Cyclists biking over the Lions Gate Bridge during the RBC GranFondo Whistler. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Heath Moffat
Make training for a race your New Year’s resolution this year. From running, to biking, to triathlons and more, Vancouver is hosting some epic races in 2024.
Vancouver Sun Run – April 21, 2024
The annual Vancouver Sun Run is our city’s biggest road running event each year and is one of the largest races in North America. The 10 km course heads through the heart of downtown Vancouver. Join thousands of locals and visitors to run or walk the 10-kilometre course. In 2024, the race is celebrating its 40th anniversary!
Photo: Vancouver Sun Run
BMO Vancouver Marathon – May 5, 2024
The BMO Vancouver Marathon has a picturesque course, which is why it has been ranked one of the world’s top destination marathons by CNN and Forbes. The race takes you through parks, along beaches, and around the picturesque Seawall. If you aren’t up to the full marathon distance, you can opt for the 21.1 km half marathon course or the beginner-friendly 8 km race.
Photo: BMO Vancouver Marathon/RUNVAN/Christopher Morris
5K Foam Fest – June 15, 2024
The 5K Foam Fest is a chance to challenge yourself while you get foamy, muddy, and wet. The 5-kilometre-long course incorporates 22 obstacles including an inflatable waterslide, slip ‘n slides, rope and net climbs, mud pits, and 2.5 million cubic feet of foam. This year’s event takes place at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey.
Photo: 5K Foam Fest
Squamish 50 – August 17 and 18, 2024
The annual Squamish 50 trail running race doubles as the Canadian Mountain and Trail Running Championship race. The first day of the event is a 50-mile trail running race on Squamish’s single track trails that includes 3500 m (11,000 ft) of ascent. On the second day, you can tackle the 50 km course with 25000 m (8,500 ft) of climbing or the 23 km course which involves 1000 m (3,300 ft) of elevation gain. True masochists can also enter the 50/50 event which includes both the 50 mile and 50 km events.
Photo: Squamish 50/Ty Holtan
Whistler Gran Fondo – September 7, 2024
The Whistler Gran Fondo is North America’s largest gran fondo cycling event and also its most scenic. The course covers 122 km as it winds its way up the Sea to Sky Highway to the mountains of Whistler from the starting line at sea level in Stanley Park. There are also 55 km and 152 km race options.
Cyclists biking the Sea-to-Sky Hwy during the RBC GranFondo Whistler. Photo: Destination BC/Robin O’Neill
XTERRA Whistler Off-Road Triathlon – September 14 and 15, 2024
While other cities may host traditional triathlons, Whistler offers the XTERRA Off-Road Triathlon. The race starts with a swim in Lost Lake, then transitions to a bike on Whistler’s famous single-track mountain bike trails. The final leg is a trail run on rocky and root-riddled local trails before crossing the finish line back at Lost Lake. Racers can tackle the Sprint course with a 750 m swim, 12.6 km mountain bike ride, and 5 km trail run or the Championship course with a 1500 m swim, 25.2 km mountain bike ride, and 10 km trail run.
Photo: XTERRA Whistler Off-Road Triathlon
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