How a record-breaking Vancouver Sun Run will disrupt traffic this weekend
If you’re planning on driving in Vancouver this weekend, then you should be prepared for traffic changes and disruptions thanks to the Sun Run.
The Vancouver Sun Run is happening on Sunday, April 19, with a record 55,000 participants signed up. The race will close down certain roads and bridges from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Race organizers are warning that the Sun Run will cause traffic delays throughout the downtown core, on the Burrard and Cambie Bridges, and on streets on the north and south shores of False Creek.
Race participants start at Burrard and Georgia Street, run down Georgia until turning left on Denman and onto Pacific Avenue, then cross the Burrard Street Bridge.
They will then run up Fir Street and onto 4th Avenue and head east on 6th Avenue until they wrap around False Creek and finish near BC Place.
Dozens of streets will be closed across the West End, Kitsilano/Fairview, and the False Creek Area.
The Burrard Bridge will be closed to traffic from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Cambie Bridge Pacific Boulevard eastbound exit off-ramp will be closed to all traffic from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the 6th Avenue East exit from the Granville Bridge will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A full list of road closures can be found online.
Vancouver Sun Run 10 km course map. Vancouver Sun Run/Supplied
How should participants prepare?
Participants should pick up their race packages at the Vancouver Sun Run Expo at the Vancouver Convention Centre East, where there will also be over 50 health and wellness exhibitors. It is open on Friday, April 17, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
TransLink will start operating its services early on Sunday to help participants get downtown, with a special West Coast Express running. You can look at the start times for the Expo Line, Millennium Line, Canada Line, and Sea Bus online.
There will also be a bike valet service at BC Place, Gate C, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There are three races on Sunday: the children’s mini Sun Run starting at 8 a.m., the competitive wheelchairs starting at 8:50 a.m., and the 10 km Sun Run starting at 9 a.m.