Longest Day Road Race

The Longest Day Road Race is a Vancouver running event with three races, live music, a barbecue and other outdoor activities at UBC in June.

The race is a fundraising event whose proceeds benefit the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB). In 2026, the race takes place on Friday, May 29th.

Note: A couple of other fundraising events around the same time are the Father’s Day Run/Walk for Prostate Cancer and the GearUp4CF cycling event, which benefits Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

Vancouver’s Longest Day Road Race in 2026

The Longest Day Road Race is a fun annual event for people of all ages. It features three runs and numerous post-party celebrations at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Presented by the Vancouver Thunderbirds and the City of Vancouver, the event has timed 5 km and 10 km runs as well as a one-mile run designed specifically for kids.

Participation in the kids’ race includes a goodie bag, a personalized number to wear, and access to a special play area and party. Meanwhile, participants in the longer distances receive a race bib and other bonus items. This past year, the first 1,200 people who picked up their race packages received a free pair of custom athletic socks.

The top three runners in the 5 km and 10 km runs receive awards. Organizers also distribute gift cards to the top runners in select age groups. Others who donate at least $50 to the GVFB are entered into multiple draws for a chance to win valuable prizes.

After the runs are complete, everyone makes their way to the Thunderbird Stadium Concourse for the post-run barbecue party. The party features live music, a beer garden, and, of course, plenty of barbecue. All participants receive a meal that includes hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, pies, and juice. There are vegetarian options too. Alcoholic beverages cost extra.

Longest Day Road Race Starting Line

When and Where

As its name implies, the Longest Day Road Race takes place close to the longest day of the year. It usually occurs on a Friday near the summer solstice. In 2026, the event happens on Friday, May 29th.

The kids’ run starts at 6:30 pm, the 5K run begins at 6:45 pm, and the 10K race starts at 7:00 pm.

In 2026, packages for the 5K and 10K runs can be picked up at Forerunners, 3502 West 4th Avenue, on May 27th and May 28th between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm. Race packages can also be picked up on the day of the run at Thunderbird Stadium on the UBC campus, though pre-pickup is encouraged.

All runs during the Longest Day Road Race are held outdoors at UBC. The 5K and 10K runs start at the same location, at the crossroads of Stadium Way and East Mall, near UBC. The finish line is about one block away at the Thunderbird Stadium Parking Lot. The kids mile is part of the adults course but loops back much sooner.

Race Running Routes

From the start line, all running routes head south, turn right onto West 16th Avenue, then right onto SW Marine Drive, and finally right onto Stadium Road. As everyone approaches Thunderbird Stadium, the kids turn right into the parking lot and cross the finish line there. However, the 5K and 10K routes turn left at West Mall.

The longer routes continue by turning right onto Stores Road, then left onto Main Mall, and right onto Memorial Road. Then, the routes turn right onto East Mall, right onto Agricultural Road, and left onto Main Mall. From there, runners run south all the way back to the finish line. The 5K race ends there. The 10K race, however, requires a second lap of the same route.

Click Course Map for a diagram of the 2026 route.

Registration Prices

Registration fees for the 5K and 10K runs are the same, but the kids’ run costs less. Below are the listed registration fees for each 2026 run.

Adults (ages 16+) – $60
Seniors (ages 60+) – $55
Youth (ages 15 and under) – $55
Kid’s Mile – $35

Pricing increases as the event approaches. Early bird pricing is available. Runners who buy their tickets early can save between $10 and $15 so it’s well worth signing up early.

Food vouchers are also available for purchase starting at $15 for those who want to watch and join the food celebrations afterward, but do not wish to participate in the race. T-shirt souvenirs are also available online for $30.