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Vancouver running race calendar
Crush your fitness goals at these Vancouver races
- First Half presented by BlueShore Financial – Annually in February since 1988
- BMO Vancouver Marathon – traditionally held on the first weekend in May
- Granville Island Turkey Trot – held annually on Thanksgiving Monday
- Great Trek presented by BlueShore Financial – held annually in late October
Bucket-list races in Canada
- BMO Vancouver Marathon (Vancouver, British Columbia): A popular marathon held annually in May, offering a scenic course that showcases the city’s stunning landscapes.
- Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (Toronto, Ontario): A major city marathon attracting elite runners and running enthusiasts. It features a flat and fast course along Lake Ontario.
- Ottawa Race Weekend (Ottawa, Ontario): A multi-race event featuring the Tamarack Ottawa Marathon, half-marathon, and 10K races. Known for its fast and scenic courses.
- Maritime Race Weekend (Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia): A two-day running event offering various race distances, including a marathon, half-marathon, and 5K, with beautiful coastal views.
- GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon (Victoria, British Columbia): A picturesque marathon held in October, showcasing the city’s stunning waterfront and scenic neighborhoods.
- Calgary Marathon (Calgary, Alberta): An annual running event offering a marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and 5K races, taking participants through the city’s urban and natural landscapes.
- Manitoba Marathon (Winnipeg, Manitoba): One of Canada’s oldest marathons, featuring a flat and fast course that winds through the streets of Winnipeg.
- Marathon de Montreal (Montreal, Quebec): A large-scale marathon event held in September, with various race distances and a course that showcases Montreal’s vibrant neighborhoods.
- Fredericton Marathon (Fredericton, New Brunswick): A scenic marathon event held in May, taking participants through the picturesque landscapes and historic sites of Fredericton.
- Edge to Edge Marathon (Ucluelet to Tofino, British Columbia): A unique coastal marathon that runs along the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, providing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
These races offer fantastic running experiences and showcase some of the beautiful regions in Canada.
10 must-run races in Canada
Canada is home to many great races. Whether you’re looking for a scenic course along the water, a trek through the mountains, or a flat and fast course through the city, there’s something for everyone. Here are 10 must-run races in Canada to add to your bucket-list.
- Banff Marathon (Banff, Alberta): A scenic marathon that takes participants through the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park.
- BMO Vancouver Marathon (Vancouver, British Columbia): A popular marathon held annually in May, offering a scenic course that showcases the city’s stunning landscapes.
- Whistler Half Marathon (Whistler, British Columbia): A half marathon race set in the picturesque mountain town of Whistler, known for its stunning views and challenging terrain.
- Calgary Marathon (Calgary, Alberta): An annual running event offering a marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and 5K races, taking participants through the city’s urban and natural landscapes.
- Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (Toronto, Ontario): A major city marathon attracting elite runners and running enthusiasts. It features a flat and fast course along Lake Ontario.
- Ottawa Race Weekend (Ottawa, Ontario): A multi-race event featuring the Tamarack Ottawa Marathon, half-marathon, and 10K races. Known for its fast and scenic courses.
- Marathon de Montreal (Montreal, Quebec): A large-scale marathon event held in September, with various race distances and a course that showcases Montreal’s vibrant neighborhoods.
- Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Half Marathon (Winnipeg, Manitoba): A well-regarded half marathon that offers a flat and fast course through the streets of Winnipeg.
- Marathon by the Sea (Saint John, New Brunswick): An annual marathon event held in August, featuring a beautiful course along the scenic Bay of Fundy.
- Haida Gwaii Totem to Totem Half Marathon (Haida Gwaii, British Columbia): A unique half marathon race that takes participants through the stunning landscapes and cultural heritage of Haida Gwaii.
These races provide diverse experiences and showcase the natural beauty and vibrant cities of Canada. Remember to check the official race websites for specific details, registration information, and any updates to race schedules.
Canada’s best Half Marathons in the first half of the year
Here are some of the best half marathons held during the first half of the year.
First Half Marathon presented by BlueShore Financial (Vancouver, British Columbia): This race, held in February, is Canada’s fastest half marathon. Also known for its scenic course and attracts both elite runners and recreational participants. It offers a challenging yet rewarding experience.
BMO Vancouver Marathon Half (Vancouver, British Columbia): As part of the BMO Vancouver Marathon event held on the first Sunday in May, the half marathon offers a stunning course that showcases the city’s beauty, including the seawall and Stanley Park.
Mississauga Marathon – Half Marathon (Mississauga, Ontario): Held in May, this event features a fast and flat course, taking participants through the streets of Mississauga, with portions along the scenic Lake Ontario waterfront.
Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon – Half Marathon (Halifax, Nova Scotia): Taking place in May, this race offers a scenic coastal route, showcasing the beauty of Halifax and its waterfront.
Banque Scotia 21k de Montreal (Montreal, Quebec): Part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, this half marathon in April takes participants through Montreal’s vibrant neighborhoods, offering live music along the course.
Saskatchewan Marathon – Half Marathon (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan): This May race features a scenic course along the South Saskatchewan River, highlighting the natural beauty of the area.
Maritime Race Weekend – Tartan Twosome (Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia): This unique race takes place in June and offers participants the opportunity to run two half marathons on consecutive days, with stunning coastal views along the routes.
These half marathons provide a mix of scenic courses, competitive fields, and vibrant race experiences in different parts of Canada. Make sure to check the race websites for specific details, registration information, and any updates to race schedules.
5 Canadian races with the best swag
When it comes to races, “swag” refers to the goodies, merchandise, and perks participants receive. While the specific swag can vary from year to year, here are five Canadian races known for providing impressive swag to their participants:
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend (Ottawa, Ontario): This event offers participants a comprehensive swag package, including a participant shirt, a finisher’s medal, personalized race bibs, and a variety of sponsor goodies and discounts.
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (Toronto, Ontario): Participants of this marathon receive a technical participant shirt, a custom finisher’s medal, personalized race bibs, and a post-race recovery package. The event also provides access to a virtual race bag filled with exclusive offers from sponsors.
BMO Vancouver Marathon (Vancouver, British Columbia): The BMO Vancouver Marathon offers participants a tech shirt, a unique finisher’s medal designed by Musqueam artist Darryl Blyth while the back of the medal features iconic landmarks around the race route, created in-house, personalized race bibs that comes with perks such as a free beer from Stanley Park Brewing , and a race kit with various goodies. The race also provides post-race snacks and refreshments.
Maritime Race Weekend (Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia): This race offers participants a race shirt, a custom finisher’s medal, and access to the “Captain’s Port” after-party with live music, food, and a beer ticket. Participants also receive a virtual race bag with discounts and promotions.
Calgary Marathon (Calgary, Alberta): The Calgary Marathon provides participants with a participant shirt, a custom finisher’s medal, personalized race bibs, and a virtual race bag filled with exclusive offers. The event also offers post-race food and beverages.
Remember, the specific swag offerings can vary from year to year, so it’s essential to check the race websites or contact the race organizers for the most up-to-date information on swag and participant perks for each race.