faq

A course map for the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon will be available online before race day. To view the course map CLICK HERE. As well, you can also print off a turn by turn course description by CLICKING HERE. Printed copies of the course map will be available at the BMO Vancouver Marathon Expo.

The race director prohibits the use of these devices for the runners safety and the safety of those around them. There is no risk of disqualification for simple use, however, if a runner puts themselves or other runners at risk through an unsafe act that the board of directors determine was caused directly or indirectly through the use of a prohibited item, the race directors reserve the right to disqualify the runner.

All runners wanting to gear check should be at the start of the race at least 45 minutes prior to their race beginning. If you are not checking bags then show up in your corral at least 30 minutes prior to your race beginning.

Yes. Pace Bunnies (Pacers) will be located in the appropriate corrals at the start of the race and will be running 10 minutes and walking 1 minute (10′s and 1′s) on both races. Each Pace Bunny will run even splits (every km will be run in the same amount of time); by following your Pace Bunny, you should be able to cross the line with a better finish time.

• Half-Marathon Pace Times: 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:15, 2:30, 2:30.
• Marathon Pace Times: 3:30, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:45, 3:50, 4:00, 4:00, 4:15, 4:15, 4:30, 4:40, 4:45, 5:00

Yes. If you’re picking up someone else’s race package, you will need photo ID, their name and their confirmation code. Be prepared, if you are picking up a friend’s bib package you will sign a legal release from the Vancouver International Marathon Society with information from your Photo ID and kept as a record indicating you are responsible for that individual’s race package (bib, chip, shirt, etc) releasing the Society, the event, & volunteers from any responsibility to that race package. Teams:  If you are a team captain you may pick up your entire teams packages, with a complete list of team members names and corresponding confirmation codes, as well as your own photo ID. The same legal release and rules apply.

There is no race day Participant Packet and Bag Pick-Up. All participants must pick up their bib numbers, participant bags, t-shirts and timing devices prior to race day.

The start line is for registered runners only, however, there are designated spectator hotspots along the two courses . See our Cheer page for more details.

Experience the excitement of Marathon Weekend by staying downtown. Enjoy a night or two in one of 35 downtown hotels who are ready to make your race weekend special. Check out the map here and select a building to find a hotel location that works for you. From five to three star hotels, there is a package just right for you. Once you select your hotel, contact the hotel directly and book your desired package. Many of the hotels have created special packages and rates for BMO Vancouver Marathon runners. Make sure to tell them you are running the BMO Vancouver Marathon!

No, the course was designed around Public Transit and TransLink is offering race-day transit service on its rapid transit systems! We will be providing a Transit Ticket at the Expo (Booth #509) to use on the Canada Line on Race Day. So take advantage of this! Take the Canada Line to King Edward Station or Oakridge-41st Ave where you will be guided by our friendly volunteers to the Start line at Queen Elizabeth Park.

If you wish to be dropped off near the Start Line, we recommend Main Street, near 30th avenue. Please make sure you give yourself lots of time (at least ten minutes) to walk to the Start Line. Expect delays and wait times. There will be 15,000 runners arriving to Queen Elizabeth Park that morning, please arrive early and enjoy!

All participants will receive a commemorative medal and a participant shirt.

Yes! The BMO Vancouver Marathon official souvenir merchandise will be provided by Saucony. Come by the Expo for a range of official souvenir merchandise for sale.

As in previous years, and like many of the major marathons in N. America, Marathon Foto will be taking photos during the event as well as immediately after. If you want to arrange for your photo, be sure to stop by their booth at the Expo on May 2-4, or order online following the event.

Road closures begin at 12:01am on race day at the Start & Finish Areas (* subject to change). Half-Marathon and Marathon route closures of Cambie will begin at 5:00am (*subject to change). The routes will have a rolling closure and rolling re-opening of the roads. “Rolling” refers to the streets being closed down & re-opened to vehicle traffic before and after expected times participants will be travelling through the city. This allows the event to minimize impact on local residents, traffic, and public services like transit. For example, Cambie will be shut down earlier for the marathon start area, but Point Grey Road in Kitsilano will not be closed until later in the morning as participants aren’t expected through for several hours.

