Half Marathon Starting Line

Beginning at UBC and finishing at Stanley Park, the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon takes place on the last Sunday in June. It also includes a 5K run.

In 2024 the event happens on June 23rd. There is also a virtual version of the race which runs from June 1st to June 30th.

(Note: As of 2024 the event might no longer be called the Scotiabank Half Marathon. It looks like it’s now just called the Vancouver Half Marathon.)

This article contains the following information about the event:

Scotiabank Half Marathon

Attracting thousands of runners and spectators, this race is one of the city’s largest and most popular running events of the year. The marathon also has a shorter 5 km version which takes place on the same day, as well as an even shorter 1 km run for kids.

The event is also run virtually in 2024 from June 1st to 30th. Runners looking to challenge themselves even more can register for the Threepeat Challenge most years.

OTHER RUNS IN VANCOUVER

In addition to the Vancouver Half Marathon, other Lower Mainland runs in late spring and summer include the Vancouver Sun Run (in April), BMO Marathon (in May) and Big Superhero Run (in August), among many others. There is also the Longest Day Road Race which is a fundraising event benefitting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank in June.

Other marathon and half marathon runs in the Vancouver region also include the Vancouver Chilly Chase (in January), Fort Langley Historic Half (in February) and Shamrock ‘n Race (in March). There is also the Rubber Ducky Race (in October) and both the Boundary Bay Marathon and Vancouver Historic Half (in November).

To learn about the above and other similar events, see our article about Vancouver Running Races. To learn about the half marathon in June, continue reading.

Vancouver Half Marathon

The Vancouver Half Marathon begins at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The start time is 7:30 am. The route loops around UBC before going along Point Grey and past Kitsilano Beach towards Vanier Park. The race then finishes in front of the Museum of Vancouver. The route goes all the way to Stanley Park with a shorter section at UBC.

As of April 2024, registration for the in-person half marathon costs $90 per person. The virtual version of the half marathon, on the other hand, costs $50 each.

Scotia Half Marathon Near Kitsilano — Scotiabank Half Marathon in Kitsilano

Five-Kilometre Run

In addition to the half marathon, the event includes a five-kilometre run. This shorter version begins and ends at UBC. It begins at the intersection of Northwest Marine Drive and Agronomy Road. The route moves southeast before turning back and finishing at the same place as the starting line.

Registration fees for the 5 km run cost $55 as of April. The virtual version, meanwhile, costs $50 to enter.

Kids’ Run

The event also offers a run for kids between the ages of 2 and 12. It’s a 1 km run that includes a finisher’s medal, T-shirt and a running bib. Kids ages 5 and under are encouraged to run with an adult. Meanwhile, kids ages 6 to 12 can run alone. The route begins and ends at the Museum of Vancouver.

In 2024 the kids’ run costs $30 regardless of whether you wish to run at the in-person event or virtually at another time in June.

Threepeat Challenge in 2023

Experienced runners who were up for a more difficult task competed in the Threepeat Challenge in 2023. As its name implies, the challenge featured three different runs. The first was the in-person half marathon. Participants then also ran the virtual versions of the 10 km and 5 km runs during the month of June.

Registration in 2023 included a souvenir T-shirt, medal and other goodies. The cost was $135 per person.

Hopefully this challenge returns in a future year.

Vancouver Half Marathon and 5 km Run Schedule

The schedule for the Vancouver Half Marathon and five-kilometre race in 2024 is as follows. Exact details are subject to change.

6:00 am – Baggage check-in opens for Half Marathon
7:30 am – Start of Half Marathon from UBC
8:30 am – Baggage check-in opens for five-kilometre run
9:30 am – Start of five-kilometre run from UBC
10:30 am – Start of Kids’ Run from Museum of Vancouver
11:30 am – Baggage check closes for five-kilometre run and Half Marathon
11:30 pm – Post-race site closes

5K Runners by Second Beach — Scotiabank 5-KRunners on the Stanley Park Seawall

Other Information

For more information about the runs, visit the Vancouver Half Marathon website.

Dozens of races take place throughout the Lower Mainland, including other major events like the Vancouver Sun Run in April and BMO Vancouver International Marathon in May. For information on other running events at different times of the year, check out Vancouver Running Races.

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