Big Fun Run Series Runs

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

In 2024 there are a couple of new events as well, including the Big 80’s Run in March and Big Halloween Run in October. To register for a run, visit the series’ official website at bigfunrunseries.com.

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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 km, or in one case up to 21.1 km.

The events aren’t super competitive. Instead, 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 80’s Run and Big Jungle Run in Burnaby and Big Easter Run at Vancouver’s Jericho Beach in the spring. In the summer there is the Big Superhero Run in Richmond and in autumn there is the Big Pirate Run in Steveston Village. Ending the year is the Big Elf Run at Stanley Park in December. A new event also happens at Olympic Village in 2024.

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

Big Fun Runs in 2024

Below is the event schedule for the Big Fun Run Series in 2024.

Big 80’s Run at Central Park

The first event of the year for the series is a brand new event. The Big 80’s Run happens at Central Park, located at 6100 Boundary Road in Burnaby. The event features both 1K and 5K runs. The routes are good for all ages. Strollers and pets are also welcome. The theme for this event is the 1980’s. Costumes to reflect the era are encouraged, but not required.

The inaugural Big 80’s Run takes place on Saturday, March 9th in 2024.

For more information about this new event, see the official Big 80’s Run page.

Big Easter Run at Jericho Beach

The second event of the year is the Big Easter Run. It happens at Jericho Beach Park on the Saturday of the Easter Long Weekend. Participants can run 1-3K, 5K or 10K 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 1K and 3K runs.

In 2024 this event happens on March 30th.

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

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 1K, 5K and 10K 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 2024 this event happens on May 25th.

To learn more about this event, see our article about the Big Jungle Run or visit the Big Fun Run Series website.

Big Superhero Run at the Olympic Oval

The Big Superhero Run happens outside the Richmond Olympic Oval. Runners can choose between 1K, 5K or 10K routes along the Middle Arm Trail. In 2023 the event took place on Wednesday, August 16th. Last year’s charity partner was the Richmond Hospital Foundation, so donations helped build a healthier future for the city.

2024 event dates and details are TBC.

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

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. Folks can run 1-3K, 5K, 10K or 15K routes. For more experienced runners, there’s also a 21.1K half marathon run.

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 2000 people each week.

In 2024 the pirate-themed event takes place on Sunday, September 22nd.

For more information about the event see our article about the Big Pirate Run or visit the official Big Fun Run Series website.

Big Halloween Run in Olympic Village

New for 2024, the Big Halloween Run is a set of 1K and 5K 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 inaugural Big Halloween Run takes place on October 30th in 2024.

For more information about this event click bigfunrunseries.com/big-halloween-run.

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 5K, 10K and 15K distances to choose from. There’s also a special route for kids that’s just 1K long. This year’s charity spotlight is the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau which gives toys, clothes and more to over 1000 families each year.

In 2024, the 10th annual event happens on Saturday, December 14th.

To learn more about the event see our Big Elf Run article or visit the Big Fun Run Series website.

Other Big Fun Run Series Events

In 2024 there are two other new events scheduled to happen. One takes place in July, while the other happens in November. As of January 2024, however, details about the two events are to be confirmed.

Big Fun Run Event Video

For an idea of what to expect at a typical Big Fun Run event, check out the video* below. It 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.