FAQ

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.