The Vancouver International Marathon Society strongly encourages participants to use transit or carpool whenever possible.  It’s FREE and you will avoid alot of traffic congestion (as well as not be the cause of it). However, there are more than a dozen parking facilities around the finish area and Expo at Canada Place and the downtown core. All of these parking areas will be open and accessible from multiple access points (Hastings, Pender, Water St, Burrard St) all day throughout the duration of the event. Additionally, parking is available around the start line within the park (access from 37th ave via Main St) or at several points along the Canada Line (Oakridge Mall, King Edward). Parking will not be allowed in the residential neighborhoods adjacent to the park and start area, nor on Cambie.  All volunteers and participants must obey all City traffic postings and Bylaws.

Yes, for the half and full marathon events, walkers and runners start at the same time. No participants will be allowed to start early as the course & aid stations will NOT be open. Any participant attempting to start early will not receive a finisher’s medal. In addition, the timing company will register your time as DNF (Did Not Finish).

All participants in the Half-Marathon start at 7am and in the Marathon at 8am. Prior to the start, any participant registered with an anticipated finish time for 3+/6+ hour completion will be in the final corral at the start of the event, behind the faster participants. This is done to ensure 3+/6+ hour half and full marathon finishers have a positive experience, and a safer race with less interruption of passing runners.

• The half marathon course is open from 7am – 11am (4hrs)
• The marathon course is open from 8am – 4pm (8hrs)

As a walker, watch for runners coming up behind you. Please keep to the far right of the road and do not walk abreast. This will ensure that both walkers and runners can obtain their desired finish times. There is a strict 4:00pm course closure time (8-hour marathon).

Rolling Road Closures/Opening

With both a marathon (42 km) and a half marathon (21 km) covering the city on Sunday, May 5th, the races will follow a rolling closure/open protocol. This means that the roads will NOT be closed for the entire duration of the races. Some will open and close earlier than others. In order to fulfill our agreement with the City of Vancouver and our community neighbourhoods, runners will be required to maintain a minimum pace to ensure roads are reopened as promised by a certain time.

Please review these pace times/locations as below. If you are falling behind these minimum paces, you will be provided with three warnings after which time you will be asked to leave the race. A sweep vehicle will pick you up and remove your bib. We understand that this may be disappointing, however, we have been given permission to use our roads only under these conditions. Thank you for your understanding.

Course Closure Times

We work closely with the Running Room. If you are interested in attending a clinic please Click Here.

Corrals are designated start areas designed to provide a smooth and fast start for our marathon and half-marathon events. This will ensure that the event is spaced safely ensuring no line-ups at aid stations throughout the course. Corrals are assigned by estimated finish times provided at registration.

The use of strollers, bicycles, inline skates, pets and elite pacing are strictly prohibited. The right to disqualify runners who fail to comply with these regulations is at the sole and exclusive decision of the board of directors of the Vancouver International Marathon Society (VIMS).

There will be no race package pickup on race day.

Package pickup is located at the Health, Sports and Lifestyle at Canada Place. Pick up your package anytime during expo hours prior to race day.

Expo Hours/Package Pickup Hours:

• Thursday: May 2, 2013 4:00pm – 8:00pm
• Friday: May 3, 2013 11:00am – 8:00pm
• Saturday: May 4, 2013 10:00am – 5:00pm

Yes. If you’re picking up someone else’s race package, you will need photo ID, their name and their confirmation code. Be prepared, if you are picking up a friend’s bib package you will sign a legal release from the Vancouver International Marathon Society with information from your Photo ID and kept as a record indicating you are responsible for that individual’s race package (bib, chip, shirt, etc.) releasing the Society, the event, & volunteers from any responsibility to that race package. Teams:  if you are a team captain you may pick-up your entire team’s packages, with a complete list of team members names and corresponding confirmation codes, as well as your own photo ID. The same legal release and rules apply.

