We’ve been listening to participants, volunteers and the community and the feedback over the last few years was that it was time for something new. The challenge for the Volunteer Design Committee, entirely made up of volunteers such as past Board members, hard core runners and city folks, was to create a signature event that engages participants and the community in a unique way while celebrating our 40 year legacy.

To that end, we have created two exceptional races, showcasing some of Vancouver’s most unique qualities – our charming neighborhoods, our world class parks, our stunning Seawall and our vibrant downtown.

A looped course is the most common found course in running events. It starts and finishes in the same location. It is also logistically the easiest to manage for organizers.  The BMO Vancouver Marathon has primarily been a loop for some 40 years.

A point to point course is not as common, as it starts in one location and ends in another. It provides significant planning for organizers to execute. Generally a point to point course is often looked as being more challenging for organizers, but also provides the opportunity for participants never to repeat the same or similar area of a destination/ city again making the entire running experience unique. Every km will be an experience.

The point to point option was chosen as it provided greater flexibility in course design in Vancouver. It could not have been possible without transit line from the 2011 Olympics, or the countless city, parks board & government agencies that have collaborated for the last 2 years on the project. It will definitely be flatter (only a couple of slight hills), with both routes having net elevation loss (within IAAF guidelines) and therefore it promises to be faster. We also join the ranks of the “Big City” (point to point) Marathons – Boston, New York, London and Los Angeles.  These are iconic runs – and we aspire to offer just as interesting a route, if not even more scenic.

·  2012 features is a whole new running experience; in fact it is two distinct running events. The Half Marathon and the Marathon both are completely separate from the start until the last 2km of both events

·  Half Marathoners will experience something exceptional and different from most events - 21 kms of their OWN SEPERATE unique course.

·  The route designs retained some of the highlights of the previous courses from participant feedback while providing more stunning views of the mountains and ocean or unique places in the city never run before in a major event.

·  We want people to experience the BMO Vancouver Marathon AGAIN for the FIRST time.

·  No doubling back on the route, fewer hills, and both routes have a net elevation loss, making the courses potentially faster.

You can confirm you are registered online under the Confirm Your Registration tab.  If you registered through the Running Room website you must can confirm your registration through Running Room, all Running Room data will be integrated into our system closer to the event.

The Vancouver International Marathon Society is largely a group of volunteers with a few staff that organize the BMO Vancouver Marathon annually for the past 40 years. We are passionate about running, about our volunteers, and the community we live in. Capping registration ensures we can deliver an exceptional experience for all of those stakeholders.

Lastly, we have taken great care in designing two new courses that showcase some of the best of Vancouver. Much of what we do will be to personalize the participant experience. To not limit the race size is neither economically feasible nor logistically sustainable for a non-profit volunteer organization. We want to be able to provide a unique and fun experience year in and year out hence the race caps are to in place ensure we can do that.

No. Race participation totals and caps are based on safety factors so everyone can have a pleasant and safe experience. All products such as water, medals, t-shirts, etc are determined months ahead and calculated for the total number of participants in each event.

Should you register for the Half Marathon then run the Marathon (or vice versa), upon crossing the Finish Line you will not be given a medal. In addition, the timing company will register your time as DNF (Did not finish).

Yes. New for 2012, 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 finishers 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 for the Marathon at 8am. Prior to the start, any participant registered with an anticipated finish time for 3+/6+ hr completion will be in the final corral at the start of the event behind the faster participants. This is done to ensure 3+/6+ hr 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 do not walk abreast and keep to the far right of the road. This will ensure that both walkers and runners can obtain their desired finish times. There is a strict 2:00pm course closure time (8 hour marathon).

Package Pickup is located in the BMO Vancouver Marathon Expo at the Vancouver Convention Center East (at Canada Place) – Room C.  Pick up your package anytime during Expo hours prior to race day (Times subject to change)

·         Thursday: May 3, 2012           4:00 pm - 800 pm

·         Friday: May 4, 2012                 11:00 am - 8:00pm

·         Saturday: May 5, 2012            10:00 am - 5:00pm

·         Sunday: May 6, 2012               7:00am – 4:30pm (No Package Pickup)

No, there will be no race package pick up or registration on race day.

