Canada’s Fastest Half
The First Half is scheduled as a new Virtual Race in February of 2021! Joining the Virtual Race in 2021 will also provide you early bird registration opportunities for the always sold-out event! Capped at just 2,000 runners traditionally, the First Half event is known to sell-out quickly, sometimes within a day! With expectation of hosting in-person events again in 2022, this is a great way to secure early entry opportunities. Top 3 in each Age Category will also earn guaranteed race entry into the 2022 event! GPS and screenshot shares will be required for those gunning for the Top 3 Age Category awards! Offering a stunning out-and-back course, the First Half is the ideal way to kick off your running season and build to Vancouver’s only Marathon event. This fantastic community event dates back to 1988 when the Vancouver International Marathon Society approached Pacific Road Runners to host a build-up event to the Marathon. New registration includes shipping costs within Canada. Join in! RUNVAN®.
Race Dates: February 1-28, 2021
Scenic Course
A waterfront out-and-back course, the ‘First Half’ Half Marathon is a scenic, 21.1KM route that typically takes place in Downtown Vancouver. Kicking off near the Roundhouse Community Centre, the First Half typically continues out past Sunset Beach, along the Seawall, and back towards the historic Yaletown neighbourhood. For the Virtual Races, you’re encouraged to please find your own course. Triple Crown champs, you may run your three races in any order, on any day, throughout the month of February!
Kilometres
Participants
Pricing Table
Distance |
Current |
| 5KM | $45 |
| 10KM | $45 |
| Half Marathon | $55 |
| Triple Crown | Sold-out |
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New pricing includes shipping within Canada
Competitive Entries
Capped at 2,000 runners, the First Half quickly reaches capacity. Special entries are reserved for Elite and Competitive Runners who meet certain standards.
Elite Entries
If you’ve recently ran a sub 1:10 (men) or sub 1:20 (women) Half Marathon, you are invited to apply as an Elite Entry via email: lynn@runvan.org.
Competitive Entries
If you’ve recently ran a sub 1:20 (men) or sub 1:30 (women) Half Marathon, or have finished Top 3 in your Age Category at a recent First Half, you may still gain entry into the often sold-out event. You’ll be provided special access to register. Please email us: info@runvan.org
Race Kit
Your Registration Includes:
- Tech tee for Half Marathon and Triple Crown runners
- RUNVAN® Race Wrap or Toque option for 10KM and 5KM
- $25 gift card to Forerunners ($75 minimum spend)
- Nuun and CLIF Bar treats (in-person Package Pickup)
- Stanley Park Brewing beer if of age (in-person PPU)
- Free initial visit to Coast Performance Rehab
- Results, leaderboard, and more
- 2022 Early Bird opportunities
- 2021 medals and Triple Crown entries are sold-out