Canada’s Fastest Half
Capped at just 2,000 runners, the First Half presented by BlueShore Financial is known to sell-out quickly! Offering a stunning out-and-back course, the First Half presented by BlueShore Financial 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. 2023 returns a long-sleeve tech shirt and new medal designs. Triple Crown entries are also limited and include a special bonus race medal. Join in! RUNVAN®.
Canada’s fastest Half Marathon is always quick to sell-out.
Next in-person event: First Half, Sunday, February 12, 2023
Annually in February
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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 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
Annually in February
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 with comped entry. If you qualify, please 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 always sold-out event. You’ll be provided special access to pay and register like everyone else. Please email: info@runvan.org
Race Kit
Registration Includes:
- Long-sleeve tech tee for all registered runners
- Race medal for the in-person Half Marathon 21.1KM
- Bonus medal with the Triple Crown
- Option to purchase race medals with Virtual Races
- $25 gift card to Forerunners ($75 minimum spend)
- Partner treats (in-person Package Pickup only)
- Stanley Park Brewing beer if of age
- Measured and marked courses
- On-course water stations and services if in-person
- Results, leaderboard, and more