RUNVAN® goes three for three in 2016!
The BMO Vancouver Marathon, Granville Island Turkey Trot and Fall Classic race events all saw historic participation numbers this year. The events, organized by the local non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society, were supported by nearly 4,000 volunteers, and helped runners raise over $400,000 for charity.
“Congratulations to everyone who participated in any of our RUNVAN® events in 2016,” says Graeme White, Executive Director of the non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN®. “We are extremely proud to help support the growth of healthy, active lifestyles in Vancouver – our mission to promote the sport of running and community spirit will go on!
“The Vancouver International Marathon Society is excited to continue to grow great local events that bring communities together,” says White.
May: High participation numbers and spirit at the 45th Vancouver Marathon
Vancouverites were treated to an incredible weekend of weather and fun, while celebrating the 45th year of the Vancouver Marathon. Nearly 16,500 registered participants, from over 50 countries, signed up for the 2016 BMO Vancouver Marathon representing 40% growth in participation since 2011. While the marquee Marathon is the hallmark event for the weekend, runners in all six races thrilled the crowds.
Tom Howard, the first-ever Marathon winner in 1972, 1973 and 1974, fittingly took home first in his age category of 65-69 with a time of 36:42 in the 8KM race, exemplifying the history and growth of the event.
BMO Vacouver Marathon race press release
Over $400,000 raised for charity
October: Most runners ever recorded at 19th annual Granville Island Turkey Trot
The Granville Island Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Monday saw a record-breaking number of participants in its 19 year history. Nearly 1,600 runners, walkers, and strollers crossed the Finish Line of the beautiful 10KM route around False Creek. The Vancouver community really showed incredible support to helping others as runners raised money and donated non-perishable food to support the event’s charity partners, Arts Umbrella and Quest Food Exchange.
“Its great to see the community come out in record numbers in the spirit of Thanksgiving,” says White. New this year, finishers received a beautiful medal with a design featuring the iconic Granville Island bridge sign.
Granville Island Turkey Trot race press release
November: Fall Classic breaks another record in the 2016 RUNVAN® Race Series
The Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10KM and 5KM broke a record in number of participants – with 2,387 finishers, beating the previous best of 2,140 from 2006. Runners sped through the beautiful UBC campus, and despite a little bit of rainfall, smiling faces, incredible enthusiasm and positive vibes showered the event’s atmosphere. More than 300 volunteers helped stage the event. Fall Classic charity partners Movember Foundation and Greater Vancouver Food Bank also participated to raise nearly $4,000 in funds for men’s health and better nourishment.
Olympic Race Walker, Evan Dunfee was the overall Half Marathon champion receiving press with CBC Sports and Canadian Running Magazine.
Fall Classic race press release
The RUNVAN® race series will continue in 2017 with even bigger plans! Please stay tuned and join us in our vision to create the world’s best running experience, celebrating all that is Vancouver. Run, cheer or volunteer. Thank you all once again for a fabulous year. See you soon! 🙂
BMO Vancouver Marathon registration is now open at bmovanmarathon.ca. Granville Island Turkey Trot and Fall Classic race reg will open in the new year. Please follow us on social media @runvancanada #runvan for the latest news. Cheers!