Please bring your registration confirmation, and picture ID. 

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.

No refunds, exchanges, rollovers, or deferrals. Entries to the BMO Vancouver Marathon are NOT Transferable. Entries once purchased may also NOT be resold, exchanged or given to another person. Doing so is neither practical nor appropriate for an event of our size. At the Expo we require Photo ID. In some cases we will require the person picking up the registration to sign a legal document. And, the Vancouver International Marathon Society reserves the right to suspend any entry if there is evidence of a transfer.

While the event still has space you may switch from the Marathon to the Half Marathon (but you will not be refunded the registration fee difference).  You may switch from the Half Marathon to the Marathon (but you will be required to pay the registration fee difference based on the prices at the time of the switch). All switch’s must be done my April first and based on space availability.

When our event sells out we order shirts and bibs and other items based on the registration statistics in the data base. Much of what we do is personalized to the runner or walker who registers, including age division considerations, bib names, and the insurance related release each registrant signs. 

All entry fees are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-deferrable.

Online. Extra copies will be available at the BMO Vancouver Marathon Expo. To get the most out of the event, be sure to familiarize yourself with the new course and landmarks. There are many changes from last year’s course.

Yes, markers will appear at every kilometer. Additionally, new in 2012, each aid station will be spaced every mile and will be marked accordingly. The Half Marathon will have aid stations/ markers for miles 1-12. Likewise the full marathon will have aid stations/ markers for miles 1-25. Miles 13 & 26 will be marked, but no aid station will be present at the finish area.

The Marathon and Half Marathon are point to point courses that start at Queen Elizabeth Park on Midlothian Ave near the Hillcrest Community Center & Nat Bailey Stadium for 2012.

New in 2012, Corrals will be used at the start to provide a smooth and fast start for our Marathon and Half Marathon Events. The goal is to keep slower runners from lining up in front of faster runners and to ensure that the event is spaced safely, ensuring no line ups at aid stations throughout the course.  Accordingly, corrals are assigned by expected marathon finish times. Each corral will have a designated gear check designated by your bib # as well as toilets.

We do not make the actual assignment until we are in the process of making our bibs/numbers.  At that time we divide the entrants into corral groupings based on what we then have registered.  Those who miss the cut off are placed in one of the rear corrals.

We have found the system described is standard practice and works in many events and allows these races to have smooth starts and getting everyone underway about 15 to 20 minutes faster than when they did a mass lineup.  

As this is this is the first year we have not had to put in a "qualification" standard that would ask the runner for their time in another event we would be able to verify.  Of course, if we find improper corral jumping and feedback from participants on their experience we will have no alternative but to put such a qualification process in place.

There are more than a dozen parking facilities around the finish area and expo at the Vancouver Convention Center 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 37^th 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. The Vancouver International Marathon Society strongly encourages participants to use transit or carpool whenever possible. All volunteers and participants must obey all City traffic postings and Bylaws.

Yes, main bus lines, SkyTrain routes may be opened earlier on race morning. Skytrain service for the Millennium and Expo lines are TBA. The Canada Line will run on its normal 7 day schedule with the first train leaving Waterfront at 4:50am and will be the main connection from the start and finish areas for participants and volunteers. Check the event website for service confirmation and routes in the weeks prior to the race. Access to race start area via the Canada Line will be from Waterfront to King Edward Skytrain Station. The trip takes approximately 11 minutes. Walking from King Edward Skytrain Station to the start area is about 10 minutes (it’s just over .25km away). There will be volunteers and signage to direct you on race morning.

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.

A rolling closure of roads as well as rolling re-opening will be in effect as in years past. We are very excited to celebrate and share some of the best of Vancouver with our participants, but we also need to be mindful we are guests in all the communities we are bringing both routes through and we must balance the needs of the neighborhood, event, and participant safety.

