This year’s BMO Marathon is looking to be quite the spectacle, having over twenty-two thousand registrants sign up this year. With that many people looking to take part in Canada’s largest marathon since 2018, the event is already sold out due to capacity limits.
The BMO Marathon is a run that many people strive to be able to compete in every year, bringing that number well over 22 000 runners, two thousand more than last year. It’s crazy to think that only thirty-two people completed the run in 1972 when the race first started. The BMO Marathon has been recognized by news outlets all over the world, including Forbes, CNN, and USA Today. It is known for its scenic views, including visible mountain ranges, cherry blossoms in full bloom, and 70% of the course being taken up by shoreline views. Along with traditionally selling out, the marathon also sees runners from 65+ countries come and participate.
(Stirl & Rae Photography / Elites)
Way back in 1972, a man named Tom Howard from Surrey BC, brought a handful of runners to run around Stanley park ten times to complete the first “British Columbia Marathon”. Since then, the event has expanded to allow as many people to participate as possible. It now includes a kids run, an 8km run, and a half marathon as well. The BMO Marathon has seen many famous olympians, Canadians, and international athletes compete and take home the Vancouver Marathon title. The current record holder for the race is Yuki Kawauchi from Canada, who finished the race in an outstanding 2:15:01.
Join in May 3 for our inaugural Meet & Greet event with @kawauchi2019 Yuki Kawauchi, Japan's renowned "Citizen Runner," at the BMO Vancouver Marathon! https://t.co/S3sKjE9MGx pic.twitter.com/w8atbuuYDx
— Vancouver Marathon (@BMOVanMarathon) April 15, 2024
The course has changed a few times over the years, but the path that it is on now is very well known and has been well received from many participants since it changed in 2012. The course starts with a loop around the outside of Queen Elizabeth Park, once that is completed, runners head down to West 49th Ave. After running for six kilometres, contestants will head north and begin their loop along the outside of UBC, before heading towards Spanish Banks, Jericho and Kitsilano beaches. Once completing the first twenty-nine kilometres, runners will head up Burrard St bridge before heading towards the final stretch which is around the Stanley Park Seawall. The race concludes at Downtown Pender Street.
The 2024 BMO Marathon is the biggest marathon Vancouver has ever seen, and has seen back to back record breaking years. The event grew 10% since the last year, and it looks like it will never stop growing.