14 Vancouver races that every runner should try this summer

Lace up your runners and top up your water bottles! From Mountain runs to road races, here is Daily Hive’s list of events runners need to experience this summer.

Comfortably Numb

• What: Come experience the 23+ km Comfortably Numb course which is an internationally recognized mountain biking route, and it’s even more fun to run. A few climbs, a few descents, a beautiful bridge crossing, numerous sweeping vistas, and almost entirely singletrack.
• Where: Just North of Whistler Village. Turn right off Hwy 99, 13 km north of Whistler. You must cross the BC Rail train track to access the road. Use caution as this is an uncontrolled railway crossing.
• When: June 10, 2017

RUSH: Race and Urban Scavenger Hunt

• What: The Amazing Race? Not quite…. but almost. On June 10, the BC Lung Association’s RUSH takes over Vancouver. In teams of two, travel to locations around Vancouver to do a variety of challenges which will be physically and mentally demanding. The first team back wins a trip around the world.
• Where: All over Vancouver
• When: June 10, 2017

Spartan Race Vancouver

• What: Includes a Junior Spartan Race, Sprint categories, and Super categories. Test your endurance, perseverance and grit.
• Where: Mount Seymour – 1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver
• When: June 10 to 11, 2017

Longest Day Run/Walk

• What: An annual event to raise money for the Vancouver Downtown East Side.
• Where: Iona Beach, Richmond
• When: June 11, 2017

RunForH2O Vancouver

• What: The RunForH20 event is a fun run that raises funds for sustainable clean water projects in developing countries. 100% of the funds raised goes directly to the water projects through our charity HOPE International Development Agency.
• Where: Riverfront Park – 2750 East Kent Ave S, Vancouver
• When: June 17, 2017

Tough Mudder Whistler

• What: Tough Mudder Whistler features rocky, mountainous terrain, stunning views, and a sprawling course route littered with world-class obstacles.
• Where: Whistler Olympic Park – 5 Callaghan Valley Road, Whistler
• When: June 17 to 18, 2017

SOS Children’s Village Run & Walk 

• What: In support SOS Children’s Village BC. Collect pledges and participate in the 2 km, 5 km or 10 km Walk/Run to help make a difference for over 9,000 BC children and youth in foster care.
• Where: Richmond Olympic Oval – 6111 River Road, Richmond
• When: June 18, 2017

Raymond James Father’s Day Walk Run for Prostate Cancer

• What: A Walk/Run to raise awareness and funds in the fight against prostate cancer -from helping people facing the disease in the community to ensuring this cancer is a thing of the past for future generations.
• Where: Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion – 6871 Roberts Street, Burnaby
• When: June 18, 2017

Seek The Peak

• What: Seek The Peak is 16 km of fitness bragging rights. Test your fitness and overall mental toughness alone or tackle the awe-inspiring 1,400 m climb as a team. Every upward step, from Ambleside Park to the Peak of Vancouver, raises valuable funds for the BC Cancer Foundation’s lifesaving work against breast cancer
• Where: Ambleside Beach, West Vancouver
• When: June 25, 2017

Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5 K

• What: An annual 5 km run/walk or the Scotiabank Vancouver Half – Marathon, known as Canada’s most scenic half-marathon. More than 6,000 participants run past beaches and mountains, finishing in Vancouver’s beautiful Stanley Park.
• Where: UBC East Mall (West of Thunderbird Arena)
• When: June 25, 2017

Rugged Maniac Vancouver 

• What: Arrive at Cloverdale Fairgrounds and get ready for a wild mud run with crazy obstacles.
• Where: Cloverdale Fairgrounds – 6050A-176th Street, Surrey
• When: July 15, 2017

Night Nation Run Vancouver 

• What: The Night Nation Run is the world’s 1st Running Music Festival. A 5 km musical voyage filled with live music, lights, lasers, and celebration for the lover of Electronic Dance Music. Run, walk, skip or dance your way through this electrifying adventure with music carrying you every step.
• Where: Pacific National Exhibition – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
• When: July 29, 2017

SeaWheeze Half Marathon

• What: The popular lululemon event–often referred to as “the most fun half marathon in the world”– features a weekend of yoga and running including a half marathon around the streets of Vancouver.
• Where: Coal Harbour.
• When: August 12, 2017

PNE donut dash

• What: Vancouver’s tastiest race, where runners will be energized with tasty treats throughout the course, including mini donuts.
• Where: Empire Fields
• When: August 20, 2017

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in April but has been updated to include current information.