Vancouver and the surrounding Lower Mainland offer running events throughout the year, from major road races and half marathons to trail competitions, charity runs, themed fun runs and children’s races. The calendar includes events for experienced runners as well as people looking for a more casual way to get active.
Lower Mainland Marathons, 10K Runs & Other Running Races
The Lower Mainland’s running scene covers a wide range of terrain and distances. Downtown streets, waterfront paths, parks, mountain trails and neighbourhood routes all serve as courses for different races. Some events attract thousands of participants, while smaller races offer a more intimate setting.
The 2026 calendar includes well-known races such as the Vancouver Sun Run, Vancouver Marathon, Vancouver Historic Half and Terry Fox Runs, along with seasonal events such as the Big Pirate Run, Rubber Ducky Race and Big Elf Run.
January
Vancouver Chilly Chase
The Vancouver Chilly Chase starts the year’s racing calendar with 5K, 10K and half marathon distances around False Creek. The 2026 race takes place on January 25, with the course beginning in the Olympic Village area.
For the event’s official website, visit tryevents.ca.
February
Fort Langley Historic Half
The Fort Langley Historic Half provides several distance options, including a 5K, 10K and half marathon. The race takes place in Fort Langley on February 22 in 2026.
Click tryevents.ca for the event’s official website.
March
Vancouver Chocolate Run
The Vancouver Chocolate Run brings a sweet theme to Stanley Park. Participants can choose between 5K, 10K and half marathon distances. The 2026 race is scheduled for March 7.
For more information about this event, visit tryevents.ca.
Shamrock ‘n Race
The Shamrock ‘n Race offers 5K, 7-mile and half marathon distances around Burnaby Lake. The 2026 race is scheduled for March 15.
Visit tryevents.ca for full details about this event.
Big 80’s Run
The Big 80’s Run, another themed event in the Big Fun Run Series, is not taking place in 2026, but it might again next year.
To learn more, see the Vancouver’s Best Places website or visit bigfunrunseries.com.
April
Big Easter Run
The Big Easter Run is a social, Easter-themed event at Jericho Beach. The race offers a family-friendly atmosphere and takes place over the Easter long weekend on April 4, 2026.
Click bigfunrunseries.com for the event’s official website.
Vancouver Sun Run
The Vancouver Sun Run is one of the city’s largest annual running events. The 10K course passes through parts of downtown Vancouver, including areas around English Bay and False Creek, while spectators gather along the route to support participants. The 2026 Sun Run takes place on April 19.
May
Vancouver Marathon Weekend
The Vancouver International Marathon is one of the city’s major running events. The 2026 race begins at Queen Elizabeth Park on May 3 and includes a marathon, half marathon and 8K run. There’s also a 2.5K run for kids on May 2.
Run for Women
The Run for Women at UBC’s Wesbrook Village combines fundraising with several participation options. The May 9 event includes 5K and 10K walk/run routes along with a 1K Little Steps run for children, supporting the BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre Foundation.
Longest Day Road Race
The Longest Day Road Race takes place at UBC on May 29 and raises funds for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
Big Jungle Run
The Big Jungle Run, another family-oriented fun run at Burnaby Lake Park, is not scheduled for 2026.
For information about the event in general, see the Vancouver’s Best Places website or visit bigfunrunseries.com.
June
RBC Run for the Kids
The RBC Run for the Kids supports the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. The June 7 event includes 2K and 5K fundraising routes.
Seek the Peak
Seek the Peak provides a point-to-point challenge from Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver to Grouse Mountain. The 2026 race takes place on June 13.
Father’s Day Walk/Run
The Father’s Day Walk/Run features 2K, 5K and 10K options around Burnaby Lake. The June 21 event supports the BC Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Vancouver Half Marathon
The Vancouver Half Marathon returns on June 28, 2026, with 5K and half marathon distances. The event was formerly known as the Scotiabank Half Marathon.
July
Vancouver Pride Run
The Vancouver Pride Run is part of the Vancouver Pride Festival and welcomes members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and others who want to participate. The 2026 run takes place on July 26.
August
Big Superhero Run
The Big Superhero Run, a family-oriented Richmond event in the Big Fun Run Series, is not taking place in 2026. The event normally begins at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
For general details about the event, check out the Vancouver’s Best Places website or visit bigfunrunseries.com.
September
Coho Run
The Coho Run takes place at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver on September 13. Participants can choose from 1K, 5K and 10K distances.
Big Pirate Run
The Big Pirate Run brings a family-friendly theme to Garry Point Park in Richmond. The September 19 event offers a playful approach to running.
Terry Fox Runs
Terry Fox Runs take place at multiple locations throughout the Lower Mainland on September 20. Stanley Park is among the venues included in the regional series, along with Port Coquitlam which hosts the Terry Fox Hometown Run.
October
Granville Island Turkey Trot
The Granville Island Turkey Trot offers a Thanksgiving-themed 10K run, walk or stroll on October 12. A shorter 1.1K children’s race is also part of the event.
Rubber Ducky Race
The Rubber Ducky Race returns to Burnaby Lake Regional Park on October 18. The event features 5K, 7-mile and half marathon distances.
Big Halloween Run
The Big Halloween Run, formerly part of the Big Fun Run Series and held around Olympic Village and the False Creek Seawall, is not happening in 2026.
For what to expect when the event returns, see the Vancouver’s Best Places website or visit bigfunrunseries.com.
November
Boundary Bay Marathon
The Boundary Bay Marathon begins at Boundary Bay Park’s Centennial Beach on November 1. The event offers several distances, including 5K, 10K, half marathon, Boston-qualifying marathon and a four-person marathon relay.
Vancouver Historic Half
The Vancouver Historic Half returns to Stanley Park on November 29. Participants can choose between 5K, 10K and half marathon options, with routes travelling around the Stanley Park seawall.
December
Big Elf Run
The Big Elf Run closes out the 2026 running calendar on December 12. The festive event includes 1K, 5K, 10K and 15K routes, with participants receiving a complimentary elf toque.
Other Information
Dates and details regarding any of the events above are subject to change. For the latest information about any of the runs, visit official event websites.
To learn about even more running events happening in the Lower Mainland region, visit the Vancouver’s Best Places website.
Another website you might also like is VancouverSportsEvents.ca.