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.

At the Big 80’s Run there are 1K and 5K runs open to all ages. The event next takes place in March of 2026.

Other events in the Big Fun Run Series which happen in 2025 include the Big Easter Run (on April 19th), Big Jungle Run (on May 31st), Big Pirate Run (on September 21st), Big Halloween Run (on October 30th) and Big Elf Run (on December 13th).

For the event’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 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.

2024 was the first Big 80’s Run and the event returns in 2026. It was going to happen in March 2025, but it’s taking a year off and plans to return in 2026 instead. 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.

Similar to other events in the series, at 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.

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

Schedule and Routes

On the day of the event participants can check in at noon. The 1K run begins at around 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 kms, and then back to the starting location to complete the full 1K.

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.

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 in the past ranged from $22 to $25 per person, while the 5K run costs between $45 and $50 for adults. The earlier you sign up, the more you’ll save.

Fees are at the 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 you register as a group of four, meanwhile, you can get 15% off per person.

All participants get a Run Kit, which includes a personalized bib, finishers clock, a souvenir and also a costume accessory to go with the 80’s theme. Similar to other runs in the series, the Run Kits are usually available for pick up at Burnaby Kintec between noon and 6:00 pm on the Friday before the race. 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 & Advice

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 also 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.