RESOURCES
Training Tips, running advice + moreESSENTIALS
BE RACE READY
Get race ready with all the essential details you need for a smooth and successful race day experience!
This page highlights the essential information you’ll want to know for your next race with runvan.org/races.
ESSENTIALS
What’s Included
Your race registration includes the following:
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- Race Entry: Secures your spot in the event
- Race Bib: Includes your ID number, timing chip, and personalized details
- Tech Shirt: RUNVAN races offer an event shirt, or you may go ‘GREEN’ to opt out of the shirt and save on your registration
- Finisher Medal: Collect new art each year plus an Indigenous event design by Musqueam artist Darryl Blyth. Take one post race.
- Timing Services: Electronic timing and timing chip attached to your bib for tracking your performance and results
- Course Support: Access to water stations, medical aid, and volunteers on the course
- Post-Race Amenities: Snacks and beverages at the Finish Line
- Photos and Results: Access to official race photos and timing results post-event
Register Early
RUNVAN events are known to sell-out early with the First Half often selling out in under 24 hours. Be sure to subscribe to our social and e-news and register early to save funds, and save your spot in the race.
Are you registered?
Once you are registered for the race, you will receive an email confirmation from RUNVAN and Race Roster. You may also confirm your race registration, view all your transaction details, and manage any switch requests by logging into your Participant Dashboard.
If you haven’t received confirmation, check your spam folder. Additionally, to stay up-to-date with race news and event updates, add to your email contacts: [email protected] and [email protected]. This will help ensure you don’t miss crucial race information leading up to the event.
Race Bib
What is a race bib?
A race bib is your personalized race day pass. All participants must have a valid bib to participate. Your race bib measures approximately 19cm x 14cm, is made of tear-resistant paper, and includes:
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- Your ID number
- A timing chip
- Your assigned corral colour
- Tear away tag for Gear Check
- Extras from the event
This small but essential item ensures you’re race-ready and helps track your performance.
How do I get my bib number? Bib numbers are emailed to participants during Race Week, prior to Package Pickup. Bring your bib number and a valid ID to collect your race kit at Package Pickup.
How do I edit my bib info? To update your personal details, bib name, or estimated finish time, login to your Race Roster Dashboard. See detailed instructions in FAQs.
How do I wear my bib? Pin your bib so that it may be seen clearly at the front of your race shirt. Bibs record chip times and tag you in photos.
Nutrition
Proper fuelling is key to marathon success: consume a mix of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and water to maintain energy and hydration throughout the race. Practice during your training runs with gels, chews, or drinks during training runs to find what works best for your stomach and energy needs.
Race Day fueling tip: Avoid bonking by eating 25g of carbs (1 XACT ENERGY bar) every 30-45 mins while running.
Etiquette
Race day etiquette ensures that all participants have a safe, enjoyable, and respectful experience from start to finish. By following some simple guidelines, runners can help create a positive environment for themselves and others throughout the event. See more Top Etiquette Tips.
Gear Check
Gear Check is a handy service to store your belongings during the race. Here’s how to use it:
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- Pack Your Bag: Include essentials like a change of clothes, snacks, or recovery items. Avoid checking any valuables.
- Attach Gear Check Tag: Detach the gear check tag from your race bib and attach to your bag.
- Drop It Off: Bring your bag to your designated Gear Check area which will differ by event.
- Pick It Up: After the race, retrieve your bag from the Gear Check pickup point near the Finish.
For Gear Check specifics pre-race, please check the relevant race pages directly on the event site:
- First Half
- BMO Vancouver Marathon
- Granville Island Turkey Trot
- Great Trek presented by BlueShore Financial
Do not check any valuables. RUNVAN volunteers work diligently to ensure your bag is safe and ready for you, but the non-profit is not responsible for any lost or damaged items, so pack thoughtfully!
TravelSmart
Plan ahead, arrive early! ⚠️
Start by confirming the exact location of the Start Line and identifying your transportation options, such as public transit, driving, or carpooling.
Check for road closures and detours well in advance, and leave early to account for potential delays. Familiarize yourself with the Start Line area and know your corral.
Lay out your race day essentials (bib, gear, fuel, water) the night before, and double-check the weather to dress appropriately.
Lastly, set multiple alarms to avoid oversleeping and arrive with plenty of time to warm up and soak in the pre-race atmosphere.
The Start Line
The Start Line is where your race journey begins and is a hub of energy and excitement! Here’s what you’ll find:
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- Corrals: Designated areas based on your predicted finish time to ensure a smooth and organized race start.
- Pacers: Experienced runners holding goal finish times to help you maintain a steady pace and hit your goal.
- Restrooms: Portable toilets for last-minute needs.
- Volunteers: To guide you, help answer questions, and keep the event running smoothly.
- Hydration Stations: Sometimes water or sports drinks are available, but it’s best to come prepared.
- Music and Announcements: Energetic music and announcers to pump you up and provide race instructions.
- Recycling Stations: Please never litter on course.
Arrive early to navigate the area, settle your nerves, and get ready to run your best!
The Finish Line
The Finish Line is where your cross your ultimate milestone of your race journey and it’s an exciting and celebratory space.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Timing Mat: To officially record your finish time as you cross the line.
- Volunteers: To help congratulate, direct you, and assist with post-race needs.
- Medals: Collect new art each year. Take one post race to celebrate your achievement.
- Hydration and Snacks: Water, fruit, plus sometimes energy bars, electrolytes or recovery snacks to help you refuel.
- Medical Support: Medical tents for any immediate care you may need post-race.
- Photographers: Professional photographers capturing your finish line moment to commemorate your achievement.
Take a moment to soak in the atmosphere, celebrate your accomplishment. Remember to stay hydrated and stretch post-race!
Things to remember
Here’s a checklist of last minute things to remember for race day:
- Smile! 😃 Photographers are along the course and at the Finish Line capturing special race day moments to commemorate your achievement.
- Visualize: See yourself running strong and crossing that Finish Line.
- Your Bib: Lay everything out that you’ll wear the night before. Pin your race bib to the front of your race day shirt.
- Hydration & Fuel: Bring your preferred hydration and fuel if desired.
- Socks & Shoes: Wear the shoes and socks that you’ve been training with, don’t wear anything new.
- A positive attitude: Trust in your training, you’re prepared, you got this! You’re going to have a GREAT DAY! 🤗
Arrive early to navigate the area, settle your nerves, and get ready to run your best!
What not to bring
- Headphones: For runner safety, headphones and music devices are strongly discouraged. Remove headphones and enjoy the race day vibes!
- Bulky bags: Leave large or heavy backpack bags at home. Who wants to run that far carrying extra weight?!
- New Gear or Shoes: Race day is not the time to test new shoes, clothes, or gear, as they may cause discomfort or injury.
- Distracting Items: Things like loud speakers, confetti bombs, or oversized props may be disruptive to other participants.
- Unauthorized Equipment: The use of unauthorized equipment such as e-bikes, scooters, drones, etc, is strictly prohibited.
- Strollers: These are prohibited at RUNVAN races except at the Granville Island Turkey Trot where you may run, walk or stroll.
Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
View more about our Runner Code of Conduct
Event Alert System
To assist in communicating key messages, the Society will also rely on the Event Alert System below.
- Low, Code: Green
- Moderate, Code: Yellow
- High, Code: Red
- Extreme, Code: Black
View more and current Event Alert Status at runvan.org/updates