Whether you’re a seasoned runner completing another marathon or trying your first 5K, our beautiful province, British Columbia, offers racing events year-round, from scenic trail runs to big-city road races in Metro Vancouver.
Sanctioned races in Vancouver BC
A sanctioned race is approved by BC Athletics and follows national rules for safety and fairness. This includes having medical support, insurance coverage for the event, and results are officially timed and ranked.
If a race isn’t sanctioned, it may still be well-run, but it may not be following the same standards.
A Fun Run, or Charity Walk, in which no times are recorded, no results published, and everyone receives equal reward no matter how quick they are, is not considered a race, and hence doesn’t need to be sanctioned.
Additionally, a course certification is needed to prove that the length and elevation of the course is measured correctly. This is important for runners who want to use their results to qualify for world marathon majors like the Boston Marathon.
Size of the Race
BC races range from 50-runner trail events to big road races like the Vancouver Sun Run, which draws 50,000+ people.
The size of the race can affect:
- How crowded the course feels
- How much on-course support is available
- The overall vibe (competitive vs. community-focused)
Nutrition Considerations
Most races offer aid stations every 3 – 5 km, depending on the course and distance. Aid stations may include fluids, electrolytes, and/or high carb snacks (ie. energy gels, fruit bars, cookies, chews) especially for full marathons.
Self-hydration strategies may be recommended for events such as some trail races with limited access to water.
After the race, you’ll usually find water and fruits or light snacks to help you recover.
Always check what’s provided before registering for a race, and start tuning in to your nutrition at least 3 months before your next event. This includes testing out your race-day nutrition plan during training to help prevent unwanted surprises on race day, including stomach discomfort.
The right nutrition strategies will help you achieve peak performance in your next race.
Working with a qualified sports dietitian removes the guess work around endurance nutrition for you, whether that means navigating food sensitivities, or nailing down the perfect nutrition and hydration strategies so you can get the most benefits out of your training, recover well, and go for that new personal best on race day.
Road Running in Metro Vancouver
Road running happens on smooth, flat surfaces like paved streets or sidewalks, so it’s easier to keep a steady pace.
Richmond
Participants: ~1,000
The IB8K is Richmond's first and only road race of the year. This family-friendly race offers a flat and fast course through scenic and historic Steveston. This event includes a fundraiser for Kidsport Richmond, which creates opportunities for kids - who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it - to participate in sports.
Vancouver
articipants: ~2,000
A flat, fast course through Stanley Park and around Vancouver’s Seawall. This event is also great for people looking to do an early-year test run under longer race conditions, in preparation for their next half-marathon or marathon.
Vancouver
Participants: ~2,000
Wear green, run or walk through scenic Stanley Park, and enjoy post-race celebrations with Irish stew, beer, music, and dancing. Participants get a souvenir beer glass at the finish. This supports Diabetes Canada, and is also the BC 5K Championships and part of the Lower Mainland Road Race Series.
Vancouver
Participants: ~100-500
A fun, festive run for all ages and abilities at scenic Jericho Beach. Choose from a 5K or 10K run/walk, or join the 1-3K Little Bunny Run with a Gnubees Egg Hunt for the kids. Expect spring blooms, ocean views, a DJ, prize giveaways, and a friendly, relaxed vibe. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome.
Vancouver
Participants: ~40,000-50,000
-
One of Canada’s largest 10K races and a Vancouver tradition of fun and fitness, this high-energy road run winds through downtown Vancouver with scenic views, live music, and cheering crowds. This race is fun for all levels and has wave starts, a 2.5K mini run for families, walking and team divisions, elite and wheelchair categories, and a finish-line party at BC Place.
Vancouver
Participants: ~25,000
An award-winning course with Boston qualifier, city-to-sea route along Stanley Park and False Creek, and the BC Half Marathon Championship attracts top athletes across BC. This race takes you through bustling Chinatown, glassy Yaletown, and the beautiful West End, all while taking in great views and local landmarks.
Vancouver
Participants: limited spots; not specified
This 5K run/walk is for all ages and fitness levels. It’s a chance to come together and support people affected by pancreatic cancer. Every step helps raise money for better treatments, research, and hope. It’s a meaningful event with a powerful cause.
Burnaby
Participants: ~100-500
A fun, family-friendly trail of Burnaby Lake Park, with minimal incline and stable paths. Great for all ages and fitness levels, and strollers and leashed dogs are welcome. Enjoy a jungle-themed course, music, prize giveaways, and more in a relaxed, scenic setting surrounded by green foliage. Registration includes fun themed items such as : Personalized running Bib with custom "Jungle Name", Animal Mask, running Bib with custom "Jungle Name".
