants navigate the course, support aid stations, manage the start and finish areas, and cheer runners toward the finish line.
“We appreciate the dedication of our volunteers,” adds Eric Chéné. “Their energy, generosity, and commitment bring our events to life. They are an important part of our community and are what make each race experience truly special.”
A heartfelt thank-you goes to everyone who participated, volunteered, cheered, supported the event, and helped make the 2026 Granville Island Turkey Trot another memorable Thanksgiving tradition.
Looking Ahead
RUNVAN thanks its valued partners for supporting the 2026 Granville Island Turkey Trot, including Granville Island, Rackets & Runners, Stanley Park Brewing, Alkiss Water, Fitness World, Runna, and HeyYaRentals.
Following the Granville Island Turkey Trot, RUNVAN looks ahead to the final event of the RUNVAN Race Series, the 2026 Great Trek, featuring the Half Marathon, 10KM, 5KM, UBC Relay, and RUNVAN Hat-Trick.
