Vancouver's Big Fun Run Series Runs

Metro Vancouver’s Big Fun Run Series running events include the Big Jungle Run, Big Easter Run, Big Pirate Run, Big Halloween Run and Big Elf Run.

The Big Elf Run at Stanley Park is the final event of the year. In 2025 it takes place on Saturday, December 13th.

Visit the series’ official website at bigfunrunseries.com to register for a run.

(TIP: Use the promo code VBP10 and you’ll save 10% on your registration fees for any of these runs.)

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Big Fun Run Series Events

Big Fun Run Series events are family-friendly runs that take place in different locations and with different themes. Each event features runs of varying distances, from 1 km up to 15 kms, or in one case up to 21.1 kms.

The events aren’t super competitive. They’re all about having fun. Most routes are wheelchair, stroller and pet-friendly. Many participants dress up to fit the theme of each event. Registration typically includes a special accessory of some kind in addition to a finishers medal and the chance to win prizes. With each run there is a different charitable beneficiary too.

The events include the Big Jungle Run in Burnaby and Big Easter Run at Vancouver’s Jericho Beach in the spring. Steveston Village hosts the the Big Pirate Run in autumn. Stanley Park hosts the Big Elf Run in December to end the year.

In past years there have also been the Big Superhero Run and Big 80’s Run, although they didn’t happen in 2025, but hopefully will do so again in the future.

Big Jungle Run at Burnaby Lake Park — Big Fun Run Series at Burnaby Lake Park

Big Fun Runs

Below was the event schedule for the Big Fun Run Series in 2025. The schedule will likely be similar in 2026, though details are to be confirmed.

Big 80’s Run at Central Park

In years when it happens, the Big 80’s Run takes place at Central Park at 6100 Boundary Road in Burnaby. The event features both 1 km and 5 km runs, and the routes are good for all ages. Strollers and pets are also welcome. The theme for this event is the 1980s. Costumes to reflect the era are strongly encouraged, but not required.

This event happened in 2024 but not in 2025. It will likely again in 2026. Details are to be confirmed.

See the official Big 80’s Run page for more information about this new event.

Big Easter Run at Jericho Beach

The Big Easter Run happens at Jericho Beach Park on the Saturday of the Easter long weekend which in 2025 was on April 19th. The run will likely happen on April 4th, 2026, which is when the Easter long weekend happens. Participants can run 1 km to 3 km, 5 km or 10 km routes near the waterfront. The event’s charity partner is KidSport BC which helps less fortunate families enroll their children in sports.

At this event there is also the Chimes Group Egg Hunt which is an Easter egg hunt for children who participate in the 1 km and 3 km runs.

Check out our Big Easter Run article or click bigfunrunseries.com/big-easter-run for more information about this event.

Big Easter Run Kids' Warm-Up Fun — Big Easter Run Kids’ Run Warm-Up

Big Jungle Run in Burnaby

The Big Jungle Run happens at Burnaby Lake Park. There are 1 km, 5 km and 10 km routes. The same as with the other runs, participants are encouraged to raise money for a particular non-profit organization. In this case, the charitable beneficiary is Backpack Buddies which is an organization that provides weekly backpacks full of food to local children in need.

In 2025 this event happened on Saturday, May 31st.

See our article about the Big Jungle Run or visit the Big Fun Run Series website to learn more about this event.

Big Superhero Run at the Olympic Oval

The Big Superhero Run used to happen outside the Richmond Olympic Oval. It didn’t happen in 2025, but might next year. Exact details about that, however, are to be confirmed.

In this event, runners can choose between 1 km, 5 km or 10 km routes along the Middle Arm Trail. In 2024 the event took place on August 14th. That year’s charity partner was the Richmond Hospital Foundation, so donations helped build a healthier future for the city.

See our Big Superhero Run article or visit the Big Fun Run Series website to learn more about this event.

Big Superhero Run in Richmond — Big Superhero Run

Big Pirate Run in Steveston Village

Another annual Big Fun Run Series event is the Big Pirate Run in Richmond’s Steveston Village area. There are several different distances to choose from. People can run 1 km to 3 km, 5 km, 10 km or 15 km routes. There’s also a 21.1 km half marathon run for more experienced runners.

This event happens at Garry Point Park. The run helps support the Richmond Food Bank Society, which is a great cause that provides healthy food to over 2,000 people each week.

In 2025 this pirate-themed event took place on Sunday, September 21st.

See our article about the Big Pirate Run or visit the official Big Fun Run Series website for more information about this event.

Big Halloween Run in Olympic Village

One of the newest additions to the event list, the Big Halloween Run is a set of 1 km and 5 km runs. They take place in Olympic Village in Vancouver. The start and finish lines are at 1 Athletes Way. This event has a Halloween theme, so expect to see people in costumes.

The second Big Halloween Run took place on October 30th in 2025.

Check out our article about the Big Halloween Run or visit the official Big Fun Run Series website for more information about this event.

Big Elf Run at Stanley Park

The Big Elf Run is the final event in the Big Fun Run Series each year. It takes place at Stanley Park in Vancouver around the holiday season. There are 5 km, 10 km and 15 km distances to choose from. There’s also a special route for kids that’s just 1 km long. This year’s charity spotlight is the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau which gives toys, clothes and more to over 1,000 families each year.

In 2025, the 11th annual event happens on Saturday, December 13th.

See our Big Elf Run article or visit the Big Fun Run Series website to learn more about this event.

Other Big Fun Run Series Events

The Big Fun Run Series plans to add more events to its schedule in the future. There’s a Big Cookie Run tentatively scheduled for November 2026. There’s also a Big IceCream Run listed for sometime in 2027. Both of those events were originally supposed to happen in 2025, but they’ve been pushed back.

Big Fun Run Event Video

Check out the video* below for an idea of what to expect at a typiucal Big Fun Run event. The video features footage of the Big Elf Run from 2021. There are clips of the warm-up and the actual run. As you can see, there were festive decorations and many participants also wore elf toques, which are usually included with registration.