Please bring your registration confirmation (including Bib Number) and picture ID.

All Marathon Half-Marathon and 8 Km participants who finish the race will receive a medal.

Your bib number will direct you to the right corral. Bibs will be picked up at the Package Pickup area at the Health, Sports and Lifestyle Expo.

Marathon

- Corral 1 / Bib # 1-1999 / Orange Corral
- Corral 2 / Bib # 2000-3999 / Black Corral
- Corral 3 / Bib # 4000-5999 / Red Corral
- Corral 4 / Bib # 6000-7999 / Grey Corral
- Corral 5 / Bib #8000-9999 / Brown Corral

Half-Marathon

- Corral 1 / Bib # 10000-12999 / Yellow Corral
- Corral 2 / Bib # 13000-15999/ Blue Corral
- Corral 3 / Bib # 16000-18999 / Pink Corral
- Corral 4 / Bib # 19000-21999 / Green Corral
- Corral 5 / Bib # 22000-25000 / Purple Corral

If you are at a different running level than your friend, then your estimated finish time will be different than your friend’s estimated finish time.  In order to respect the other 14,998 runners in the race (so that everyone is not held-up at the Aid Stations, etc), it is essential that you start the race in the corral number that you have been assigned to, even if it means you cannot start the race with your friend.

Half Marathon Participants:

From King Edward Station on Canada Line: It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk to the Runners Compound. Please be mindful of the residents and take the recommended route to the Runners Compound:

- Go South on Cambie St
- Turn left on 29th Ave,
- Turn left on Dinmont Ave,
- Turn right on Peverill Ave.
- Turn right on Ontario.

There will be volunteers and signage to direct you on race morning.

From Oakridge-41st Station on Canada Line: It takes approximately 12-13 minutes to walk to the Runners Compound. Please be mindful of the residents and take the recommended route to the Runners Compound:

- Go North on Cambie St
- Turn right on 37th Ave,
- Turn left on Ontario,

There will be volunteers and signage to direct you on race morning.

Marathon Participants:

From Oakridge-41st Station on Canada Line: It takes approximately 12-13 minutes to walk to the Runners Compound. Please be mindful of the residents and take the recommended route to the Runners Compound:

- Go North on Cambie St
- Turn right on 37th Ave,
- Turn left on Ontario,

There will be volunteers and signage to direct you on race morning.

Tip:  wear an old long-sleeved shirt or hoodie that you don’t care about that will keep you warm before the start of the race.  You can discard it at the start line and we will donate it to a local non-profit.  That way you won’t need to deal with picking it up at the end of the day.  However, if you prefer, we will have Gear Check at the start of the race that can be retrieved at the end of your race.

The bib number search is active since April 25, 2013. You can search by clicking here

http://www.sportstats.ca/confirmCompactBib.xhtml?racecode=104227

You will need your First Name and Last Name.

If you are looking for a Kid Bib Search, here is the link

http://www.sportstats.ca/confirmCompactBib.xhtml?racecode=104245

There will be no race package pickup on race day.

Canada line Southbound starts at 4:48am from Waterfront station. Canada line Northbound starts at 5:02am from YVR and 5:07am from Richmond-Brighouse.

More info on http://www.translink.ca/en/Schedules-and-Maps/SkyTrain.aspx

While there is space available, you may switch your Marathon entry to a Half Marathon entry.  However, the difference will not be refunded. Switching online will be turned off mid April 2013. A $10 administration fee will be applied to all changes.

While there is space available, you may switch from the Half Marathon to the Marathon but you will be charged the difference. Switching online will be turned off mid April 2013

A $10 administration fee will also be applied to all changes.

