The Big Halloween Run is a spooky-themed running race that’s part of Vancouver’s Big Fun Run Series. It’s a fun and laid-back event for people of all ages.

The annual Big Halloween Run usually takes place on the day before Halloween. In 2026, however, the run is not happening. The event is expected to return in 2027.

Other events in the Big Fun Run Series include the Big Easter Run and Big Jungle Run in spring, the Big Pirate Run in September, and the Big Elf Run in December.

TIP: Use the promo code VBP10 when signing up for any of these races to save 10% on your registration fee. Click Big Halloween Run for full details about the event.

The Big Halloween Run in Vancouver

The Big Halloween Run is a recent addition to the Big Fun Run Series, which has multiple events in and around Vancouver. The organization plans to have as many as nine events in future years.

Like others in the series, the Big Halloween Run is casual rather than competitive. The focus is fun and community; come to run, dress up, and socialize. Choose a 1 km dash or a 5 km run/walk. Leashed pets are welcome to join in on the fun!

Given the Halloween theme, expect to see plenty of runners wearing costumes. It’s not mandatory, but everyone is encouraged to dress up. Participants can order a custom nameplate along with their race package to give themselves a spooky nickname that fits the season.

Visit the Big Fun Run Series website for more details and to register for the Big Halloween Run.

Location and Registration

The Big Halloween Run takes place at Olympic Village near downtown Vancouver. Both races follow the False Creek Seawall which is a beautiful place to explore. It’s good to know that the event takes place rain or shine.

The last run took place from 5:00 pm to 8:45 pm. Early-bird pricing was about $20 for the 1 km run and $35 for the 5 km run. The registration cost increased as the event date approached. Prices on the day of the event were around $25 for the 1 km and around $50 for the 5 km. The 5 km run cost $29 for participants under 18.

Participants could have their run kit mailed to them before the race (for an additional fee), pick it up the day before at 1201 West Broadway, or collect it on race day near the starting line.

What to Expect

Don’t go to the Big Halloween Run expecting an event as serious as the Vancouver Marathon, or one of the city’s other major running races. It’s much shorter and intended as a chance to have some fun rather than compete (although the top finishers do receive a small prize).

Both of the races begin and end at 1 Athletes Way in Olympic Village. The 1 km race goes along the Seawall and around Science World before heading back. The 5 km race goes to David Lam Park in Yaletown before looping back.

Below is the schedule of events for the 2025 Big Halloween Run to give you an idea of what to expect when it returns.

- 5:00 pm – Check-in opens
- 5:45 pm – 1 km race warmups

6:00 pm – 1 km race begins
6:30 pm – 1 km race ends
6:45 pm – Announcements about prizes and contests
6:50 pm – 5 km race warmups
7:00 pm – 5 km race begins
8:45 pm – 5 km race ends

There are usually prizes for multiple categories besides just the fastest runners. There are awards for the best costume, best selfie, best custom name, and best pet costume.

Visit the Big Fun Run Series website for more details and to register for the Big Halloween Run.

The Big Fun Run Series

The Big Fun Run Series offers a wide variety of event themes. Some of the races have much longer distances than the Halloween event, including a half-marathon at the Big Pirate Run in Richmond in September.

There’s also the Big 80’s Run in March, the Big Easter Run on the Easter long weekend, the Big Jungle Run in May, and the Big Elf Run in December. There’s also sometimes the Big Superhero Run in August.

In 2026, The Big Easter Run, This Big Pirate Run, and the Big Elf Run are happening. The rest are expected to return in 2027, with exact details to be confirmed.