In 1972, Tom Howard of Surrey, BC led a handful of marathoners around five loops of Stanley Park to complete the first "British Columbia Marathon."  Winning in a time of 2:24:08, Howard won again the following two years.

The 1973-1978 marathons were called the "Lions Gate Road Runners International Marathon."

Local Joe Skaja won in 1975. Then in 1976, Ross Jackson, New Zealander living in Vancouver took the title, while Doris Heritage of Seattle, Washington became the first woman to finish in under three hours.

1977 became a year of growth – with participants tripling to 300. Two first-time marathoners, Chris Boltar of Vancouver and Mike Creery of Victoria, BC surprised the crowds by placing first and second with times of 2:22:36 and 2:24:15 respectively.

Unfortunately, the 1976 race was marred by the death of Dr. Leslie Truelove who collapsed and died on the course as a result of an aneurysm. Since then, the Dr. Leslie Truelove Memorial Trophy has been awarded to the first male finisher in the 50+ age category.

In 1978, John Hill of Vancouver won with a time of 2:20:49 while Gail McKean of Comox, BC finished at 2:55:33. An Australian named Bill Scott became the first non- BC runner to win the 1979 marathon with a time of 2:15:56 starting an Australian winners’ streak for the next two years.