Vancouver
Participants: ~6400
Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K has been a major event in Western Canada’s running scene, with the half marathon starting at UBC and finishing at the Museum of Vancouver. With beautiful ocean-side views and strong community spirit, it draws thousands of participants each year and has a post-race party with food beyond the finish line. The race is also part of the Charity Challenge, raising funds for important causes.
Mikey’s run
Participants: ~600
Mikey’s Run, a run for mental awareness and a future without stigma, is an event that blends beautiful nature with purpose. The trails are wide, peaceful, and beginner-friendly, winding through the trees and around the Burnaby Lake for a grounding race experience. This event encourages open conversations, community support, and the message that no one has to struggle alone. Race proceeds will go to Heads Up Guys to help raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health.
Port Coquitlam
Participants: ~1500
Celebrate Canada Day with a scenic route through Gates Park and surrounding areas, highlighting the beauty of Port Coquitlam. After crossing the finish line, stick around for live entertainment, local food vendors, and a festive post-race celebration. A portion of the race proceeds will go to the Canadian Red Cross, with a fundraising goal of $5,000 to support community needs.
Vancouver
Participants: ~800
Summerfast 10K is a race in the Lower Mainland Road Race Series. Hosted by the Vancouver Falcons Athletic Club, this flat and scenic course loops around the iconic Stanley Park Seawall. The event is one of the great ways to connect with Vancouver’s vibrant running community. After the race, participants are treated to an incredible spread of fresh fruit and homemade baked goods made by the Falcons.
Vancouver
Participants: ~900
Features: An inclusive event hosted by Vancouver Frontrunners, celebrating decades of providing a safe and friendly environment for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, their friends, and allies to enjoy running and walking. Held in beautiful Stanley Park during the Canada Pride and Vancouver Pride celebrations, this event blends fitness, joy, and community connection in the most vibrant way. The flat, scenic course is perfect for runners and walkers of all levels. This race is all about showing up, being proud, and having fun in a celebratory and supportive atmosphere.
Delta
Participants: ~200
The route winds through a scenic, flat road course through Southlands Tsawwassen and wraps up at The Red Barn, where participants are treated to a post-race celebration featuring beer and bratwurst. Presented by Four Winds Brewing, The RunInn, and iA Private Wealth - Tsawwassen, the event supports Deltassist, a local organization that offers important community services in the Delta area to those in need.
Bowen Island
Participants: ~100-200
Organized by the Rotary Club of Bowen Island, this annual run or walk takes you through the beautiful trails of Crippen Park on Bowen Island. The course combines both road and trail, making it a scenic and slightly varied route. Proceeds from the event go toward Komera Canada, a charity that empowers young women in Rwanda through education and leadership opportunities.
Vancouver
Participants: ~2500
This race winds through Gastown, Chinatown, and East Vancouver, offering a mix of heritage buildings, gritty industrial scenery, and lively community energy. The route is what really sets this 10K apart. You'll run through sections of the city (like Gastown and Strathcona) that are rarely closed to traffic, giving you a chance to see a different side of Vancouver on foot.
Richmond
Participants: ~250
The Forever Young Run is a special event designed exclusively for the 55+ community, and it’s a celebration of lifelong health and staying active. Hosted by the Forever Young Club, starting at the Richmond Olympic Oval, the course follows a flat, scenic route along the North Dyke Trail, beside the peaceful middle arm of the Fraser River. The gravel surface is compact and easy on the joints, making it a comfortable and enjoyable race for seniors of all fitness levels. Proceeds from the run support the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation.
Cross Country / Trail Running in Metro Vancouver
Trail running takes place on dirt, gravel, or rocky paths that are often uneven. This makes it harder to run because of obstacles like rocks, roots, and bumps in the trail, and the greater need to stay balanced and alert throughout.
Cross Country races also involve off-road running routes that include grassy fields, mud and gravel paths. Cross country races are typically shorter with more loops, have less elevation gains, and have a greater focus on speed.
North Vancouver
Participants: ~100
This is a fun and challenging trail race on the North Shore, from individual runs to a duo relay. It’s a great way to experience the forest, get muddy, and test your limits. Runners will receive a finisher medal at the end of the race.
North Vancouver
Participants: ~130
These point-to-point trail races start at Cleveland Park (25K) or Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve (12K), and takes you through some of North Vancouver’s best terrain before finishing at beautiful Deep Cove. Expect forested trails, tough climbs (including the famous Powerline Climb), and chocolate goodies at the finish. A fun challenge!