Please send an email with your full name and confirmation number along with your existing and new estimated finish time to: registration@vanmarathon.ca

Review your time and update it no later than by April 21, 2013. After this date, if you wish to change your estimated finish time, there will be no guarantee it can be done. You will need to come to the Solution Desk on Thursday, Friday or Saturday before Race Day.

Based on your training, you should know your Estimated Finish Line. If it is your first event or are uncertain, you can use a free calculator here:

http://runningmagazine.ca/calculators/

The Vancouver Marathon would like to advise residents and business owners of temporary road closures and traffic control measures to accommodate the event on Sunday May 5, 2013. Expected hours of peak traffic impact are as follows.

Traffic control personnel will also be stationed at major intersections and access points along the race route to safely manage and redirect traffic. Motorists are asked to avoid travel during the impacted hours and consider alternative times for local trips. Motorist that need to travel during these times are advised to plan ahead for potential delays and stoppages on the affected route.

Rolling Road Closures/Opening

With both a marathon (42 km) and a half marathon (21 km) covering the city on Sunday, May 5th, the races will follow a rolling closure/open protocol. This means that the roads will NOT be closed for the entire duration of the races. Some will open and close earlier than others. In order to fulfill our agreement with the City of Vancouver and our community neighbourhoods, runners will be required to maintain a minimum pace to ensure roads are reopened as promised by a certain time.

Please review these pace times/locations as below. If you are falling behind these minimum paces, you will be provided with three warnings after which time you will be asked to leave the race. A sweep vehicle will pick you up and remove your bib. We understand that this may be disappointing, however, we have been given permission to use our roads only under these conditions. Thank you for your understanding.

Rolling Road Closures/Opening

With both a marathon (42.2 km) and a half marathon (21.1 km) covering the city on Sunday, May 5, the races will follow a rolling closure/open protocol. This means that the roads will NOT be closed for the entire duration of the races. Some will open and close earlier than others. In order to fulfill our agreement with the City of Vancouver and our community neighbourhoods, runners will be required to maintain a minimum pace to ensure roads are reopened as promised by a certain time.

Please review these pace times/locations below. If you are falling behind these minimum paces, you will be provided with three warnings after which time you will be asked to leave the race. A sweep vehicle will pick you up and remove your bib. We understand that this may be disappointing, however, we have been given permission to use our roads only under these conditions. Thank you for your understanding.

Course Sweep Times

BMO Vancouver Marathon and Half Marathon participants and spectators are encouraged to use the Canada Line to make it to the Start Line in Queen Elizabeth Park (For half marathon participants, we recommend exiting at King Edward Station. For the marathon participants, we recommend exiting at Oakridge Station. See maps here.)

Canada Line will begin operating at its regular time (first train from Waterfront Station is at 4:48 a.m. and first train from Richmond Brighouse is at 5:02 a.m.) and will provide additional service for crowds to the start of the race. It will then resume its regular Sunday service after 7:45am.

- There will be no early start for SkyTrain’s Expo and Millennium Lines (first train from King George Station at 7:08) as well as Seabus (first ferry from Lonsdale Quay at 8:02 a.m.). Regular Sunday service is offered..

- Passengers are reminded that there will be some bus reroutes in the evening on Saturday, May 4, 2013 as event organizers set up the race route. On race day, (May 5, 2013), passengers are reminded that there will be intermittent traffic delays on Oak, Cambie and Granville streets.

Transit times/schedule can be found on http://www.translink.ca/en/Schedules-and-Maps/SkyTrain.aspx

There will be portable toilets located at the Start and Finish areas, as well as at each Aid Station on the course at every mile. There are also public toilets in Queen Elizabeth Park, Pacific Spirit Park, Spanish Banks, Jericho Beach, Kitsilano Beach, English Bay and in Stanley Park at 2nd Beach, 3rd Beach, Lumberman’s Arch and the Totem Poles near Brockton Point.

