Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The Vancouver Marathon attracts approximately 4,500 finishers each May through one of the world's most scenic city courses. Runners pass Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge approach, Kitsilano Beach, and the UBC campus with mountain-and-ocean views throughout. May's mild Pacific Northwest spring makes it Canada's premier destination marathon.
Vancouver Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Vancouver Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 May 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
The Vancouver Marathon is a scenic coastal road that starts at Queen Elizabeth Park and finishes at Coal Harbour near the Vancouver Convention Centre. The point-to-point route passes Stanley Park seawall, the Lions Gate Bridge approach, Kitsilano Beach, and Spanish Banks. Flatter corridors and river valleys offer the easiest miles, while the moderate climbs through hills, bridges, or bluffs are the tougher sections once fatigue builds. Spectators gather along the waterfront, at the start-finish festival, and at organised cheer stations on the most scenic coastal stretches.
The Vancouver Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
The Vancouver Marathon does not use a lottery — entry is first-come, first-served through bmovanmarathon.ca and Race Roster. Registration for the May race typically opens the previous December and the marathon distance has sold out in recent years, sometimes within days of opening. There is no waitlist once capacity is reached; RUNVAN advises subscribing to event emails and following @bmovanmarathon for the next registration window.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Vancouver.
The Victoria Marathon attracts approximately 3,500 finishers each October on Vancouver Island's scenic capital course. Runners pass the Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park, and the Dallas Road waterfront with views of the Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. October's mild island autumn and rolling coastal terrain make it one of Canada's most charming marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026
The Seattle Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers on an urban road in Seattle, United States. The course starts at the University of Washington and finishes at Seattle Center near the Space Needle. The route crosses the I-90 bridge to Mercer Island and returns via the Lake Washington Boulevard. Mostly flat with a climb on the I-90 bridge.
Next race: Sunday, 22 November 2026
The Maine Marathon draws approximately 1,600 finishers each October on an urban and coastal road in Portland, United States. Its New England foliage timing is a major part of the event's appeal. The route passes Casco Bay inlets, wooded neighborhood roads, and harbor-facing sections near the peninsula. Casco Bay inlets and wooded neighborhood roads climb near the peninsula harbor, where New England foliage timing adds color to the October miles.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
The Portland Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers on an urban road in Portland, United States. The course starts and finishes at Waterfront Park. The route crosses the Willamette River, passes Powell's Books, and follows the Springwater Corridor. Mostly flat with minor bridge climbs.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
The Eugene Marathon draws about 4,500 finishers each April in Track Town USA, finishing at the historic Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus. The course passes Pre's Trail, the Willamette River, and the city's running-obsessed neighbourhoods. April spring weather and the Hayward Field finish make it a pilgrimage for American running fans.
Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027
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