Vancouver Marathon Reviews

  Great Marathon - Somewhat Hilly

By BCT about 2024

Review

Somewhat hilly, total elevation gain 1,000' plus. Net elevation drop of approx.200'. Great support and large crowds to cheer you on, very scenic..... Very well organized.....

Race Tips

First half has biggest climb. Most downhills are gentle enough to let yourself run. Only one downhill steep enough you have to check your speed.....

  

By LS about 2017

Review

Very, very scenic and the best is saved for last (exept last 1.5km which is back to streets for the finish downtown) where the route is the sea wall around Stanley Park.

There is a 1/2 and a relay as well. Good expo, good race shirt. Starting area was very well organized.

Race Tips

Pretty flat, one hill around 9km. can except cool (10-15c temps) and possibility of rain. This year (2017) was 15c sunny no rain. Was perfect.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Stay down town.Recommend VRBO or something like that but all price range of hotels are available as well. Tons of restaraunts and shopping. Since winter olympics there is a train from airport to down town. Really makes it easy.

Americans 1.00US = 1.37CDN, your dollar goes a long way in Canada.

  

By rhys about 2014

Review

Well organized race with plenty of volunteers and good expo. What makes this race stand out is the scenery. Incredible ocean views then the final 12KMs are around the Stanley Park sea wall into downtown Vancouver.

The first half has a long descent then some climbing. A sharp climb with pretty good crowds followed by false flat for a mile or two. My pace went from 7flat/mile to 7:08 during this 3 miles stretch. from there you go into UBC Campus and enjoy a great descent into Kitsilano where the ocean views start for last half. Great crowds here. From there you go over the bridge into Vancouver and around the sea wall. Quite possibly the most beautiful run in Canada is the sea wall.

Race Tips

Pacing the first 10K because it is primarly down hill. Like Boston, don't get carried away!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Race site has race registration / hotel booking combination discounts.