The race director prohibits the use of these devices for the runners safety and the safety of those around them. There is no risk of disqualification for simple use, however, if a runner puts themselves or other runners at risk through an unsafe act that the board of directors determine was caused directly or indirectly through the use of a prohibited item, the race directors reserve the right to disqualify the runner.

If you need to drop out for any reason, look for a volunteer or report to the nearest medical aid station (after every water station). Your information will be forwarded to the finish area. If you have not completed the whole course, don’t go through the finish chutes.

Yes. Pace Bunnies (Pacers) will be located in the appropriate corrals at the start of the race and will be running 10 minutes and walking 1 minute (10′s and 1′s) on both races. Each Pace Bunny will run even splits (every km will be run in the same amount of time); by following your Pace Bunny, you should be able to cross the line with a better finish time.

• Half-Marathon Pace Times: 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:15, 2:30, 2:30.
• Marathon Pace Times: 3:30, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:45, 3:50, 4:00, 4:00, 4:15, 4:15, 4:30, 4:40, 4:45, 5:00

Yes! In addition to the hoots and hollers and support of the 37 aid stations (25 Full/12 half), there will be multiple locations on the course between the Aid Stations with entertainment and/or cheering from local and international artists, clubs, neighborhood associations, non-profits, and many MANY more local businesses/organizations (too many to list here) to keep you moving and motivated until you cross the Finish Line! If you’d like more information on how to get involved please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator by email: community@bmovanmarathon.ca

There will be a medical tent located at the Start area, a medical tent at the Finish area, as well as multiple stations on course.  As in years past, there will be medical stations along the marathon and half-marathon courses in regular intervals at specific aid stations. Please refer to the course map for exact locations. Please note: if you have a pre-existing medical condition, please indicate this on the back of your race bib (in waterproof ink) in case of a medical emergency.

All participants will receive a commemorative medal and a participant shirt.

Yes! The BMO Vancouver Marathon official souvenir merchandise will be provided by Saucony. Come by the Expo for a range of official souvenir merchandise for sale.

As in previous years, and like many of the major marathons in N. America, Marathon Foto will be taking photos during the event as well as immediately after. If you want to arrange for your photo, be sure to stop by their booth at the Expo on May 2-4, or order online following the event.

Corrals are designated start areas designed to provide a smooth and fast start for our marathon and half-marathon events. This will ensure that the event is spaced safely ensuring no line-ups at aid stations throughout the course. Corrals are assigned by estimated finish times provided at registration.

The use of strollers, bicycles, inline skates, pets and elite pacing are strictly prohibited. The right to disqualify runners who fail to comply with these regulations is at the sole and exclusive decision of the board of directors of the Vancouver International Marathon Society (VIMS).

If you are at a different running level than your friend, then your estimated finish time will be different than your friend’s estimated finish time.  In order to respect the other 14,998 runners in the race (so that everyone is not held-up at the Aid Stations, etc), it is essential that you start the race in the corral number that you have been assigned to, even if it means you cannot start the race with your friend.

The Vancouver Marathon would like to advise residents and business owners of temporary road closures and traffic control measures to accommodate the event on Sunday May 5, 2013. Expected hours of peak traffic impact are as follows.

Traffic control personnel will also be stationed at major intersections and access points along the race route to safely manage and redirect traffic. Motorists are asked to avoid travel during the impacted hours and consider alternative times for local trips. Motorist that need to travel during these times are advised to plan ahead for potential delays and stoppages on the affected route.

Rolling Road Closures/Opening

With both a marathon (42 km) and a half marathon (21 km) covering the city on Sunday, May 5th, the races will follow a rolling closure/open protocol. This means that the roads will NOT be closed for the entire duration of the races. Some will open and close earlier than others. In order to fulfill our agreement with the City of Vancouver and our community neighbourhoods, runners will be required to maintain a minimum pace to ensure roads are reopened as promised by a certain time.

