The St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run is an annual 5-km running race that takes place on a Saturday morning in mid-March in Vancouver’s Stanley Park.

In 2026 the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run happens on Saturday, March 14th. Another awesome running event this same weekend is the Shamrock’n Race on March 15th. Earlier in the month there is also the Vancouver Chocolate Run on March 7th and Big 80’s Run around early March.

See our article about Vancouver Running Races to learn about other similar events at other times of the year. Check out our article about St. Patrick’s Day Events to learn about other Irish-themed events. Otherwise, continue reading for information about the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run.

This article contains the following information about the St. Patrick’s Day Run:

Run Route and Location | What to Expect | Race Fees | Other Information

St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run

The St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run usually takes place on the Saturday just before or after March 17th. In 2026 the race happens on Saturday, March 14th.

The race starts at around 9:30 am on Pipeline Road not far from the Stanley Park Pavilion which is usually where the run’s post-race after-party takes place.

In addition to being a fun running race, the event is also a fundraiser. Since its beginning some 15 or so years ago, more than $100,000 has been raised for Diabetes Canada.

St. Patrick's Post-Run Party — After-Party at the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run

Run Route and Location

The St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run typically starts and finishes near the Stanley Park Pavilion which is located at 610 Pipeline Road not far from the location of the Stanley Park miniature railway.

The run starts on Pipeline Road and heads south before turning west along Stanley Park Drive. The route then goes along the road parallel to the Stanley Park seawall to Brockton Point, then along the park’s northern shore back to Pipeline Road, and then south to the finish line and where everything started.

The post-race after-party typically takes place both indoors at the Lord Stanley Pub and outside by the Stanley Park Pavilion. Festivities usually include DJ music as well as free Irish Stew and refreshments for participants. Green beer is also available for purchase.

St. Patrick's Race Crowds in Stanley Park — St. Patrick’s Day Run in Stanley Park

What to Expect

Hundreds of runners take part in the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run each year. You can run the race solo or you can make it a team effort and run together with family, friends or work colleagues. Since it’s a fun event, it’s almost always nicer to run with buddies or family as you can encourage each other along the way.

Most participants wear at least a bit of green, the majority wear a lot of green and many go all out and dress in full St. Patrick’s Day costumes.

As many as 2,000 people participate in the event each year. Prizes are awarded to the fastest female and male runners as well as to those in the best costumes.

At the race after-party expect to see hundreds of tired but happy people drinking green beer with their friends in the park. As many as 1,500+ runners complete the race each year. Including their friends and families, as many as 2,000 show up for the party.

Even if you aren’t running yourself, or there to cheer on someone who is, the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run can be a fun race to watch, plus Stanley Park is a wonderful place to be.

St. Patrick’s Race Fees

Last year’s registration for the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run started at $50 up until December 31st. The price will likely be comparable in 2026, though details are to be confirmed. The price increases as the event draws closer. Proceeds from the event support Diabetes Canada, and entry fees are normally waived for runners raising $100 or more in pledges.

OTHER RUNS IN MARCH, 2026

There are a few other runs that happen in March. First, there is the Vancouver Chocolate Run also at Stanley Park on March 7th. Then there is the Big 80’s Run at Central Park in Burnaby, and the Shamrock ‘n Race at Burnaby Lake Regional Park on March 15th.