The Big Halloween Run is a spooky-themed running race that’s part of Vancouver’s Big Fun Run Series. It’s a fun and laid-back event for people of all ages.

The second annual Big Halloween Run takes place on the day before Halloween. That’s Thursday, October 30th in 2025.

Other events in the Big Fun Run Series this year include the Big Easter Run and Big Jungle Run in spring, the Big Pirate Run in September, and the Big Elf Run in December.

TIP: Use the promo code VBP10 when signing up for any of these races to save 10% on your registration fee! Click Big Halloween Run for full details about the event in October and to register.

The Big Halloween Run in Vancouver

The Big Halloween Run is a recent addition to the Big Fun Run Series which has six events in and around Vancouver in 2025. The organization plans to have as many as nine in future years.

Like others in the series, the Big Halloween Run is casual rather than competitive. The focus is fun and community—come to run, dress up, and socialize. Choose a 1 km dash or a 5 km run/walk. Leashed pets are welcome to join in the fun!

Given the Halloween theme, expect to see plenty of runners wearing costumes! It’s not mandatory, but everyone is encouraged to dress up. Participants can order a custom nameplate along with their race package to give themselves a spooky nickname that fits the season.

For more details and to register for the Big Halloween Run, visit the Big Fun Run Series website.

Location and Registration

The Big Halloween Run takes place at Olympic Village near downtown Vancouver. Both races follow the False Creek Seawall which is a beautiful place to explore.

The event takes place rain or shine! So bring an umbrella or other rain gear if it’s not going to be a clear night. The 2025 event is scheduled for October 30th, from 5:00 to 8:45 pm.

Early bird pricing begins at $20 for the 1 km run and $35 for the 5 km run. The registration cost continues to increase closer to the event date. Prices on the day of the event in 2025 are $25 for the 1 km and $50 for the 5 km. The exception is that the 5 km run costs $29 for those under the age of 18.

Participants can choose to have their run kit mailed to them in advance (for an additional $9 fee), pick it up the day before the race at 1201 West Broadway, or collect it before the race near the starting line.

What to Expect

Don’t go to the Big Halloween Run expecting an event as serious as the Vancouver Marathon, or one of the city’s other major running races. It’s much shorter and also meant to be a chance to have some fun rather than compete (although the top finishers do receive a small prize).

Both of the races begin and end at 1 Athletes Way in Olympic Village. The 1 km race goes along the Seawall and around Science World before heading back. The 5 km race goes all the way to David Lam Park in Yaletown before looping back around.

Below is the schedule of events for the 2025 Big Halloween Run.

5:00 pm – Check-in opens
5:45 pm – 1 km race warmups
6:00 pm – 1 km race begins
6:30 pm – 1 km race ends
6:45 pm – Awards ceremony
6:50 pm – 5 km race warmups
7:00 pm – 5 km race begins
8:45 pm – 5 km race ends

There are prizes for multiple categories besides just the fastest runners. There are also awards for the best costume, best selfie, best custom name and best pet costume.

For more details and to register for the Big Halloween Run, visit the Big Fun Run Series website.

The Big Fun Run Series

The Big Fun Run Series has events in every season with a wide variety of themes. Some of the races have much longer distances than the Halloween event, including a half-marathon at the Big Pirate Run in Richmond in September.

There’s also the Big 80s Run in March, the Big Easter Run on the Easter long weekend, the Big Jungle Run in May, and the Big Elf Run in December. There’s also usually the Big Superhero Run in August, but that one isn’t happening in 2025.