Try Events Running Races

Try Events organizes races of different lengths in Metro Vancouver. There are 5 km and 10 km runs, as well as half and full marathons for runners to enjoy.

Events in the series include the Chilly Chase (in January), Fort Langley Historic Half (in February) and both the Hot Chocolate Run 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).

Try Events Races in Metro Vancouver

Try Events hosts a number of running races and half marathons throughout the year. The events happen at various locations in Metro Vancouver including Fort Langley, Burnaby Lake, False Creek, Stanley Park and South Delta’s Boundary Bay.

The family-friendly events offer different distances to choose from, between 5 km and 42 km, the last of which is the length of a full marathon. Some Try Events races are themed, like the event during the week of St. Patrick’s Day for example.

Registration costs for each event increase as the events get closer. Everyone can save up to $15 or so by registering as early as possible. Everyone who finishes their race usually receives a medal, and special medals are given to the top 3 runners of each event. There are also random draws to win various types of prizes on most race days.

The organization’s first ever event happened in January 2005. Since then, Try Events has worked with communities and supported numerous charities. Volunteers help on event days and make it easier for Try Events to support its various charitable beneficiaries.

2023 Races

Try Events races take place across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley regions. There are races in Vancouver, Burnaby, Delta and Fort Langley.

Races listed below are scheduled to happen later this year and early next year.

Fort Langley Historic Half (in February)

The Fort Langley Historic Half event offers a few different routes. There are 5 km, 10 km and half marathon running races. In 2023 the 17th annual event takes place on Sunday, February 19th.

The races usually kick off at Bedford Plaza at 23285 Billy Brown Road in Fort Langley. All the different runs start at about 9:00 am and everyone receives a Kintec voucher and finishing medal.

Costs to register vary based on distances and registration times. The 5 km run costs up to $65, the 10 km run costs up to $70 and the half marathon costs up to $80. In all cases, you could have saved up to $15 if you booked online before the end of 2022.

To learn more about the event click Fort Langley Historic Half.

Hot Chocolate Run (in March)

The Hot Chocolate Run is another Try Events set of races that usually happens along the Stanley Park Seawall in March. As the name of the event suggests, all participants receive hot chocolate.

In 2023 the Hot Chocolate Run takes place on Saturday, March 4th. There is also a Fun K race which is just over half a kilometre in length.

For the 5 km race, registration costs between $50 and $65 depending on when you book. The 10 km race costs about $5 more. The Fun K race is the shortest and also the least expensive to enter. It’s great for kids and costs $15 before March 4th or $20 on the day of the event.

For more information about the event click Try Events Hot Chocolate Run.

Shamrock’n Race (in March)

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Try Events hosts a themed race in mid-March at Burnaby Lake Regional Park each year.

The 17th annual Shamrock ‘N Race takes place on March 12th in 2023. The start is in Burnaby in the field near the corner of Joe Sakic Way and Sperling Avenue, so at the same location as the Rubber Ducky Race in October. The 5 km, 7 mile and half marathon runs start at around 9:00 am.

To learn more about the event click Try Events St. Patrick’s Day.

Rubber Ducky Race in Burnaby — The Rubber Ducky Race

Rubber Ducky Race (in October)

The Try Events Rubber Ducky Race is held in October in the City of Burnaby.

There are three options for participants to choose from. There’s a 5 km route, a 7 mile (~11 km) route and a half marathon. The races begin in the park near the corner of Joe Sakic Way and Sperling Avenue. Courses loop around Burnaby Lake making for a wonderful time in nature.

In 2023 the Rubber Ducky event takes place on Sunday, October 15th. Races begin at about 9:00 am with a short warm up immediately before. The courses close at noon, which should be enough time for everyone to finish.

Registration fees vary depending on which distance you wish to run and how far in advance you book. Prices for the 5 km run range from $50 to $65 in 2023. The 7 mile run costs between $55 and $70, and the half marathon costs between $65 and $80. In all cases, prices increase as the event gets closer.

Runners who finish their races receive a participation medal, and folks who sign up for the half marathon get socks with a yellow duck pattern.

For more information about the event click Try Events Rubber Ducky or see our article about the Rubber Ducky Race.

Rubber Ducky Race Video

The following video shows what the start of the Rubber Ducky Race at Burnaby Lake Regional Park looks like. As you’ll see, it’s a fair-sized race with a lot of participants.

Boundary Bay Marathon (in November)

As its name suggests, the Boundary Bay event takes place at Boundary Bay Park in South Delta (a.k.a. Tsawwassen). The park is beautiful and the path runs alongside the ocean. The terrain is mostly flat which makes running a bit easier.

In 2023 the 12th annual Boundary Bay Marathon happens on Sunday, November 5th. This year, there are four different routes available. The shorter options are 5 km and 10 km long. For more serious runners, there’s also both a half and full marathon. In addition, groups of runners can compete in a four-person marathon relay. The races start at about 8:30 am.

Prices for the individual runs range from $50 to $90 each, depending on which distance you select. On the other hand, entering the four-person relay costs $180 to $210 per team. Register early to save up to $30!

To learn more about the event click Try Events Boundary Bay.

For an idea of what the Boundary Bay event looks like, check out the following video.

Vancouver Historic Half (in November)

The Vancouver Historic Half is a popular event where participants run along the Stanley Park Seawall. 2023 marks the Vancouver Historic Half’s 13th anniversary. This year the event begins at around 9:00 am on Sunday, November 26th.

The event offers 5 km, 10 km and half marathon routes. The runs begin at Lumberman’s Arch Concession at 3250 Stanley Park Drive. Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s top attractions, so it’s no surprise that this event has been a great success over the years.

Half marathon runners get an event souvenir and all runners borrow time tags. Prices for the event range from $50 to $80 per person.

For more information about the event visit the Try Events website.

Chilly Chase (in January)

The Chilly Chase race is an annual event outside the Creekside Community Recreation Centre located at #1 Athletes Way in Vancouver’s Olympic Village at the edge of False Creek. The 18th edition of the event happened in 2023 on Sunday, January 23rd.

The race features multiple routes that span 5 km, 10 km, 15 km and 21 km. Races are staggered but begin at around 9:00 am.

Registration for the shortest race costs between $50 and $65. The 10 km race costs $55 if you register early, or up to $70 if you wait until closer to race day. The 15 km race costs between $60 and $75, whereas the half marathon costs up to $80. All participants receive souvenir socks, participation medals and small snacks.

To learn more about the event visit the Try Events website or see our article about the Chilly Chase. To see what the start of the race at Olympic Village looks like, then watch the following short video.