Press Release
The 2025 First Half Marathon, organized by RUNVAN, is set to be the largest in its history. With the earliest sell-out to date and capped at 2,500 runners, this iconic local Vancouver race is highly sought after. It’s the race to run if you want to race among the fastest. Known as Canada’s fastest half marathon, the First Half offers participants the perfect way to kick off their running season while preparing for Vancouver’s only Marathon event.
Event Details:
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- Date: Sunday, February 9, 2025
- 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 event follows the 2022 race route avoiding icy patches from Lionsgate Bridge to Third Beach and on the gravel path around Lost Lagoon. The last time this course was used, it produced record-breaking performances, with five athletes running faster than previous course bests.
Natasha Wodak set a new women’s course record in 2022 with a time of 1:11:32, narrowly edging out Malindi Elmore, who finished in 1:11:58. Both times surpassed Rachel Cliff’s 2018 course record of 1:12:21.
In the men’s race, Lucas Bruchet, Justin Kent, and Trevor Hofbauer all broke the previous course record of 1:04:18, set by Caleb De Jong in 2020, solidifying the First Half’s reputation as Canada’s fastest half marathon.
RUNVAN is proud to welcome another strong elite field in 2025, continuing the legacy of fast times and top-tier competition.
Elite Runners to Watch at Canada’s Fastest Half Marathon
This year will see an exciting field of elite athletes competing for podium finishes and personal bests, creating an exciting atmosphere for both participants and spectators.
Elites include Lee Wesselius and Andrew Davies, both aiming for podium finishes. Wesselius, who clocked 1:04:17 at the 2023 First Half, has proven himself with a 2:13:52 marathon time and a 29:13 10K personal best. Davies, the 2024 ACXC Champion and a three-time U Sports medalist, brings serious momentum after a 1:03:19 performance at the 2024 Royal Victoria Marathon.
On the women’s side, Élissa Legault, Canadian marathon athlete from Quebec is a strong contender to watch. Legault earned her personal best of 1:11:37 at the Valencia Half Marathon and achieved a second place finish at the Ottawa Marathon with a personal best of 2:33.
Also returning is Vancouver’s up-and-coming local talent, Samantha Jory, who achieved a personal best of 1:13:33 finishing second at the 2024 First Half.
Olympians in the Spotlight
The race will also feature notable Olympians, including:
BC’s Arthur Boileau, two-time Olympic marathoner (1984, 1988) and former Boston Marathon runner-up, will return to the course where he set his 1:03:56 personal best in 1985. At 67, Boileau continues to inspire as a Masters champion.
Dylan Wykes, a 2012 London Olympic marathoner and one of Canada’s fastest marathoners, has won the First Half four times, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2019.
Tina Connelly, a 2000 Olympian and previous First Half (2004) champion, achieved a personal best of 1:12:47 in 2004. Her continued presence in the sport inspires runners of all levels.
Past Champions and records – Alumni recognized honoured
Natasha Wodak, 2016 and 2019 Olympian, captured the 2023 title while lowering her event record to 1:10:17. This marked her fifth time running under 1:11:00.
Cam Levins, a two-time Olympian (2012 & 2020), set the Canadian Men’s Half Marathon record at the 2023 First Half with a time of 1:00:13.
Malindi Elmore, 2004, 2020, 2024 Olympian, won her first First Half title in 2024 with a time of 1:11:58, solidifying her place among Canada’s elite.
A Historic and Community-Driven Event
Dating back to 1988, the First Half Marathon was originally created by the Vancouver International Marathon Society in partnership with Pacific Road Runners as a build-up event to the Marathon. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most beloved races in Vancouver, thanks to the enthusiastic support of the local running community.
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.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
[email protected]
About RUNVAN
RUNVAN is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting running and healthy lifestyles across British Columbia. Through iconic events like the First Half Marathon and the BMO Vancouver Marathon, RUNVAN inspires runners of all levels to achieve their goals.
