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Longest Day Road Race Running Event at the University of British Columbia (UBC)

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 2024 the race takes place on Friday, June 14th (which is just a couple of days before Father’s Day).

For the event’s official website, visit thunderbirdstrack.org.

 

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 one 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 2024, the event takes place on Friday, June 14th.

The kids’ run starts at 6:30 pm, the 5-kilometrre 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 Forerunners located at 3502 West 4th Avenue. If you want to get the free hat, you need to pick up your package any time between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm from June 11th to 13th. Race packages can also be picked up on the day of the run.

All runs during the Longest Day Road Race are held outdoors at UBC. The three different runs this year 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.

 

Father's Day Activities in Vancouver

 

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 this year’s routes, click 2024 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 last year were least expensive until April 15th. After that, fees were $5 more per person until May 31st, and then another $5 more until June 14th. The race was held on June 16th. The earlier you registered, the more money you saved. We expect a similar pricing structure for the races in 2024.

Below were 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:

  • $20, $25, $30

5-Kilometre and 10-Kilometre Runs:

  • Adults (ages 16+) – $40, $45, $50
  • Seniors (ages 60+) – $35, $40, $45
  • Youth (ages 15 and under) – $30, $35, $40

 

Other Information

For more information about the run and the organization behind it, see the Thunderbirds Track website.

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