Big Pirate Run

The Big Pirate Run is part of Vancouver’s Big Fun Run Series. It has a variety of themed running event lengths for people of all ages and abilities in Richmond.

In 2025 the event happens on Sunday, September 21st, at Garry Point Park (which isn’t far from Steveston Village).

The Big Pirate Run, like other runs in the series, is a fun event, not a competitive one (although it might be between siblings and their parents).

TIP: If you use the promo code VBP10 you can save 10% on the cost of the event!

Visit bigfunrunseries.com for the event’s official website.

This article includes the following information about the Big Pirate Run:

The Big Pirate Run in 2024 | Location and Registration | The Big Fun Run Series | Other Information

The Big Pirate Run at Gary Point Park

This year the Big Pirate Run is on Sunday, September 21st, 2025. Other events in the series are the Big 80’s Run, Big Jungle Run and Big Easter Run in the spring. There is also the Big Superhero Run in August, Big Halloween Run in October and Big Elf Run in December.

As the name implies, the September run has a pirate theme! There are five different distance options at the event, from a 1-3 km kids’ course to a half marathon. Regardless of what distance you choose, the event is a casual and fun run. It’s not a competition, except maybe for what you are wearing. Prizes are for things like costumes, best photos, bib names and pet costumes. There are also prizes for the fastest male and female runners in each of the distance categories. The focus of the event, however, is more on the fun aspect than how fast everyone runs.

The route is stroller-accessible and dogs are also welcome to take part (but need to be on leashes). Costumes are encouraged and the event takes place regardless of the weather.

The charitable partner for the event is usually the Richmond Food Bank which is a most valuable community organization. This non-profit organization will likely be the same charitable partner in 2025, though this is to be confirmed.

To register for the event and for the Big Fun Run Series’ website, visit bigfunrunseries.com.

Big Pirate Run in Richmond

The Big Pirate Run

The Big Pirate Run starts early in the morning. The 5km, 10km, 15km and 21.1km events have staggered starts beginning at 8:30 am. The 1-3 km run starts at 10:00 am. These starting times in 2025 will likely be the same prevous years, although exact details are to be confirmed. The route for all the events is flat and on a mix of paved and gravel trails.

The event is meant to be one with a fun atmosphere. Vendors of different kinds are on site. Plus, everyone is encouraged to wear their costume piece provided to them. Anyone who wants to dress up on their own before going to the run is welcome to do so as well.

There are are also various prizes to win. Fastest runners in the 5km and longer runs receive Kintec vouchers. Other prize categories include best costume, best selfie or photo, best custom name, and best pet costume. Exact details for 2025’s event are to be confirmed.

Location and Registration

The Big Pirate Run takes place in Garry Point Park in Richmond which is located near Steveston Village at 12011 Seventh Avenue in the southwest corner of the city. The park is where other events sometimes take place including the Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival).

The route for the run goes along the water. Those taking part in the longer runs pass the Richmond Olympic Oval and come within sight of Vancouver International Airport.

The pricing for each distance is less expensive the earlier you buy it. Below were the prices for each distance in 2024. (Note: Prices and other details were subject to change.) These prices will likely be similar in 2025, though exact details are to be confirmed.

1-3km Little Pirate Run – $20 early bird, up to $25
5km Big Pirate Run – $38 early bird, up to $55
10km Big Pirate Run – $38 early bird, up to $60
15km Big Pirate Run – $40 early bird, up to $70
21.1km Big Pirate Run – $45 early bird, up to $80

TIP: Use the promo code VBP10 when signing up and you’ll save 10%!

All entrants receive a pirate name bib which can be customized. They also get a random costume item. Everyone who finishes the run receives a souvenir as well. These packages can either be mailed to participants or collected on the day of the event.

For more information and to register for the Big Pirate Run, visit the Big Fun Run Series website.

The Big Fun Run Series

The Big Pirate Run is part of a series of family-friendly running events that have come to Metro Vancouver. First, the Big 80’s Run is at Burnaby’s Central Park in March. Next, there is the Big Easter Run at Jericho Beach in April followed by the Big Jungle Run at Burnaby Lake Park in May. Next, the Big Superhero Run is in August, the Big Pirate Run happens in September, and the Big Halloween Run takes place in October. Lastly, there’s the Big Elf Run at Stanley Park in December.

The series of events jumps around Metro Vancouver and provides fun and family-friendly runs. All of them have at least a 1-3km, 5km and 10km course, and sometimes a 15km course too.

To learn more about the other runs, see our article about the Big Fun Run Series.

Big Pirate Run Starting Line