Please review these pace times/locations as below. If you are falling behind these minimum paces, you will be provided with three warnings after which time you will be asked to leave the race. A sweep vehicle will pick you up and remove your bib. We understand that this may be disappointing, however, we have been given permission to use our roads only under these conditions. Thank you for your understanding.

Rolling Road Closures/Opening

With both a marathon (42.2 km) and a half marathon (21.1 km) covering the city on Sunday, May 5, the races will follow a rolling closure/open protocol. This means that the roads will NOT be closed for the entire duration of the races. Some will open and close earlier than others. In order to fulfill our agreement with the City of Vancouver and our community neighbourhoods, runners will be required to maintain a minimum pace to ensure roads are reopened as promised by a certain time.

Please review these pace times/locations below. If you are falling behind these minimum paces, you will be provided with three warnings after which time you will be asked to leave the race. A sweep vehicle will pick you up and remove your bib. We understand that this may be disappointing, however, we have been given permission to use our roads only under these conditions. Thank you for your understanding.

Course Sweep Times

If you need to drop out for any reason, look for a volunteer or report to the nearest medical aid station (after every water station). Your information will be forwarded to the finish area. If you have not completed the whole course, don’t go through the finish chutes.

All discarded clothing will be picked up off the start line and donated to a local non-profit at the end of the day. Gear Check is available at the start line and will be available in your corresponding corral and is encouraged to be used prior to the start. The trucks will transport your checked clothing/ bags to the Expo at Canada Place and be stored there until the end of event (5pm). Until 4:30pm there will be a lost and found and can be checked to make sure that no one has left their wallet or keys behind. At 5pm all clothing will be loaded into bags or boxes that will be picked up by a local non-profit. Lost and Found items that are non-clothing like items (wallet, keys, GPS) will be brought back to the VIMS office. VIMS does not take any responsibility for the condition of these found items.

All participants will receive a commemorative medal and a participant shirt.

Yes! The BMO Vancouver Marathon official souvenir merchandise will be provided by Saucony. Come by the Expo for a range of official souvenir merchandise for sale.

As in previous years, and like many of the major marathons in N. America, Marathon Foto will be taking photos during the event as well as immediately after. If you want to arrange for your photo, be sure to stop by their booth at the Expo on May 2-4, or order online following the event.

The Vancouver International Marathon Society strongly encourages participants to use transit or carpool whenever possible.  It’s FREE and you will avoid alot of traffic congestion (as well as not be the cause of it). However, there are more than a dozen parking facilities around the finish area and Expo at Canada Place and the downtown core. All of these parking areas will be open and accessible from multiple access points (Hastings, Pender, Water St, Burrard St) all day throughout the duration of the event. Additionally, parking is available around the start line within the park (access from 37th ave via Main St) or at several points along the Canada Line (Oakridge Mall, King Edward). Parking will not be allowed in the residential neighborhoods adjacent to the park and start area, nor on Cambie.  All volunteers and participants must obey all City traffic postings and Bylaws.

On race day, after the race, you can purchase your photos at the Expo at Canada Place at the MarathonFoto booth, the Official Race Photographer.  After race day, visit marathonfoto.com to find and purchase your photos.

Open to the public (your family and friends), an Awards Ceremony will be held on the main stage inside the Expo at Canada Place.

Timing results will be posted as soon as possible after the race.

You can meet your family/ friends/ support crew at the designated Meeting Area just outside the runner’s compound. The area will be well marked and volunteers will be there to assist you.

After you cross the finish line, you will be moved through to the Runner’s Compound which is a fenced area with food and beverages for participants only. Outside of the fenced area, you can make your way to the STREET FESTIVAL where all your friends and family will be watching and cheering on! Find entertainment, awards, the results tent, photography, and family area and much more. Check out more here

All Marathon Half-Marathon and 8 Km participants who finish the race will receive a medal.