As in the past, the Vancouver International Marathon Society there will be a strict course closure times for both events. There will be designated check points along the course with authorized course marshals that monitor the 4hr/8hr pace and (notify) participants to ensure completion within the cut off time. Sweep vehicle will be available for pick up if necessary. We thank all participants for their cooperation.

On the Half Marathon route the safety sweep will begin at 9:15 on Beach Ave at the entrance of Stanley Park. You will be asked to move from the road to the sidewalk along the course depending on when the roads are re-opened to traffic in the first 17km. All participants will need to move to the sidewalks to ensure their safety by 9:30am so that a proper sweep of the roads and park can be done prior to vehicle traffic being allowed on Park Drive. At 10:30am roads will be opened to vehicle traffic in Stanley Park.

On the Full Marathon route the safety sweep will begin at 1:00 on the south end of the Burrard Bridge. Moving to the sidewalks will be mandatory in the final hour on the Bridge. All participants must be across the Bridge by 1:30pm. A rolling closure of the marathon course is in effect after 1:30pm

Be familiar with the course, carry a map and if you decide not to finish, please tell a event course marshal. There will be course marshals along the entire race route to provide assistance. 

Yes, there will be Gear Check available at the start area at Queen Elizabeth Park. Gear Check will be available in corresponding corrals in the start area. All of the gear will be transported for the Marathon and Half Marathon events start corrals to a secured area in at the Vancouver Convention Center at Canada Place. There will be a designated area for Gear Check inside the Expo space where you picked up race package. Allow a minimum of 10-15 minutes prior to the race for check in of your gear at Queen Elizabeth Park. Our volunteers will strive to make this a quick process to reduce your pre-race anxiety. Please allow a minimum of 15-20 minutes post-race for the pick up inside the Expo. You will be given a bag to place your gear in. Please mark it with your race number with the label provided. Any runner’s gear not claimed by 5pm on race day will be donated to charity.

All discarded clothing will be picked up off the start line and donated to a local nonprofit 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 down to the Vancouver Convention Centre (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 so that will be picked up by a local nonprofit. 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.

New for 2012, each aid station will be spaced every mile and will be marked accordingly. The Half Marathon will have aid stations at miles 1-12. The marathon will have aid stations at miles 1-25. Miles 13 & 26 will be marked but no aid station will be present due to its proximity to the finish line. Please refer to our course map for exact locations. There are 37 aid stations for 2012 event.

Each aid station will have water and electrolytes (ex: GU Brew, Gatorade, Powerade, etc - TBA), as well as toilets. In addition to the fluids, as in years past, there will be electrolyte gels in regular intervals. Please check the website closer to the event for an update on specific locations.

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.

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 2^nd Beach, 3^rd Beach, Lumberman’s Arch, and the Totem Poles near Brockton Point.

No, there will be no shower facilities available.  However we will provide changing facilities so that you can get into your dry clothes.

Yes! In addition the cheering 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 (to 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: lola@bmovanmarathon.ca

After you cross the Finish line, you will be moved through the Runner’s Compound which is a fenced area for participants only. Follow the other participants to the post food area inside the Runner’s Compound, after receiving your medal, where there will be food and beverages for you. Outside of the fenced area meet with your friends, family and support crew. Gear Check and awards are inside at the Expo at Vancouver Convention Center East (at Canada Place).

Please note that there is no public access to the Runners Compound or return privileges for runners. You may not return to the Finish Line inside the Runner’s Compound as it’s a safety issue. For safety and medical access, we must keep this area cleared of runners.

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.

TBA

Timing results will be posted as soon as possible after the race. More details to come.

Awards ceremony will be held on the main stage inside the Expo at the Vancouver Convention Center (at Canada Place).

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 3-6, or order online following the event.

