Vancouver's Big Fun Run Series

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.

Events in the fall of 2024 include the Big Pirate Run on September 22nd and Big Halloween Run on October 30th. The final event of the year is the Big Elf Run which happens on December 14th.

To register for a run, visit the series’ official website at bigfunrunseries.com.

(TIP: With these runs, if you use the promo code VBP10 you’ll save 10% on your registration fees!)

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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.

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

Big Fun Runs in 2024 and 2025

Below is the event schedule for the Big Fun Run Series in 2024 and 2025.

Big 80’s Run at Central Park

The second annual Big 80’s Run happens at Central Park, located at 6100 Boundary Road in Burnaby, on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 The event features both 1 km and 5 km runs. 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 encouraged, but not required.

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

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 is on April 19th. 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.

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 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 2024 this event happened on May 25th. The date for 2025 is to be confirmed.

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 1 km, 5 km or 10 km routes along the Middle Arm Trail. In 2024 the event took place on Wednesday, August 14th. This year’s charity partner was the Richmond Hospital Foundation, so donations help build a healthier future for the city.

The date for 2025’s run is to be confirmed.

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 km to 3 km, 5 km, 10 km or 15 km routes. For more experienced runners, there’s also a 21.1 km 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 2,000 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 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 inaugural Big Halloween Run takes place on October 30th in 2024.

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

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 1km 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 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 2025 there are two other new events scheduled to happen. On July 13th there will likely be a Big Ice Cream Run with 1 km, 5 km, 8 km, 10 km and 21.1 km runs. In November 2025 there will also likely be a Big Cookie Run with 1 km, 5 km, 8 km and 10 km runs.

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.