Vancouver Chocolate Run

The Vancouver Chocolate Run by Try Events is a set of races around Stanley Park in March. There are 5 km, 10 km and half marathon (21 km) runs.

In 2025 the Chocolate Run takes place on Saturday, March 1st. A related event in the same month is the Shamrock’n Race which happens a couple of weeks later, on Sunday, March 16th. Both events are lots of fun! With one you get some chocolate. With the other you can dress up in green (if you want to).

For full details and to register for the runs, see the tryevents.ca.

Vancouver Chocolate Run in 2025

The Chocolate Run is an annual event in Vancouver. It’s a one-day set of races organized by Try Events which puts on several similar events throughout the year. The Chocolate Run takes place along the Stanley Park Seawall. It’s a beautiful location with stunning waterfront views.

The Vancouver Chocolate Run features three different distances to choose from. There’s a 5 km run, a 10 km run and a half marathon run, which is 21 km.

As one might expect from the event’s name, all runners receive a piece of chocolate. Participants in the longer routes also get a souvenir finishing medal, toque and other snacks. All three runs are timed and the top three male and female runners receive additional medals. There are also random prizes for lucky participants.

When & Where is the Vancouver Chocolate Run

In 2025 the 11th annual Chocolate Run happens on Saturday, March 1st. The day begins with warm-ups at around 8:45 am. The half marathon then starts at 9:00 am followed by the 10 km and 5 km runs almost right after. Participants have around two hours to complete their routes.

The runs take place on a flat, paved surface. There is no need to be a super athlete to participate, just choose the run that suits your fitness level. The starting point for the various runs is at Stanley Park’s Lumberman’s Arch located at 3250 Stanley Park Drive which is just a 5-minute walk north of the Vancouver Aquarium.

Click Vancouver Chocolate Run for the event’s official website.

Event Running Routes

All three Vancouver Chocolate Run races begin at Lumberman’s Arch Concession which is at 3250 Stanley Park Drive. It’s just north of the Vancouver Aquarium, or about a two-minute drive past the Brockton Point Lighthouse.

The 5 km race’s route heads south towards Devonian Harbour Park before turning around and heading east along Stanley Park Drive. The run continues north and then west along the seawall all the way back to the starting point.

Devonian Harbour Park is near the south entrance to Stanley Park via West Georgia Street, not far from the north end of Denman Street at the Coal Harbour waterfront.

The 10 km route goes nearly all the way around Stanley Park in a loop around the Stanley Park Seawall. The half marathon is basically the same route as the 10 km, except it’s two laps around and there’s an extra bit of running down the west coast of the park towards English Bay.

Chocolate Run Registration Fees

Event costs vary depending on when you register. The earlier in advance you sign up, the more money you save. The first price listed below is for runners who registered late last year. The second price is in effect until January 26th, 2025. People who register after that pay the third amount. Registration on the day of the event costs the most.

5 km – $53, $58, $63, $65
10 km – $58, $63, $68, $70
Half marathon – $68, $73, $78, $80

Registration for all three routes comes with a piece of chocolate, a Try Event’s toque, finishing medal, and also a time tag to track each runner’s results. Runners must return the time tag after their race.

Race kits are available for pick-up at Lady Sport (at 3545 West 4th Avenue in Vancouver) on February 29th, or at FitFirst Footwear (at 3713 Kensington Avenue in Burnaby) on March 1st. Race kits can also be picked up on the day of the race in exchange for a $5 donation to the Strathcona Community Policing Centre.

Click Vancouver Chocolate Run for the event’s official website.