The Vancouver Marathon would like to advise residents and business owners of temporary road closures and traffic control measures to accommodate the event on Sunday May 5, 2013. Expected hours of peak traffic impact are as follows.

Traffic control personnel will also be stationed at major intersections and access points along the race route to safely manage and redirect traffic. Motorists are asked to avoid travel during the impacted hours and consider alternative times for local trips. Motorist that need to travel during these times are advised to plan ahead for potential delays and stoppages on the affected route.

Rolling Road Closures/Opening

With both a marathon (42 km) and a half marathon (21 km) covering the city on Sunday, May 5th, the races will follow a rolling closure/open protocol. This means that the roads will NOT be closed for the entire duration of the races. Some will open and close earlier than others. In order to fulfill our agreement with the City of Vancouver and our community neighbourhoods, runners will be required to maintain a minimum pace to ensure roads are reopened as promised by a certain time.

Please review these pace times/locations as below. If you are falling behind these minimum paces, you will be provided with three warnings after which time you will be asked to leave the race. A sweep vehicle will pick you up and remove your bib. We understand that this may be disappointing, however, we have been given permission to use our roads only under these conditions. Thank you for your understanding.

There will be no race package pickup on race day.

Package pickup is located at the Health, Sports and Lifestyle at Canada Place. Pick up your package anytime during expo hours prior to race day.

Expo Hours/Package Pickup Hours:

• Thursday: May 2, 2013 4:00pm – 8:00pm
• Friday: May 3, 2013 11:00am – 8:00pm
• Saturday: May 4, 2013 10:00am – 5:00pm

Please bring your bib number and picture id.

Please bring your registration confirmation (including Bib Number) and picture ID.

The Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo is an opportunity for runners and the public to come and check out new products on the market, sample food and learn about living healthy. More to be announced!

The expo is free entrance to the public. It is open to everyone, not just participants, to come out and enjoy.

The Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo will be located at Canada Place in the Vancouver Convention Center East (the host of Marathon weekend).
2013 Expo Hours*:

Thursday, May 2nd 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday, May 3rd, 11:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday, May 4th, 10:00am – 5:00pm
* Subject to change

TBA

Application for exhibitors is available HERE.  Or for further questions contact the Expo coordinator at expo@vanmarathon.ca

TBA

TBA

2012 Exhibitor list (pdf)

2013 Exhibitor list to come.

No, the RUN4HOPE race day benefits are reserved for Official Charity Runners who have raised the $1000 minimum.

Our Charity Partner pays us 10% of the total amount donated for cost recovery (transaction fees, operational costs…etc)

Yes! Go into “Edit My Registration” (link to come) and sign up to be a Charity Runner. Send us an email to community@vanmarathon.ca to let us know you’ve made the switch and we will refund your original registration fee within 21 days.

As our charity partners include both non-profit societies as well as registered charities, whether or not you receive a tax receipt depends on the organization you donated to. Click on the name of the charity to see details listed on the charity’s website. For charities where tax receipts are applicable, they are issued after the Marathon event.

Definitely! You can make a donation on the Donate Now page. Feel free to share the Donate Now page with family and friends who may also want to donate to a great cause.

No, all fundraising must be done prior to race day to facilitate the enhanced race day experience.

Charity pays a $400 cost recovery fee per Charity Runner to cover the costs involved in the program.

You will be contacted by your chosen charity to get your fundraising page set-up and started! Also expect a welcome package in the email from us with your RUN4HOPE tech training shirt.

Yes, all volunteers are required to register in order to volunteer. Registration is available online on our official website www.bmovanmarathon.ca under the volunteer section.

You will receive an email or phone confirmation as a notification after your application has been reviewed following completion of the registration.

No. To keep our event secure and safe for all participants, volunteers and spectators, we require all volunteers to pick up their own packages.   You need to show your own picture ID when picking up your volunteer package. Captains and Zone Leaders are the only ones that may be allowed to collect volunteer packages as approved and assigned by the Vancouver International Marathon Society.

