Vancouver Chocolate Run

The Vancouver Chocolate Run by Try Events is a set of races around Stanley Park in March. There are 5 km and 10 km runs, as well as a shorter run for kids.

In 2024 the Chocolate Run takes place on Saturday, March 2nd. A related event in the same month is the Shamrock’n Race which happens a couple of weeks later, on March 17th. 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 2024

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 10 km run and a 5 km run. There’s also a 0.65 km FUN K for kids. 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. The 5 km and 10 km runs are timed and the top three male and female runners receive additional medals. There are also random prizes for lucky participants.

In 2024 the 10th annual Chocolate Run happens on Saturday, March 2nd. The day begins with warm-ups at around 9:45 am. Then, the 10 km run starts at 10:00 am followed by the 5 km run almost right after. Participants have around two hours to complete their routes. The FUN K kicks off at noon (by which time their parents will have finished their longer races if they want to do those too).

The runs take place on a flat, paved surface. There is no need to be a super athlete to participate. Choose the run that suits your fitness level. The starting point for the various runs is at Stanley Park’s Lumberman’s Arch.

This year’s Chocolate Run supports the West End – Coal Harbour Community Policing Centre (WECHCPC).

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 2-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. This year’s 10 km route is the same, but runners take two laps instead of one. (Note: In past year’s the 10K race has been all around the Stanley Park Seawall. Parts of the seawall are expected to be closed this spring, however, which explains why this year’s course is different.)

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.

As expected, the FUN K route is different. It’s a short loop just north of the Vancouver Aquarium, so it doesn’t reach the seawall.

To see what the routes look like in 2024, see the Vancouver Chocolate Run Map.

Vancouver Chocolate Run at Stanley Park

Chocolate Run Registration Fees

Event costs vary depending on when you register. The earlier in advance you sign up, the more money you save. Price ranges for each distance are listed below. The first price was for folks who registered late last year. The second price is in effect until January 28th, 2024. Folks who register after that pay the third amount. Registration on the day of the event costs the most.

5 km – $50, $55, $60, $65
10 km – $55, $60, $65, $70
FUN K – $15, $15, $15, $20

Registration in either of the first two routes comes with a piece of chocolate, a Try Event’s toque and a finishing medal. Time tags are also borrowed to track each runner’s results.

Race kits are available for pickup 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. They can also be picked up on the day of the race, but for a $5 donation to the West End Coal Harbour Community Policing Centre.

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