BC Living
You’ve Gotta Try This in February 2025
Recipe: How to Make Pie Crust from Scratch
Valentine’s Day Drink Recipe: Hy’s Love Is Love Cocktail
Attention, Runners: Here’s 19 Road Races Happening in B.C. in Spring 2025
Nature’s Pharmacy: 8 Herbal Boutiques in BC
How Barre Enhances Your Flexibility
Inviting the Steller’s Jay to Your Garden
6 Budget-friendly Holiday Decor Pieces
Dream Home: $8 Million for a Modern Surprise
Local Getaway: Hideaway at a Mystical Earth House in Kootenay
9 BC Wellness Hotels to Relax and Recharge in This Year
Local Getaway: Enjoy Waterfront Views at a Ucluelet Beach House
B.C. Adventures: Things to Do in February
5 Beautiful and Educational Nature and Wildlife Tours in BC
7 Beauty and Wellness Influencers to Follow in BC
11 Gifts for Galentine’s Day from B.C. Companies
14 Cute Valentine’s Day Gifts to Give in 2025
8 Gifts to Give for Lunar New Year 2025
Marathons, half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks and more road races to compete in (or run just for fun)
Lace up your sneakers and start training for these marathons, half marathons, 5Ks and more race options across the province. There’s something to suit every speed—from walking to jogging to sprinting—and many of the events also include fun runs for kids.
Not quite ready to race? You can still get involved, since these events all rely on the help of volunteers.
March 23, Courtenay
Take in views of Mount Washington, Forbidden Plateau and the Tsolum and Puntledge rivers on this fast out-and-back half marathon along country roads. This rural race dates back to 1986, and over the years it has been won by Olympians such as Mike Creery, Jon Brow, and Simon Whitfield. The event raises funds for KidSport BC.
April 13, Sidney
Fast and flat, this out-and-back 5K race is ideal for setting a PB (personal best) time. Out-of-towners can easily reach the charming little town of Sidney via the Swartz Bay ferry terminal or the Victoria International Airport: both are close by. This event also raises funds for KidSport BC.
April 19, Vancouver
The “hoppiest” event this spring includes 10K, 5K and 1K (for kids) distances. Participants don bunny ears and race around beautiful Jericho Beach Park. An egg hunt and chocolate medals for finishers are just part of the fun. The event raises funds for (you guessed it) KidSport BC.
April 27, Vancouver
Canada’s largest 10K race attracts as many as 60,000 runners, joggers, walkers, wheelchair competitors and individuals with strollers to the streets of downtown Vancouver. Pint-sized racers opt for the 2.5K Mini Sun Run, and a virtual option is also available. This popular annual event, which started back in 1985, raises funds for charity partners such as the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and the BC Epilepsy Society.
April 27, Victoria
The 36th annual TC10K has the theme “Where Everyone Is Welcome.” Runners, joggers, walkers, wheelchair competitors and individuals with strollers are all encouraged to join in the fun in downtown Victoria. Youngsters can do the 1.5K Family Run. Be sure to check out the event’s T-shirts and medals, which were designed by Indigenous artist Jamin Zuroski. The event raises funds for charity partners includign the Victoria Hospitals Foundation and the Times Colonist Literacy Society.
May 3, Cumberland
This year marks the 10th Cumby, which takes place in the hills above the historic coal mining town of Cumberland. These hills are always the biggest challenge in the 26K, 16K and 8K races. The event raises funds for the Cumberland Community Forest Society.
May 4, Vancouver
Participants from more than 60 countries flock to Vancouver for Canada’s largest marathon, which is often named one of the top destination marathons in the world. The route starts at Queen Elizabeth Park (the highest point in the city) and finishes in the heart of downtown. Racers frequently pause to snap photos of the ocean, snow-capped mountains, Stanley Park seawall and cherry blossoms in bloom. Other distances include half marathon, 8K and 2.5K (for kids). Funds are raised for various charity partners.
May 25, Abbotsford
The fast and flat 10K and 5K routes are good for both joggers and competitive runners. This event raises funds for clean-water projects in Ethiopia.
May 25, Victoria
Winding through Victoria’s charming Oak Bay neighbourhood, this event includes a half marathon, relay, 10K, and 1K (for kids). It raises funds for both CFAX Santas Anonymous Society and Easter Seals BC and Yukon.
May 31, Kelowna
With half marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K (for kids) distances, the 10th annual Hungry Hungry Half raises funds for the Central Okanagan Food Bank. Part of the half marathon route is along Kelowna’s picturesque waterfront.
May 31, Burnaby
Runners, joggers, walkers, strollers and leashed dogs are all welcome at the fourth annual event in Burnaby Lake Park, with distances of 10K, 5K and 1K (for kids). Each race kit includes an animal mask and a race bib with a custom jungle name. The event raises funds for Backpack Buddies.
May 31, New Westminster
A fundraiser for KidSport, the third annual 5K run in Queen’s Park features a hilly course with a mix of trails and roads. New this year is a free 1K race for kids.
June 1, Vancouver
With the mission of raising funds for colon cancer research and awareness, Bumrun has fully embraced cheeky taglines such as “the 5K run to get behind.” Bumrun races happen throughout the spring in Toronto, Calgary, Halifax, and Vancouver, as well as virtually. Vancouver’s 5K race takes place along the waterfront of Jericho Beach Park.
June 1, Port Hardy
Choose from the half marathon or 10K distance at this annual event that follows Port Hardy’s scenic waterfront.
June 7, Whistler
Distances for the Whistler Half include 32K, half marathon, 10K,and 5K, with all races starting and finishing at the Olympic Plaza. Special events are scheduled throughout the weekend, such as a film festival, concert, guided trail run, wellness brunch and various seminars. The event raises funds for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
June 7, Sechelt
Whether you’re doing this trail-running event’s marathon, half marathon, or 10K—all of which start and finish in Kinnikinnick Park—be prepared to tackle lots of hills throughout the forest. Kids can take part in the Cub Run. Funds are raised for Coast Mountain Bike Trails.
June 7, Chilliwack
Experience the beauty of the Fraser River and the Cheam Mountain Range while running along paths and farm roads in this race. A virtual option is also available. The event raises funds for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Canada.
June 15, Burnaby and Kamloops
Prostate Cancer Canada’s biggest annual fundraising event takes place on the same day in both Burnaby and Kamloops. The Burnaby event includes a 10K run, 5K walk and 2K stroll, while the Kamloops event is a 5K walk that includes entry to the BC Wildlife Park. A virtual option is also available.
June 22, Vancouver
This oceanside event includes half marathon, 5K and 1K (for kids) distances, and there’s also a virtual option. It raises funds for various charity partners, such as the BC Cancer Foundation and Spinal Cord Injury BC.
