The BMO Vancouver Marathon returns on May 3, 2026, bringing thousands of runners to the streets of Vancouver. This popular event, recognized as one of the world's top destination marathons by Forbes, CNN, and USA Today, features the longest uninterrupted waterfront path globally. With approximately 25,000 participants expected, road closures will be in effect to ensure a safe and smooth race.
Preparation Closures on Saturday, May 2
Road closures for setup and preparation begin on Saturday, May 2, in several areas, including Riley Park, Coal Harbour, and downtown Vancouver. Specific closures include:
- Midlothian Avenue from Dinmont to Clancy Loranger Way: closed from 5 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Sunday.
- Midlothian Avenue from W 29th Ave. to Ontario St: closed from 10 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday.
- W. Hastings St. from Burrard St. to Bute St.: closed from 12 p.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday.
- W. Pender St. from Burrard St. to Denman St.: closed from 9 a.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday.
- Thurlow St. from Eveleigh St. to W Cordova St.: closed from 9 a.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Race Day Closures on Sunday, May 3
On race day, extensive closures will impact numerous neighborhoods, including Riley Park, South Cambie, Oakridge, Fairview, Kerrisdale, Dunbar, UBC, Point Grey, Kitsilano, West End, Coal Harbour, Chinatown, Yaletown, Cambie, False Creek, and downtown.
Start Area: Queen Elizabeth Park
- Start line on Midlothian Avenue and Clancy Loranger Way: closed.
- 33rd Avenue at Main Street: closed from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Use Main St. at 33rd Ave. to access Hillcrest Community Centre between 5 and 9 a.m.
- Local traffic only in the area bound by Cambie St. to Main St., from King Edward Ave. to W 41st Ave. from 5 to 9 a.m.
- W 29th Ave. from Cambie St. to Midlothian Ave.: closed from 6:30 to 9 a.m.
Finish Area: Coal Harbour
- Finish line on W Pender St. at Bute St.: closed.
- Street festival on W Hastings St. between Burrard St. and Bute St. from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
South Cambie, Oakridge, Fairview
- Cambie St. from W 29th Ave. to Pacific Blvd.: northbound closed from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
- Cambie St. from W 41st Ave. to W 49th Ave.: northbound closed from 6:45 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Participants are encouraged to use public transit, as TransLink will increase SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express services on race day. For a complete list of closures and detours by neighborhood, refer to the official maps provided by the marathon organizers. Plan ahead to avoid delays and enjoy the event.
