Press Release
Early Sellouts Continue with RUNVAN events
The non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® continues to drive sell-out numbers across its events. Following the successful First Half event, which sold-out in just days, the BMO Vancouver Marathon, Half Marathon and 8KM have now sold-out in new record time.
Capacity limits are set in collaboration with City of Vancouver Stakeholders.
Runners are encouraged to register early for future RUNVAN® events. Event organizers continue to draw top caliber talent and appeal to the running community. For the latest, please follow on social @runvancanada and subscribe on the site: runvan.org/subscribe
At the First Half presented by BlueShore Financial, the Canadian Half Marathon record was set by Cam Levins in 1:00:18, and the new Canadian Junior Half Marathon record was set by Yemane Mulugeta this year in 1:06:43. Olympians Malindi Elmore and Natasha Wodak also claimed titles over the past two years, on a race that is known to sell-out in days, if not hours.
The BMO Vancouver Marathon has been Canada’s largest Marathon since 2018, and the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon is the fourth largest overall race in the entire nation. Those events continue to grow, up nearly 10% this year compared to last year’s numbers, which also reached an early sell-out capacity. The event continues to generate back-to-back record years.
Hard caps are set pre-event in collaboration with City Stakeholders. These limits help to ensure an optimal racing experience for all, including runners and volunteers. Foremost, safety and the ability to deliver emergency medical services is of utmost importance.
Vancouver, British Columbia’s uniquely scenic courses that run through world-renown Stanley Park and its Seawall – the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world – further limit capacity. Caps are set to ensure an optimal race experience without being overly crowded.
City of Vancouver permitting has been accommodating, increasing capacity limits for Vancouver’s only Marathon event from 5,000 to 7,500 this year. In total, this year’s event welcomes over 22,000 registrants, up from 20,000 last year, and up from 32 finishers when the event first began back in 1972.
RUNVAN thanks the community for the overwhelming support that has helped RUNVAN® and the BMO Vancouver Marathon continue to grow. The event now annually attracts runners from nearly 65 countries with over 45% of all entrants located outside of the host community.
One of the top destination Marathons anywhere in the world, the community is also reminded you don’t have to be a runner to take part in the special BMO Vancouver Marathon weekend. Come out and show out Vancouver. Volunteer and cheer!
Held annually on the first Sunday of May, the BMO Vancouver Marathon also features a two-day Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo that is open to all, plus many race day activations including Block Parties oncourse and new Seating Bleachers and Big Screens near the downtown Finish Line.
Relying on nearly 3,000 volunteers annually, RUNVAN still invites you to take part in Canada’s largest Marathon race this May as a volunteer and fan. Run, cheer or volunteer.
Limited Kids Run registrations remain available. Taking place one day before the Marathon, the Kids Run helps the non-profit with its mission to inspire healthy, active lifestyles.
The BMO Vancouver Marathon, Half Marathon and 8KM takes place on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Significant road detours will be in place for an event with over 22,000 registrants. The Expo runs Friday and Saturday pre-race at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
RUNVAN will shortly open registration of its Fall events, the Granville Island Turkey Trot and Great Trek presented by BlueShore Financial.
For more info, please visit: runvan.org/races
