Starting downtown and finishing at BC Place Stadium, the Vancouver Sun Run is a great 10-kilometre running race for all skill levels.

The event attracts tens of thousands of runners every year, including pre-teens, senior citizens and elite athletes. In 2024 the race happens on Sunday, April 21st.

Other fun running races to look forward to this year include the Big Jungle Run in May, Big Superhero Run in August, and Big Pirate Run in September. There is also the Rubber Ducky Race in October and both the Boundary Bay Marathon and Vancouver Historic Half in November. There are lots of other great races too, including both the Vancouver International Marathon and Scotiabank Half Marathon. To learn about these and other similar events, see our article about Vancouver Running Races.

To learn about the Vancouver Sun Run, continue reading.

This article contains the following information about the Vancouver Sun Run:

2024 Race Details | Route and Photos | Tips | Other Information

2024 Vancouver Sun 10K Race

Not only is the Vancouver Sun Run Canada’s largest 10-kilometre race, it’s also one of the world’s most beautiful.

The race starts downtown around the corner of Georgia and Burrard Streets. From there, runners heads towards Stanley Park, but then turn up Denman Street before going into the park. Participants then run along the edge of English Bay, cross the Burrard Street Bridge, head east and run the final stretch to the finish line by BC Place Stadium.

The views during the run are beautiful. Runners can feel inspired and push on when greeted with vistas of mountains, beaches, skyscrapers, bridges and the ocean. And if the Sun Run lives up to its name and happens under sunny skies, the views are spectacular.

The Vancouver Sun Run is a fun event for everyone – professional runners, joggers and walkers. There are world-class athletes competing as well as seniors, children and thousands of recreational runners. Some people even walk a chunk of the way. There’s even a race for folks in wheelchairs!

Musicians along the route play upbeat music to motivate runners, and thousands of cheering friends, supporters and other spectators line the route as well to cheer participants to the finish line.

Even if you aren’t a runner, head downtown anyway to cheer on your friends or other participants and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

2024 Race Details

The Vancouver Sun Run can be run as an individual 10-kilometre road race or as part of a team of eight or more people. There is also the Youth Team Challenge which is for groups of runners under the age of 19.

For those who want to take part in the 2024 Sun Run but do a shorter distance, the EVA AIR Mini Run, which is 2.5 kilometres, is also an option. This is open to all ages and isn’t timed.

After finishing, participants can rest their tired legs at BC Place Stadium and enjoy free refreshments, live entertainment and an awards ceremony inside the stadium for the top finishers.

Race day in 2024 is on Sunday, April 21st.

2024 Race Day Schedule

The schedule of events for the 2023 Vancouver Sun Run was as follows. 2024 is likely to be pretty similar, although exact details are to be confirmed.

• 8:00 am – 2.5-Kilometre Mini Sun Run Start (at Pacific Boulevard by BC Place Stadium)
• 8:30 am – Vancouver Sun Run Post-Race Party Begins (by BC Place Stadium)
• 8:30 am – Club16 Fitness Warm-Up (at the 10-kilometre starting line)
• 8:40 am – Competitive Wheelchair Start (at Georgia and Burrard Streets)
• 8:50 am – Women’s Elite Race Start
• 9:00 am – Start of the 10-Kilometre and Men’s Elite Race
• 9:00 am to 9:06 am – Pink, Yellow, Green and White Waves Start
• 9:15 am to 9:20 am – Purple and Blue Waves Start
• 9:24 am (approximately) – Winners cross the Finish Line
• 11:00 am – Awards Ceremonies (on Main Stage at BC Place Stadium)

Sun Run Route & Photos

The starting line for the Vancouver Sun Run is downtown on Georgia Street by Burrard. Runners line up for several blocks, organized in categories according to their expected running times.

Before reaching Stanley Park the race usually turns up Denman Street. Participants continue onto Beach Avenue and run past English Bay. The route goes up over Burrard Street Bridge and crosses False Creek. Participants in the run make their way to 6th Avenue and then turn left onto Quebec Street toward BC Place Stadium.

There are usually thousands of fans, supporters and tired runners at the finish line. An announcer naming many of the runners as they cross the line is also present.

Thousands of recuperating runners are greeted and reunited with their friends and supporters on the road outside BC Place at the end of the race. In addition to the crowds celebrating outside the stadium, thousands more go inside BC Place to enjoy the free concert. An awards ceremony and general post-run celebrations also take place.

Vancouver Sun Run Tips

Below are some suggestions to help you make the most of your Vancouver Sun Run experience.

TIP #1: If you’re a runner and you don’t like crowds, this isn’t the best run to take part in. There are well over 40,000 participants. By comparison, at the Vancouver BMO Marathon in May, there is a maximum of just 5,000. For a list of other running options, both big and small, click Vancouver Running Races.

TIP #2: As a runner, you don’t have to run the second your group sets off. With modern technology, your timer begins the moment you cross the start line.

TIP #3: Avoid driving downtown at all costs on race day as traffic gets heavily snarled. Take public transit instead. And if you want to cheer your friends on at different points throughout their run, consider taking your bicycle. That’s the best way to get around much of the downtown core on race day.

Other Information

The Sun Run has taken some huge steps in reducing the amount of waste production from the event over the years.

If possible, participants should also bring their own reusable cup or water bottle and not use disposable energy gel packs as these cannot be recycled. Don’t stress, however, if you aren’t able to bring your own water bottle. Everything at the event is usually recyclable or compostable.

There are typically volunteers at the recycling stations to ensure that participants have properly disposed of all materials. For more information on this event going green check out Sun Run Environmental Initiatives.

Visit the Vancouver Sun Run website to learn more about the event.

For information on other running events at different times of the year, including the Scotiabank Half Marathon, check out Vancouver Running Races.