VANCOUVER – Vancouver’s only marathon, which started in 1972 with just 32 finishers, has grown into an internationally recognized marathon weekend offering races for everyone. Nearly 16,000 runners, from over 60 countries, will run across the event’s six different races this year at the BMO Vancouver Marathon. A free three-day Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo kicks off the festivities, April 28-30.  

Here are some of the highlights for the BMO Vancouver Marathon race weekend.

*As Western Canada’s largest Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo, over 100 exhibitors will showcase the latest trends in lifestyle, fitness, wellness, health and nutrition at the downtown Vancouver Convention Centre West, spanning over 70,000 square feet. Open and free to all. Location: Vancouver Convention Centre West. Times: Thursday April 28 (5pm-8pm), Friday (11am-8pm), Saturday April 30 (10am-6pm).         

*A new Musical Showcase on stage at the outdoor terrace of the downtown waterfront Vancouver Convention Centre West will also take place Thursday and Friday at the Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo. Watch and listen to Top Line Vocal Choir, Fiddlin Frenzy, JennaMae and the Groove Section, Alex Balanko and many more bands! Check the website bmovanmarathon.ca for show times.        

*Offering six different races, the BMO Vancouver Marathon has a race experience for all abilities. The Kids Run and new 2.5KM Walk take place on Saturday, April 30, one day before the marquee point-to-point Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay and 8KM.         

*The BC Half Marathon Championships this year takes place on the fast 21.1KM course of the BMO Vancouver Marathon in conjunction with BC Athletics. Don’t blink! Elite Athletes will look to better the course record of 1:02:36 over 21.1KM.         

*Runners from over 60 countries will ascend on this world-class marathon event. Ranked a top destination by the likes of Forbes, CNN, USA Today, and others, runners from across the globe will fill our hotels and generate approximately $45 million in economic impact.         

*Elite Athletes will be leading the pack. The first Elite Athletes should run up West Pender and cross Bute Street to break the Finish Line tape around 8am. Event records for the Half Marathon are 1:02:36 and 1:12:33 for the men and women, respectively, and 2:13:14 and 2:35:50 for the 42.2KM Marathon.         

*Not a runner? The Neighbourhood Challenge presented by Chevron gives everyone a chance to join in and win. $7,000 in total cash prizes will be up for grabs. Make creative signs, cheer, and share your spirit! Hashtag #RunVanFan @BMOVanMarathon for your chance to win cash prizes.         

*Stunning course scenery is reason enough to get outside and enjoy these great point-to-point courses that race through 12 Vancouver Neighbouhoods. Courses offer views of snow-capped mountains, cherry blossom trees and 70% shoreline vistas. Vancouverites and visitors alike will appreciate the spectacular views.         

*Over 4,000 volunteers representing 16,000 person hours will help stage the internationally acclaimed event, organized by the non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society. Fun fact: volunteers will help distribute approximately 31,000 litres of water and over 1 million grams of nutritional gels on race day.