The Big 80s Run

The Big 80’s Run is a new, fun and non-competitive running event in the Big Fun Run Series. It happens at Burnaby’s Central Park in March 2024.

With the Big 80’s Run, there are 1K and 5K runs open to all ages. In 2024 it takes place on Saturday, March 9th.

For the event’s official website, visit bigfunrunseries.com.

TIP: Normally if you use the promo code VBP10 you’ll save 10% on all runs in the Big Fun Run Series. With the Big 80’s Run, however, if you use the promo code BEST10, you’ll save $10 (which is an even bigger savings)!

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

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

Big 80’s Run at Burnaby’s Central Park

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

In 2024, the series kicks off with a new event. The Big 80’s Run 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 participate.

Similar to other events in the series, with the Big 80’s Run there are several prizes to be won. The fastest runners receive vouchers, while the main awards are given to runners with the best costume, best fun name on their bib, and other categories. There are also randomly drawn door prizes.

In 2024, the inaugural Big 80’s Run takes place on Saturday, March 9th. The charitable partner of the run this year is Music Heals which provides access to music therapy for vulnerable people in British Columbia and across Canada.

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

Schedule and Routes

Participants can check in before their runs starting at noon on the day of the event. The 1K run begins at 1:00 pm and the route closes at 1:40 pm. Then, the 5K run starts at 2:00 pm and finishes at 4:00 pm. Warm-ups for both runs happen 15 minutes prior to their respective starting 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 km, and then back to the starting location to complete the full 1 km.

The 5K route, meanwhile, is more complex. Participants get to see a lot 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 depending on your age, the run you choose and when you register. Prices to participate in the 1K run range from $20 to $25 per person. The 5K run costs between $35 and $50 for adults. The earlier you sign up, the more you’ll save. Fees are at the highest during the week before the event, so between March 1st and 8th. Youth ages 18 and under pay a maximum of $27 to participate in the 5K. If you register as a group of four, you can get 15% off per person.

All participants get a Run Kit, which includes a personalized bib, finishers clock, a souvenir and a costume accessory to go with the 80’s theme. The Run Kits are available for pick up at Burnaby Kintec between noon and 6:00 pm on Friday, March 8th. The store is located at #110-3787 Canada Way. Folks can also choose to have their Run Kit mailed to them for an additional $9, or to just pick it up at Central Park after 12:00 pm on the day of the event.

TIP: 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 and Suggestions

The following tips are good to know before going to the Big 80’s Run.

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

TIP #2: Bring your own water bottle. You can fill it up for free at water stations throughout the duration of 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, 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.

Other Information

For more information about the running event, visit the Big 80’s Run website.

To learn more about the organization behind the event, see our article about the Big Fun Run Series. Other events hosted by them include the Big Easter Run, Big Jungle Run, Big Superhero Run, Big Pirate Run and Big Elf Run.

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