Longest Day Road Race

The Longest Day Road Race is a Vancouver running event with three races, live music, a barbecue and other outdoor activities at UBC in June.

Sponsored by PH&N Investment Services, the race is a fundraising event where money raised benefits the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. In 2023 the race takes place on Friday, June 16th (which is just a couple of days before Father’s Day).

For full details about the event see the Longest Day Road Race website.

Vancouver’s Longest Day Road Race

The Longest Day Road Race is an annual event full of fun for all ages. It features three different runs and lots of post-party celebrations at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Presented by the Vancouver Thunderbirds and the City of Vancouver, the event has timed 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre runs as well as a short 1 mile run for kids. Participation in the kids’ race comes with a goodie bag, personalized number to wear, and access to a special play area and party. Meanwhile, folks who register for the longer distances receive a race bib and other bonus items. The first 1,200 people to pick up their race packages also get a running hat.

The top three runners in the 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre runs receive awards. Gift cards are also distributed to the top runners in select age groups. For other folks who want a chance at winning valuable prizes, anyone who donates at least $20 to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank is entered into multiple draws.

After the runs are complete, everyone makes their way to the Thunderbird Stadium Concourse where there’s live music, a beer garden and a barbeque. All participants receive a meal that includes hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, pies and juice. That’s all part of the post-run barbecue party! There are vegetarian options. Alcoholic beverages cost extra.

Longest Day Road Race Starting Line

When and Where

As its name implies, the Longest Day Road Race takes place close to the longest day of the year. It usually happens on the Friday before summer solstice, so a few days before June 20th or 21st.

In 2023 the Longest Day Road Race takes place on the evening of Friday, June 16th. The kids’ run starts at 6:30 pm, the 5-kilometre run begins at 6:45 pm, and the 10-kilometre race starts at 7:00 pm.

Race packages for the 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre runs are available for pickup at the Running Room store located at 2112 West 4th Avenue. If you wish to get the free hat, it’s best to pick up your package between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm on June 14th or between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm on June 15th. Race packages can also be picked up at the event.

All runs during the Longest Day Road Race are held outdoors at UBC. in 2023 the three different runs all start and finish at the same two locations. The start line is located near the intersection of East Mall and Stadium Road. The finish line, meanwhile, is about one block away at the Thunderbird Stadium Parking Lot.

Race Running Routes

From the start line, all running routes go south, turn right on West 16th Avenue, right on SW Marine Drive and then right onto Stadium Road. As everyone approaches Thunderbird Stadium, the kids turn right into the parking lot and cross the finish line there. However, the 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre routes turn left at West Mall.

The longer routes continue before turning right onto Stores Road, left on Main Mall, and right on Memorial Road. Then, the routes turn right on East Mall, right on Agricultural Road and then left at Main Mall. From there, runners run south all the way back to the finish line. The 5-kilometre race ends there. The 10-kilometre race, however, requires a second lap of the same route. (Note: Exact details about the routes may change.)

For a diagram of the routes this year click 2023 Course Map.

Registration Prices

Prices to participate in the 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre runs are the same, but the kids’ run costs less. For all of the runs, fees are least expensive until April 15th. After that, fees are $5 more per person until May 31st, and then another $5 more until June 14th. The earlier you register, the more money you save.

Below are registration fees for each run in 2023 including prices until April 15th, May 31st and June 14th. Also, souvenir t-shirts cost $25.

Kids’ Mile Run: