Vancouver Half Marathon returns Sunday with 7,000 runners expected
The Beneva race starts at UBC and finishes at the Museum of Vancouver on June 28, with major road closures expected across the waterfront.
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Thousands of runners will hit Vancouver's waterfront on Sunday, June 28, for the Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon, one of Canada's longest-running road races.
Established in 1999, the event draws more than 7,000 participants across the sold-out half marathon, 5K, and Kids Race. The scenic ocean-side route spans 21 kilometres from UBC to the Museum of Vancouver in Vanier Park, following the seawall through Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Spanish Banks, Jericho Beach, and Kitsilano.
Over 27 years, the event has raised more than $13 million for local charities. The 5K and Kids 1K races start and finish at the Museum of Vancouver.
Road closures will affect UBC, Spanish Banks, Jericho Beach, Kitsilano, and Vanier Park. The city advises residents and visitors to expect traffic delays and use alternative routes.
Half marathon participants are encouraged to park at the Thunderbird Parkade at UBC or use transit (the 99, R4, 25, or 14 bus routes to the UBC Bus Loop). Transit users should allow an extra 20-25 minutes to walk to the start line.
For the 5K and Kids Race, parking around Vanier Park closes at 6:30 a.m.; those arriving after should park south of Cornwall Avenue. Transit options include the 2, 4, 7, or 14 bus routes. Shuttle buses also depart from downtown Vancouver, Burnaby, Kitsilano, and West Vancouver.
Popular cheering areas include the start line at UBC, Spanish Banks waterfront, Jericho Beach Park, Kitsilano Beach, and the finish line at the Museum of Vancouver. The event encourages spectators to use dedicated pedestrian crossings.