The volunteer package pickup location will depend on your role. Instructions will be sent via email.

The Expo is located at the Vancouver Convention Centre East at Canada Place.

No, there will be no volunteer registration on race day.

Yes. Maps are included in the volunteer package. Extra copies will be available at the event. To get the most out of the event, be sure to familiarize yourself with the Course, Start, Finish and Expo locations. There are many changes from last year’s event.

The marathon and half marathon will start on Midlothian Avenue adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Park and Nat Bailey stadium.

We encourage all volunteers to take transit if possible. If you require parking facilities please review the options online near your volunteer post. All volunteers and participants must adhere to all City traffic postings and bylaws, including pay parking which will be in effect during race day as regulated by the City of Vancouver.

Please note: Transit times/schedule can be found on translink.ca. The Canada Line will operate at normal levels of service and start times (with no increased frequency). Check translink.ca for transit times. Please note, there will be no early transit service on Skytrain and the SeaBus on race day. You can pick up a free transit ticket at the Expo. The ticket will need to be validated at the transit station before boarding the train.  Please plan ahead and arrange your own transportation to the Canada Line.

Road closures begin at midnight on race day.

Medical stations will be located at regular intervals on both courses. Additionally, there will be a tent at the Start and a large medical station at the Finish. Please refer to the course map for exact locations.

Please note: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please indicate this on the registration application form in case of a medical emergency.

Aid stations offer runners water, electrolyte drinks and energy gels.

Aid stations will be placed at regular intervals on both courses. Water and electrolyte sports drinks will be available at each station. Energy gels will also be available. Please check our website www.bmovanmarathon.ca and our course maps for exact locations.

Yes, markers appear at every kilometer and every mile.

No, there will be no shower facilities available.

Yes!  There will be entertainment on the course provided at key locations. Check out our community music challenge program at www.bmovanmarathon.ca

All volunteers are responsible for the safe keeping and return of all the equipment provided during the event. You will receive instructions from your captain regarding the pickup and return locations for equipment and supplies.

Yes. The awards ceremony will be held at the main stage inside the Expo at Vancouver Convention Centre East. It is optional to attend however you may not want to miss out the fun.

Official souvenir merchandise will be sold at the health, sports and lifestyle Expo!  Come by the Expo to view a range of official souvenir merchandise.

For the safety of volunteers and participants, age restrictions are in place for the Marathon and Half Marathon.  Volunteers must be 18 years or older on race day.

The Vancouver International Marathon Society will accept volunteers under 18 years of age ONLY if the child is accompanied and supervised by their parent or guardian at all times while working together in the same area during the event. Vancouver Marathon is NOT responsible for looking after or managing children who are unaccompanied by their parent or guardian. Children without a parent or guardian will not be permitted on any site.

All school groups with students under 18 years must assign their own respective teacher from the same class or from within the same school to supervise the students at all times.

Yes!  The BMO Vancouver Marathon course is AIMS certified and is therefore a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Please bring your picture ID. Please leave all valuables at home.

Due to safety concerns, all music players are prohibited during a volunteer shift.

Yes, please visit our volunteer section to see and read the Guidelines.

If you do not receive an email confirmation after completing the online volunteer registration, do not panic, kindly check your Spam or Junk Folder. Please do not try to go back into the system and re-register again until you have contacted us at 604-872-2928 to verify that you are not registered.

When managing or supervising children under the age of 18 years old. A Police Records Check is required for any person(s) working with children, a person or organization responsible for the well-being of children under the age of 18. This is a requirement needed to proof that anyone entrusted with the responsibility of looking after vulnerable persons due to their age, a disability, or other circumstances, whether temporary or permanent, do not pose a risk and are in a position to be trusted, provide care and offer supervision as is authorized under the Criminal Records Act.