The Big 80s Run

The Big 80’s Run is fun and non-competitive running event in the Big Fun Run Series. It happens at Burnaby’s Central Park in March.

At the Big 80’s Run there are 1K and 5K runs open to all ages. The event didn’t happen in 2025. It is expected to return in March 2027. Exact details, however, are to be confirmed.

Other events in the Big Fun Run Series which happen most years include the Big Easter Run (in April), Big Jungle Run (in May), Big Pirate Run (in September), Big Halloween Run (in October) and Big Elf Run (in December).

For the Big 80’s Run’s official website, visit bigfunrunseries.com.

This article contains the following information about the Big 80’s Run:

Schedule and Routes | Registration and Run Kits | Tips & Advice | Other Information

Big 80’s Run at Burnaby’s Central Park

The Big Fun Run Series is a series of family-friendly runs held at various locations across Metro Vancouver. Each run has its own theme and multiple distances to choose from. The events are non-competitive and fun for everyone.

2024 was the first Big 80’s Run. The event didn’t take place in 2025 and is not scheduled for 2026. It likely returns in 2027. The event features 1K and 5K runs at Central Park in Burnaby. The venue is a large and beautiful setting for the event.

Runners make their way through the forested trails and enjoy time in nature. The trails are flat and suitable for all ages. In fact, parents with strollers and participants with leashed dogs are welcome to take part.

As with other events in the series, the Big 80’s Run offers several prizes. The fastest runners receive vouchers, while the main awards are given to runners with the best costumes, the most fun names on their bibs, and in other categories. There are also randomly drawn door prizes.

For the event’s official website, click Big 80’s Run.

Schedule and Routes

In the past, participants could check in at noon on the day of the event. The 1K run began at 1:00 pm and concluded at 1:40 pm. The 5K run started at 2:00 pm and concluded at 4:00 pm. Warm-ups for both runs were completed 15 minutes before their respective start times.

The 1K route takes place in the northern half of Central Park, between Patterson SkyTrain Station and Swangard Stadium. Participants run in one direction for about 0.5 kms, and then back to the starting location to complete the full 1K.

The 5K route, meanwhile, is more complex. Participants can see much of the park, including both the Upper and Lower Lakes. The route winds through the middle of the park and also along the southern and western perimeter trails.

Big 80s Run at Central Park in Burnaby

Registration and Run Kits

Registration costs vary based on age, the chosen run, and registration date. Prices for the 1K run in the past ranged from $22 to $25 per person, while the 5K run costs $45 to $50 for adults.

Fees are usually at their highest during the week or two before the event. Youth ages 18 and under pay a maximum of $28 to participate in the 5K. If guests registered as a group of four, each person received 15% off.

All participants received a Run Kit, which includes a personalized bib, a finishers’ clock, a souvenir, and a costume accessory for the 80s theme. As with other runs in the series, the Run Kits were available for pickup at Burnaby Kintec between noon and 6:00 pm on the Friday before the race. The store is located at #110-3787 Canada Way. Participants also had the option to have the Run Kit mailed for an additional $9, or pick it up at Central Park after 12:00 pm on the day of the event.

TIP: For future races, use the promo code VBP10 when signing up for the event online, and you’ll save 10%!

To register and for the event’s official website, click Big 80’s Run.

Tips & Advice

The following tips are worth knowing before attending the Big 80’s Run.

TIP #1: Parking is limited at Central Park. We recommend carpooling or using public transit when possible. Patterson Station is also conveniently located right beside the park.

TIP #2: Bring your own water bottle. You can refill it for free at water stations throughout the event.

TIP #3: Central Park is one of many places of interest in Burnaby. Others to check out before or after the event include Deer Lake Park, Metropolis at Metrotown shopping mall and Burnaby Lake.

TIP #4: If you like running, especially running for fun, check out all the other events in the Big Fun Run Series. They take place in different months and locations, and they’re perfect for people of all ages and abilities.