Big Pirate Run

The Big Pirate Run is part of Vancouver’s Big Fun Run Series. It offers a variety of themed running events with lengths suitable for people of all ages and abilities in Richmond.

In 2025 the event happens on Sunday, September 21st, at Garry Point Park (which isn’t far from Steveston Village).

The Big Pirate Run, like other events in the series, is a fun activity, not a competitive one (although it may be a source of friendly competition between siblings and their parents).

TIP: Use the promo code VBP10 to save 10% on the event cost.

Visit bigfunrunseries.com for the event’s official website.

This article includes the following information about the Big Pirate Run:

The Big Pirate Run in 2025 | Location and Registration | The Big Fun Run Series | Other Information

The Big Pirate Run at Gary Point Park in 2025

In 2025 the Big Pirate Run is on Sunday, September 21st. As the name implies, the September run has a pirate theme. Other events in the series are the Big 80’s Run, Big Jungle Run and, Big Easter Run in the spring. There is also the Big Halloween Run in October and the Big Elf Run in December. Most years there is also the Big Superhero Run in August, although it’s not happening in 2025.

Route Options

There are five different distance options at the event, ranging from a 1 km kids’ course to a half-marathon. Regardless of what distance you choose, the event is a casual and fun run. It’s not a competition, except maybe for what you are wearing.

Prizes are awarded for categories such as costumes, best photos, best bib names, and pet costumes. There are also prizes for the fastest male and female runners in each of the distance categories.

The route is stroller-accessible, and dogs are also welcome to participate (but must be on leashes). Costumes are encouraged and the event takes place regardless of the weather.

The charitable partner for the event is usually the Richmond Food Bank, a highly valued community organization. This non-profit organization is the charitable partner again in 2025.

Visit bigfunrunseries.com to register for the event and for the Big Fun Run Series’ website.

Big Pirate Run in Richmond

The Big Pirate Run

In 2025 the Big Pirate Run starts early in the morning. The 21.1 km starts at 8:30 am. Then the 5 km, 10 km and 15 km events have staggered starts beginning at 9:00 am. The 1 km to 3 km run starts at 10:00 am. The route for all the events is flat and on a mix of paved and gravel trails.

The event creates a fun, festival atmosphere with vendors on site. Dress-up is encouraged—arrive in your own costume, and wear the costume item handed out at check-in.

There are various prizes to win at the event. Expect prizes and credits from local Vancouver and BC partners. In 2025 the best costume prize is a $50 Modo driving credit.

Location and Registration

The Big Pirate Run takes place in Richmond at Garry Point Park which is located at 12011 Seventh Avenue not far from Steveston Village. Garry Point Park also hosts other events throughout the year including the Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival.

The route for the run follows the water’s edge. Those taking part in the longer runs pass the Richmond Olympic Oval and come within sight of Vancouver International Airport.

The pricing for each distance is less expensive the earlier you buy it. Below are the prices for each distance in 2025. (Note: Prices and other details are subject to change.)

1 km to 3 km Little Pirate Run – $22 early bird, up to $25
5 km Big Pirate Run – $40 early bird, up to $55
10 km Big Pirate Run – $42 early bird, up to $60
15 km Big Pirate Run – $45 early bird, up to $70
21.1 km Big Pirate Run – $50 early bird, up to $80

TIP: Use the promo code VBP10 when signing up to save 10%.

All entrants receive a customizable pirate-name bib and a random costume item. Finishers also get a souvenir. Participants can pick up race kits at designated locations before the event (see the official website for details) or collect them on race day.

Visit the Big Fun Run Series website for more information and to register for the Big Pirate Run.

The Big Fun Run Series

The Big Pirate Run is part of a series of family-friendly running events that have become a staple in Metro Vancouver. The calendar runs March to December.

First the Big 80’s Run is at Burnaby’s Central Park in March. Second there is the Big Easter Run at Jericho Beach in April, followed by the Big Jungle Run at Burnaby Lake Park in May. Next, the Big Superhero Run is in August, the Big Pirate Run happens in September, and the Big Halloween Run takes place in October. Lastly, there’s the Big Elf Run at Stanley Park in December.

The series of events spans Metro Vancouver and offers fun and family-friendly runs. All of them have courses ranging from 1 km to 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km, and sometimes a 15 km or half-marathon course as well.

See our article about the Big Fun Run Series to learn more about the other runs.

Big Pirate Run Starting Line