Big Jungle Run

The Big Jungle Run is a family-friendly event at Burnaby Lake in Burnaby. It’s a fun running event with costumes, prizes and beautiful scenery to enjoy.

Organizers held the run on Saturday, May 31st, last year. In 2026, the run is not happening. It is likely to return in 2027.

The Big Fun Run Series includes this event, along with the Big Easter Run in spring, the Big Pirate Run and Big Halloween Run in autumn, and the Big Elf Run a few weeks before Christmas.

All of the runs in the series are fun and non-competitive. The focus is on fun, not finish times, and everyone gets a medal for participation. In past years, organizers have also held the Big 80’s Run and Big Superhero Run. These runs are also expected to return in 2027.

Visit the Big Jungle Run website for full details about the event.

(TIP: Use the promo code VBP10 and you’ll save yourself 10% on your run entrance fee!)

This article contains the following information about the Big Jungle Run:

Location and Registration | What to Expect | Big Fun Run Series | Other Information

The Big Jungle Run at Burnaby Lake

The fourth edition of the Big Jungle Run event happened on Saturday, May 31st, 2025. Previously, it took place in March.

The Big Jungle Run includes three different distances to choose from. There’s a 1 km Kids’ Run, as well as 5 km and 10 km distances, open to everyone.

The organizers designed this event to be engaging for people of all ages. The routes themselves are flat and go through pleasant, wooded areas. Everyone who participates receives a medal. There are also prizes for various categories (most of which are unrelated to speed).

When we went a couple of years ago, we thought the most impressive costume was a T. rex. It was a hot day, though, so partway through, the participant removed part of the costume. He looked pretty cool, though, waddling along with his family on the trail!

Visit the Big Jungle Run website to register and for full details about the event.

Big Jungle Run in Burnaby

Location and Registration

The Big Jungle Run takes place at Burnaby Lake Park. The runs begin and end not far from the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club at 3760 Sperling Avenue. The run used to start at the edge of the big field on the other side of the Rugby Club’s building from Bill Copeland Sports Centre. Now, however, the start and finish lines are a little further south.

The routes are set up so participants run a set distance from the starting line, then turn around and run back along the same path.

Early bird pricing for the 2025 event started at $20 for the Kids’ Run, $35 for the 5 km run, and $36 for the 10 km run. The longer runs cost up to $29 for youth under 18. Groups of four or more people got a 15% discount. We expect these prices to be similar in 2027.

Each participant receives a race kit and can pick it up the day before the event at Burnaby Kintec, located at 3787 Canada Way. Those who prefer to pick up their kit on race day usually can. However, a small convenience fee may apply.

Warming Up for the Fun Run

What to Expect at the Big Jungle Run

The first run of the day is the Kids’ Run, which usually starts at 1:00 pm (with check-ins for all races beginning at noon). The Kids’ Run lasts about 40 minutes, followed by the longer runs starting at 2:00 pm. The event concludes at 4:00 pm, so participants have two hours to complete the longer distances (which should be enough time even if you walk the entire route).

As with all other Big Fun Run Series events, before each race, there’s a group warm-up where everyone stretches and limbers up. There’s also a DJ playing music, which helps energize attendees and adds to the atmosphere.

The runs are meant to be a fun activity for people of all ages. The race kit typically includes a personalized running bib with your chosen name. Examples of names include “Running Gorilla,” “Wild Frog,” and “Crazy Kangaroo.”

All participants receive a finisher’s medal upon completion. There are usually prizes for categories such as Best Costume, Best Photo, and Best Custom Name.

Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash. Strollers are also permitted. The routes are relatively flat, with gravel and woodchip sections, making them accessible to most people. The majority of people run. However, a few participants walk most of the way.

Visit the Big Jungle Run website to register and for full details about the event.

Big Fun Run Series

The Big Jungle Run is one of a collection of similar running events. They are the Big Fun Run Series, and the Jungle Run is often one of many runs planned for the year. Below is a list of all the runs in the series, although not all of them happen every year.

The Big Easter Run is usually on the Saturday of the Easter long weekend at Vancouver’s Jericho Beach. In Richmond, there’s the Big Pirate Run typically in September. In October, there’s the Big Halloween Run in Vancouver. Finishing off the year, there’s also the Big Elf Run in December in Stanley Park. In addition to the above, there is the Big 80’s Run in March and Big Superhero Run usually in August.

In 2026, The Big Easter Run, The Big Pirate Run, and The Big Elf Run are taking place. The rest will return in 2027.

These events are meant to be fun and family-friendly for everyone in Metro Vancouver. They vary in theme, but all include a 1 km Kids’ Run and at least a 5 km run, often a 10 km run as well. With the Big Elf Run, there’s a 15 km option as well, and the Big Pirate Run has both a 15 km and a half-marathon.