Press Release
First Half presented by BlueShore Financial 2024 – Canada’s fastest Half Marathon kicks off the first race of the RUNVAN® Race Series
RUNVAN® is ready to kick off the race season with a sold-out event, the First Half presented by BlueShore Financial on Sunday February 11, 2024. The race is part of the 2024 Athletics Canada Road Race Label Program, solidifying its standing as a premier event.
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday, February 11, 2024
- Time: 8:30AM, NO LATE STARTS
- Location: Roundhouse Community Centre, Vancouver, BC
- Registration: SOLD OUT
- Access: Parking is available in Yaletown at nearby parkades. The Start and Finish Line area is walking distance from the Yaletown-Roundhouse Skytrain Station.
The First Half presented by BlueShore Financial has earned recognition among elite runners globally as Canada’s fastest Half Marathon. The world’s curiosity was sparked last year when Olympic athlete and Canadian Marathon Record Holder Cam Levins set a new Canadian Half Marathon record of 1:00:18 at the event.
Levins broke the old event record of 1:03:25 set the year prior by Luc Bruchet. “The Seawall was really cool,” added Cam Levins of his record-breaking performance.
On the women’s side, Olympian and Canadian Marathon Record Holder Natasha Wodak lowered her own First Half record to a stellar 1:10:17. Wodak notched her fourth win at the event, matching her four wins at the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon.
This year, Natasha Wodak returns to defend her titles, challenged by former Canadian Marathon Record Holder Malindi Elmore, the only Canadian woman qualified for the Paris Olympics in the Marathon and second-place finisher at the First Half in 2022.
Olympian Lucas Bruchet, the former event record holder and 2023 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon Champion returns this year on the men’s side along with fellow Olympian Trevor Hofbauer, fourth in 2023 and third in 2022.
Lee Wesselius, runner-up last year, and Thomas Nobbs, fourth in 2022 will also line-up along with Jeremy Briand from Montreal. Two-time Olympian and Masters runner, Art Boileau, joins in to add excitement to the mix and may be among contenders for the Dan Cumming Memorial Trophy presented annually to the age-graded runner at the First Half.
Yemane Mulugeta, a recent Canadian citizen from Eritrea, aims to set a new Junior Canadian Record in his debut race as a Canadian in the Half Marathon.
Labelled as ‘Canada’s Fastest Half’ the First Half presented by BlueShore Financial is known for extremely fast finisher times and fast sell-outs, reaching event capacity in just days. The event will Start and Finish near David Lam Park in Yaletown, BC, and kick off the racing season.
The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® is excited to open the year with the sold-out First Half presented by BlueShore Financial, a race initially established as a build-up to Vancouver’s only Marathon event.
Originally organized in 1988 as a build-up event to the Vancouver Marathon, the First Half has evolved into a highly sought after and celebrated community race. A waterfront out-and-back course, the ‘First Half’ Half Marathon is a scenic, 21.1KM route that takes place in Downtown Vancouver. The race kicks off near the Roundhouse Community Centre, and continues out past Sunset Beach, along the Seawall.
Participants will be equipped with a long sleeve tech shirt and a finisher medal designed by Musqueam artist Darryl Blyth. The race continues to support Variety – The Children’s Charity.
Event Info
Event Photos
Traffic Detours
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, please contact:
[email protected]
604-872-2928
The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® is a non-profit that organizes the First Half presented by BlueShore Financial, BMO Vancouver Marathon, the Jerome Classic, Granville Island Turkey Trot and Great Trek presented by BlueShore Financial. runvan.org/races
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