During the Event
Are portable toilets available along the BMO Vancouver Marathon course?
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.
Can I run with an iPod/headphones?
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.
What if I am unable to finish the race?
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.
Are there Pace Bunnies?
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
Is there on-course entertainment?
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
Where are the Medical/First Aid Stations? Frequency?
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.
What will I receive for participating in the race?
All participants will receive a commemorative medal and a participant shirt.
Are official souvenirs available?
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.
Is there an Official Photographer?
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.
What are Corrals?
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.
What is NOT allowed on the course?
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).
I want to be in the same Corral as my friend, what are my options?
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.
When and where will there be road closures?
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.
Downtown / West End
| May 4th 4pm to 6pm May 5th | FINISH AREA – Thurlow St. from W. Pender St. to W. Cordova St. – CLOSED |
| May 4th4pm to 6pm May 5th | FINISH AREA – W. Hastings St. from Bute St. to Burrard St. – CLOSED |
| May 4th4pm to 6pm May 5th | FINISH AREA – W. Pender St. from Georgia St. to Burrard St. – CLOSED |
| 7:45am-2:15pm | Denman St. from Georgia St. to Seawall – CLOSED / LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY – Bayshore Dr. at Cardero St. |
| 6:45am-8:45am | Dunsmuir Viaduct – CLOSED |
| 7:15am-9:45am | Beach Ave. from Stanley Park to Denman St. – CLOSED |
| 7:00am-12:45pm | Beach Ave. from Denman St. to Jervis St. – ONE E/BOUND LANE CLOSED, W/BOUND LANES OPEN |
| 9:15am-12:45pm | Pacific St. from Burrard St. to Jervis St. – ONE E/BOUND LANE CLOSED, W/BOUND LANES OPEN |
| 7:00am-9:15:am | Beach Ave. from Jervis St. to Granville St. – E/BOUND LANES CLOSED, LOCAL TRAFFIC USE ONLY BEACH AT HOWE ST. |
| 7:00am-9:15am | Granville St. from Beach Ave. to Pacific Blvd.– CLOSEDLOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY USE BEACH AT HOWE ST. |
| 7:00am-9:15am | Pacific St. from Richards St. to Seymour St. -E/BOUND LANES CLOSED |
| 7:00am-9:15am | Pacific Blvd. from Seymour St. to Cambie St. -W/BOUND LANES CLOSED – E/BOUND LANES OPEN |
| 7:00am-9:00am | Homer St. from Pender St. to Robson St. – CLOSED |
| 7:00am-9:15am | Robson St. from Homer St. to Hamilton St. – CLOSED |
| 7:00am-9:15am | Hamilton St. from Robson St. to Smithe St. – CLOSED |
| 7:00am-9:15am | Hamilton St. from Helmcken St. to Smithe St. – CLOSED |
| 7:00am-9:15am | Helmcken St. from Mainland St. to Homer St. – CLOSED |
| 7:00am-9:15am | Mainland St. from Smithe St. to Davie St. – CLOSED |
| 9:00am-12:45pm | Burrard St. Bridge – Cornwall St. to Pacific St. -ONE S/BOUND LANE OPEN – TWO N/BOUND LANES OPEN |
| 7:45am-9:15am | Cambie St. Bridge (N/BOUND) – from W. 2nd Ave. to Pacific Blvd. – CLOSED |
| 7:00am-8:30am | Pacific Blvd. from Nelson St. to Quebec St. – CLOSED |
South Cambie / Oakridge / Fairview
| 6:45am-8:15am | Cambie St. from W. 29thAve. to Pacific Blvd. -N/BOUND LANES CLOSED |
| 7:45am-9:00am | Cambie St. from W. King Edward Ave. to W 49thAve. -S/BOUND LANES CLOSED |
| 6:45am-9:00am | Cambie St. from W. 41st Ave. to W 49th Ave.N/BOUND LANES CLOSED |
| 7:30am-9:00amLOCAL ACCESS | Granville St. from W. 41st Ave. to W. 70thAve. -LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY |
| 7:30am-9:00amLOCAL ACCESS | Oak St. from W 41st Ave.to W 70th Ave. -LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY |
Yaletown / Chinatown
| LOCAL ACCESS | Abbot St. at W. Pender St. – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY |
| 7:00am-8:45am | Quebec St. / Columbia St. from 1st Ave. to E. Pender St. – ALL S/BOUND LANES – CLOSED, ONE N/BOUND LANE – OPEN – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY |
| 7:00am-8:45am | E. Pender St. from Columbia St. to Homer St. -E/BOUND LANES – CLOSED, W/BOUND LANES – OPEN |
| 6:45am-8:45am | Union St. from Main St. to Expo Blvd. – CLOSED |
Stanley Park
| 6:00am-10:30am | All roads in Stanley Park – CLOSED (causeway open) |
| 9:00am-12:00pm | Stanley Park Seawall, Second Beach to Children’s Waterpark – FULL CLOSURE |
Rilley Park / Queen Elizabeth Park / Hillcrest
| May 4th 10:00pm to 10:00am May 5th | START AREAMidlothian Ave. from 29th Ave. to Ontario St. – CLOSED |
| Midnight to NoonLOCAL ACCESS | 33rdAve. at Main St. – CLOSEDLOCAL ACCESS to Hillcrest Community Centre / Residents Main at 30th Ave. |
| 6:45am-9:00am | W 29th Ave. from Cambie St. to Midlothian Ave. – CLOSED |
| 5:00am-9:00amPARK ACCESS | Queen Elizabeth Park – Main St. at 37th Ave.. |
| 5:00am-9:00am LOCAL ACCESS | Cambie St. to Main St., from King Edward Ave. to 41st – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY |
UBC / Endowment Lands/Pacific Spirit Park/Dunbar/Southlands/Kerrisdale
| 7:45am-9:30am | W. 49thAve. from SW Marine Dr. to Cambie St. –W/BOUND LANES CLOSED |
| 8:00am-9:45am | SW. Marine Dr. from Camosun St. to 49thAve. –W/BOUND LANES CLOSED |
| 8:00am-9:45am | W. 41st Ave. from Crown St. to Camosun St. / SW. Marine Dr. – CLOSED |
| 8:00am-10:00am | Camosun St. from 29th Ave. to SW Marine Dr. – CLOSED |
| 8:00am-10:15am | W 29th Ave. from Imperial Dr. to Camosun St. – CLOSED |
| 8:15am-10:15am | Imperial Dr. from W 16th Ave. to W 29th Ave, – CLOSED |
| 8:15am-10:15am | W. 16thAve. from Imperial Dr. to Westbrook Mall -E/BOUND TRAFFIC CLOSED |
| 8:15am-10:15am | SW. Marine Dr. to Westbrook Mall-W/BOUND TRAFFIC CLOSED |
| 8:30am-10:30am | Blanca St. from 16th Ave. to 10th Ave. – CLOSED |
| 8:30am-11:00am | NW./SW. Marine Dr. from Chancellor Blvd. to W. 16th Ave. – N/BOUND LANES CLOSED |
| LOCAL ACCESS | 41st Ave. & Dunbar St. – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY |
Point Grey/Kitsilano
| 8:30am-11:45am | NW. Marine Dr. from Chancellor Blvd. to 4th Ave. -CLOSED |
| 8:30am-12:00pm | Belmont Ave. from NW Marine Dr. to Discovery St. – CLOSED |
| 8:45am-11:30amPARK ACCESS | Belmont Ave. & Marine Dr. – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY |
| 8:30am-12:00pm | Discovery St. from NW Marine Dr. to Jericho – CLOSED |
| 8:45am-12:00pm | W. 4thAve. from NW Marine Dr. to Highbury St. -ONE W/BOUND LANE CLOSED, E/BOUND LANES OPEN |
| 8:45am-12:00pmLOCAL ACCESS | W. 4th Ave. at Trimble St. – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY |
| 9:00am-12:00pm | Highbury St. from Point Grey Rd. to W. 4th Ave. – CLOSED |
| 9:45am-11:45pmLOCAL ACCESS | W. 2nd Ave. at Highbury St. – LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY |
| 9:00am-12:15pm | Point Grey Rd. from Highbury St. to Trafalgar St.–E/BOUND LANES CLOSED |
| 9:00am-12:30pm | Cornwall St. from Chestnut St. to Cypress St. –ONE W/BOUND LANE CLOSED, E/BOUND LANES OPEN |
| 9:00am-12:30pm | Cornwall Ave. from Trafalgar St. to Arbutus St. -W/BOUND LANES CLOSED, E/BOUND LANES OPEN |
| 9:00am-12:30pm | Arbutus St. from Cornwall St., to Ogden via McNicol to Maple, Ogden, Ogden from Maple to Chestnut – CLOSED |
| 9:00am-12:30pmMARINA ACCESS | Whyte Ave. & Chestnut St. – Marina Access only via Cypress St. |
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.
Can I walk?
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.
follow
friend 