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

For the safety of participants, age restrictions are in place for the Marathon and Half Marathon. Marathon and Half Marathon participants must be 16 years or older on race day, and have a letter written of consent from their parents/guardians to VIMS if they are between the age of 16-19. Parents/ guardians are urged to ensure that these young runners have the training and pace judgment needed to complete the event comfortably and safely, and can verify their participation in training and/or athletic events that would adequately prepare them for the full and/or half marathon distance.

Yes! As one of the founding members of AIMS (Association of International Marathon and Distance Races), the BMO Vancouver Marathon course is certified by AIMS and IAAF and is therefore a qualifier for the Boston and New York Marathons.

All participants will receive a certificate of completion (downloadable), a commemorative medal, and an event shirt.

Please email us at info@bmovanmarathon.ca for assistance.

The BMO Vancouver Marathon is operated by a non-profit society and every dollar raised goes back into the Society.  Please refer to this link for more detail: http://www.bmovanmarathon.ca/newsletter/articles431.php

New in 2012, there is no longer a 6+ hour category, as there is no early start. Participants will start in waves from their corresponding corrals. Corrals are determined by your general finishing time indicated in registration and will be organized by race number. The final corral is reserved for the 6+ participants and Nordic walkers. The Half/ Full marathon courses are open for 4/8 hours respectively from the starting time. (Ex. 7am-11am for the Half) 

Walking/Nordic poles are permitted in the Marathon and Half Marathon but you will not be eligible for any of the award categories and you must seed yourself at the back corrals to avoid hazard to runners.

As a walker/ Nordic walker you would register through the same interface as runners, simply selecting your expected finish time. For example, if you selected 6:45 for a finishing time you will be placed in the final corral. 

Athletes with racing wheelchairs are permitted in the Half Marathon only. Due to safety reasons with the new 2012 Marathon route wheelchairs will not be allowed. The wheelchair start begins before the general Half Marathon start. Hand-cycles are absolutely prohibited. Indicate you are a wheelchair athlete when you register by contacting VIMS at or call the Vancouver International Marathon Society’s office directly at 604-872-2928. Arrangements will be made to transport participant’s non-racing wheelchair to the finish line. 

Yes! As in 2011 we will have a visually impaired division.

General Description of Sight Classification

From BC Blind Sports - http://www.bcblindsports.bc.ca/graphic/sports/index.htm

·         No light perception in neither eye up to light perception but inability to recognize the shape of a hand at any distance or in any direction.

·         From ability to recognize the shape of a hand up to visual acuity of 2/60 and/or visual field of less than 5 degrees.

·         From visual acuity above 2/60 up to visual acuity of 6/60 and/or a visual field of more than 5 degrees and less than 20 degrees.

Visually impaired participants will require a guide and will be placed in the first corral with elites and VIP for their corresponding race. Indicate you are a visually impaired athlete when you register. Please contact our VIMS at or call the Vancouver International Marathon Society’s office 604-872-2928.

The Vancouver International Marathon Society must ensure a safe and positive experience for every participant. Strollers are not permitted in the BMO Vancouver Marathon Events for insurance and safety reasons. If an accident were to occur between a runner and a stroller, neither party would be covered by our event liability insurance. The BMO Vancouver Marathon is a foot race. For safety and liability reasons all events are limited to registered participants only. Hand cycles, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, skates, pacing and running with dogs are strictly prohibited on the course. Non-compliance with these safety rules will result in disqualification.

Yes! Limited spots are available for the Marathon and Half Marathon. 5,000 spots for the Marathon. 10,000 spots for the Half Marathon

Yes, the pace bunnies are as follows: TBA

The BMO Vancouver Marathon acknowledges that many people like to train and use iPods/iPhnoes/ Mobile phones/ MP3 players/headphones. We love this technology and many of us use them ourselves. And although we are running events on closed courses, BC Athletics, and Athletics Canada have outlined guidelines (available on our website) that discourage the use of these devices on large scale participation events like this primarily for the participant’s safety and the safety of those around them.