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 those of all ages.

The inaugural Big Halloween Run takes place on the day before Halloween. That’s Wednesday, October 30th in 2024.

Other events in the Big Fun Run Series include the Big Easter Run and Big Jungle Run in spring, the Big Superhero Run in summer, Big Pirate Run in early fall, and 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 new event in 2024. It’s part of the Big Fun Run Series which has seven events this year in and around Vancouver. The organization plans to have nine in 2025.

Like the other events in the series, the Big Halloween Run is a running race but not a super competitive one. Rather, the whole point is for everyone to have fun and socialize while running. There is both a 1 km run and a 5 km run/walk. Pets are welcome to join in on 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 the rest of their race package to give themselves a spooky nickname to fit with 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 happens at Olympic Village near downtown Vancouver. Both of the races go along 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 2024 event is on October 30th, from about 5:00 to 9:00 pm.

Early bird pricing began at $20 for the 1 km run and $35 for the 5 km run. The cost to register continues to go up closer to the event date. Prices on the day of the event are $25 for the 1 km and $50 for the 5 km. The exception is that the 5 km run only costs $27 for those who are under the age of 18.

Participants can choose to either have their run kit mailed to them in advance, pick it up the day before the race at 1201 West Broadway, or pick it up the day of the race near the starting line. The mail option costs an extra $9.

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 to be the very best (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 2024 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, the Big Superhero Run in August, and the Big Elf Run in December. New races planned for 2025 include the Big Ice Cream Run in July and the Big Cookie Run in November.