Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver Marathon

Sunday, May 3, 2026
Mostly Flat
Open Registration

Course Profile

Difficulty
Mostly Flat
Terrainroad
Elevation Gain160m
Elevation Loss160m

Scenic course through Vancouver's diverse neighborhoods. Mostly flat with some rolling hills. The Stanley Park section provides a challenging finish.

Typical Weather

Temperature9°C - 16°C
Humiditymoderate

Mild spring weather. Can be overcast or sunny. Occasional light rain possible. Generally comfortable running conditions.

Registration

Entry TypeOpen Registration
Typically HeldFirst Sunday in May

Open registration with early bird pricing. No lottery or qualification required. Boston qualifying race. Multiple distances available.

Official Website

What Makes This Race Special

  • 1
    Run through Stanley Park, one of North America's largest urban parks
  • 2
    Stunning mountain and ocean views
  • 3
    Pass beaches, forests, and urban neighborhoods
  • 4
    Spring timing with mild Pacific Northwest weather
  • 5
    Finish at Canada Place with harbor views

The Vancouver Marathon showcases one of the world's most beautiful cities, with a course that winds through urban neighborhoods, along the Pacific Ocean, and through the magnificent Stanley Park. With mountains on one side and ocean on the other, the scenery alone makes Vancouver unforgettable.

The Course

The course explores Vancouver's diverse landscape, from the beaches of English Bay to the forests of Stanley Park. While not pancake-flat, the rolling terrain never becomes truly difficult, and the scenery more than compensates for any extra effort.

Ocean, Mountains, and Forest

The course passes through Vancouver's best features:

  • Queen Elizabeth Park (Start) - Highest point in Vancouver
  • Cambie Street (miles 1-3) - Urban running
  • Kitsilano Beach (miles 7-10) - Ocean views
  • Spanish Banks (miles 11-13) - Beach running
  • UBC (turnaround) - University area
  • Stanley Park (miles 22-25) - Forest trails and seawall
  • Coal Harbour (mile 26) - Downtown waterfront
  • Canada Place (Finish) - Vancouver's iconic landmark

Stanley Park Challenge

The Stanley Park section in the final miles is both a highlight and a challenge. Running the famous seawall with ocean views on one side and forest on the other is magical, but the rolling terrain can be difficult on tired legs.

Why Vancouver?

Vancouver consistently ranks among the world's most livable cities, and the marathon showcases why. The combination of ocean, mountains, urban culture, and natural beauty creates a running experience unlike any other.

The May timing also means pleasant spring temperatures and the beginning of Vancouver's gorgeous summer season.

Getting In

Vancouver uses straightforward open registration:

  • Registration opens approximately 8 months before race day
  • No lottery or qualification required
  • Early registration pricing available
  • Boston Marathon qualifying race
  • Multiple distances including marathon, half marathon, 8K

Race Day Tips

  • The start at QE Park is elevated - Enjoy the downhill, but pace wisely
  • Kitsilano views are distracting - In the best possible way
  • Stanley Park is challenging late in the race - Save something for the hills
  • The seawall finish is beautiful - Enjoy it despite the fatigue
  • Weather can change - Pacific Northwest conditions can be variable

Train for Vancouver Marathon

Get a personalized AI-powered training plan tailored to this course and your fitness level.

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