Squamish
Participants: ~1400
Squamish is a top adventure destination, you can expect sweeping views of snow-covered peaks to dense forest single-tracks. The 50/50 Challenge (130 km in 2 days) consists of 50 miler and 50 km events on back-to-back days. Over 24 hours, you’ll cover 130 km of demanding trail. The 50 Mile race consist of 3350 m of elevation gain and technical trails through the heart of Squamish’s backcountry, in between the relatively flat first and final miles. The biggest individual climb is 760 m (2500 ft). This is a race for experienced ultrarunners ready for a full day of effort. The 23K course is steep, rocky, and demanding. With 1,000 m of climbing and slightly more descent, it’s not recommended as your first trail race.
Bowen Island
Participants: ~200
This event offers a rugged and rewarding 21K trail loop around Mt. Gardner on Bowen Island, which is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. The looped course runs counter-clockwise around Mt. Gardner, featuring a mix of technical terrain, elevation, and unforgettable views. Expect to climb, descend, and wind your way through lush forest and unspoiled trails, all while taking in the raw beauty of the island. Whether you're running solo or as part of a relay team, this race is a trail runner’s delight.
Vancouver
Participants: ~550
One of the most inclusive cross-country events in BC, held at the scenic Jericho Beach Park. This event is part of a long-standing tradition of cross-country racing in Vancouver, and it brings together runners of all ages and skill levels for a fun day on grassy and gravel trails with fun obstacles (like straw bales). The event was created to encourage mass participation in cross-country running while also supporting BC high school and university athletes through scholarships and donations.
Whistler
Participants: ~750
Courses begin at Whistler Blackcomb and make their way up to the Whistler Summit, where runners can soak in breathtaking panoramic views. Runners will experience everything from river trails to high alpine vistas. Runners can enjoy meals and celebrations after the race at Creekside Plaza.
North Vancouver
Participants: ~250
This event features three distances, all run on the rugged and technical trails of Vancouver’s North Shore. All races start and finish at Inter River Park, at the base of Lynn Creek. Expect steep climbs, rocky descents, and some of the toughest (and most scenic) terrain around. In addition to the challenging course, runners are encouraged to race in costume, and there are prizes for the best outfits.
Whistler
Participants: ~150
Each runner from the 8- or 4-person relay will run a 10km or 20km loop, respectively. Solo ultra runners will run 5 laps of 10km. This is a fantastic beginner ultra, you are never more than 10km from the party zone in the Whistler Olympic Plaza or 5km from a hydration station. Courses will wind through some of Whistler’s most beautiful spots, including Lost Lake, and the Finish Line Party takes place in Whistler Village. Runners and supporters can enjoy live music, great food, and a lively, outdoor celebration at the Plaza. Proceeds from the race support the Whistler Food Bank. Finally, participants can enjoy a night out in Whistler village post-event.
North Vancouver
Participants: ~250
The Phantom Run is a fun winter trail race that winds through the scenic lower trails of North Vancouver's Seymour River area. You’ll run a mix of technical and easier trails, with a few steep climbs and descents, enough to keep things interesting but not overwhelming. After the race, feast on hot soup, and other delights. The race also supports the Harvest Project, a local organization helping people in need. Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations on race day.
Vancouver
Participants: ~200
Held each year at Jericho Beach Park, this event marks the final race in the BC Athletics Lower Mainland XC Series. Hosted by the Vancouver Thunderbirds and Lions Gate Road Runners, the course has everything you'd expect from a traditional cross-country race: grassy stretches, wooded trails, rolling hills, sandy beach sections, and often mud and water. After the race, runners can warm up with hot showers, good food, and good company, a perfect way to wrap up the season.
Fueling Your Finish Line
As you plan your next road or trail run, don’t overlook the power of nutrition. A sports dietitian can help runners of all levels gain practical habits that support their goals. For some, this might mean setting a new personal record or crossing the finish line feeling stronger and more confident.
Even if you don’t have a race on your calendar yet, proper nutrition supports your day-to-day training, recovery, and overall wellbeing on and off the course.
From knowing what to eat in the months leading up to race day to understanding how to fuel during longer runs, a tailored nutrition strategy can help you go farther and train smarter.
Partner up with a sports dietitian today for your next race, and make nutrition a part of your performance plan.
Blog Contributors:
Amy Chow, Registered Dietitian
Eileen Huang, BSc. Food, Nutrition, and Health
Add a comment