Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN®

What Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® does

RUNVAN® (Vancouver International Marathon Society) is a registered Canadian non-profit society founded in 1972 that organizes a portfolio of mass-participation running and track-and-field events headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia. Its core products are five recurring events: the BMO Vancouver Marathon (Canada's largest marathon since 2018 and the city's only full marathon), the First Half (Canada's fastest half marathon), the Jerome Classic (Canada's longest-running track and field meet, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event added to the portfolio in 2024), the Granville Island Turkey Trot (a Thanksgiving 10K), and the Great Trek (a UBC-based multi-distance fall race). A Kids Run program, the RUN4HOPE charity platform (which has helped runners raise over $17 million for charities), and a training content hub (RUNVAN Resources) sit alongside the races. The 2025 BMO Vancouver Marathon attracted a record 25,000+ runners from 60+ countries.

The organization's underlying technology is a relatively conventional event management and race registration platform accessed through runvan.org and dedicated event sites (bmovanmarathon.ca, firsthalf.ca, greattrek.ca, turkeytrotrun.ca, thejeromeclassic.ca). There is no app and no disclosed AI/ML capability; the operational backbone is a small full-time staff of 1-10 supported by nearly 3,000 volunteers annually and a volunteer Board of Directors. Revenue is generated from three streams: race registration fees across five events at varying distances (5K to full marathon), corporate sponsorship (title sponsor BMO Financial Group, presenting partner BlueShore Financial, plus 15+ additional event partners), and merchandise sales through the RUNVAN race store. Distribution is direct-to-consumer online, supplemented by grassroots channels (30+ local run crews and running stores such as Forerunners and Running Room) and sponsor-driven customer marketing.

RUNVAN's go-to-market is hybrid: event-driven (sell-out races, early-bird pricing, and destination tourism attracting 45%+ of entrants from outside Vancouver), community-led (run crew partnerships, the multi-event Grand Slam challenge, youth school programs, and the Legacy Club), and sales-led (corporate sponsorship renewals and partner acquisition). The organization has formed strategic partnerships with Athletics Canada and World Athletics for event sanctioning, the City of Vancouver and City of Burnaby for permitting and venue access, and announced a sister-city partnership with the Yokohama Marathon in 2025, signaling the beginning of an international expansion posture.

Name

Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN®

Legal name

Vancouver International Marathon Society

Website

https://runvan.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

RUNVAN® is a Burnaby-based non-profit society organizing a portfolio of five mass-participation running and track-and-field events in Vancouver, anchored by Canada's largest marathon (25,000+ runners from 60+ countries in 2025), funded through registration fees, corporate sponsorship, and merchandise.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Endurance running events and race management

NAICS

Spectator Sports (71121)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Mass Participation Race Organizers (Runs, Triathlons, Cycling) (MPAKADAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Road Running Events (Marathons, Half Marathons, 10K/5K) (MPAKAIAA)

Keywords

• Marathon race events
• Running event management
• Charity fundraising programs
• Corporate race sponsorship
• Community running programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Burnaby

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Race Registration Fees: Registration fees for the First Half, BMO Vancouver Marathon, Jerome Classic, Granville Island Turkey Trot, and Great Trek events. Fees vary by event and distance.
2. Race Store / Merchandise: Sale of event merchandise including race apparel, finisher medals, and branded gear through the RUNVAN race store.
3. Corporate Sponsorship: Title and presenting sponsorships (BMO, BlueShore Financial) and event partner arrangements with 15+ brands across multiple categories including sports, food, beverage, and financial services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

RUNVAN® organizes and hosts a portfolio of annual running events in Vancouver and Burnaby, including the BMO Vancouver Marathon (Canada's largest marathon since 2018), the First Half (Canada's fastest half marathon), The Jerome Classic track and field meet, the Granville Island Turkey Trot, and the Great Trek at UBC. The society also runs Kids Run programs, the RUN4HOPE charity fundraising platform (over $17 million raised), and a race store for branded merchandise. Operations are supported by nearly 3,000 volunteers annually.

Product overview

Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® is a non-profit organization that organizes a comprehensive race series centered around running events. The core product portfolio consists of five major racing events: the BMO Vancouver Marathon (Canada's largest marathon), the First Half (Canada's fastest half marathon), The Jerome Classic (track and field meet), Granville Island Turkey Trot (Thanksgiving 10KM), and Great Trek (UBC-based race with multiple distances). Supporting offerings include Kids Run programs, the RUN4HOPE charity initiative that has raised over $17 million, and RUNVAN Resources providing training content. The organization traditionally relies on nearly 3,000 volunteers annually to host these events which collectively attract runners from approximately 65 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• First Half: Canada's Fastest Half Marathon, held annually in February.
• BMO Vancouver Marathon
• The Jerome Classic
• Granville Island Turkey Trot
• Great Trek
• RUN4HOPE

Products and services

• First Half Half Marathon Canada's fastest half marathon — an out-and-back course past Sunset Beach, along the Seawall through Stanley Park, and back to the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown. Capped at 2,500 participants and regularly sells out quickly.
• BMO Vancouver Marathon Vancouver's only marathon and Canada's largest marathon since 2018. Course winds through 12 neighborhoods, six beaches, three parks, and the Seawall, and hosts the BC Marathon Championships. Drew 25,000+ participants from 60+ countries in 2025.
• The Jerome Classic Canada's longest-running track and field meet, held at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, BC. A World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meet and part of the Athletics Canada National Track and Field Tour, hosting Olympic athletes and elite competitors.
• Granville Island Turkey Trot Annual Thanksgiving tradition 10KM race on Granville Island. Scenic route over Burrard Bridge, along the Seawall with views of False Creek, turning at Science World. Over 2,000 participants annually.
• Great Trek Grand finale of the RUNVAN® Race Series held at UBC, featuring Half Marathon, 10KM, and 5KM distances. Formerly known as the Fall Classic, it pays homage to the Great Trek of 1922. Over 4,500 participants in 2025.
• Kids Run Youth running events held in conjunction with main races for children ages 6-12 at age-appropriate distances.
• RUN4HOPE Charity Program Charity fundraising platform integrated with race registration that has helped runners raise over $17 million for charitable causes, including local food banks such as Greater Vancouver Food Bank and Surrey Food Bank.
• RUNVAN® Race Store / Merchandise Online store selling event merchandise including race apparel, finisher medals, and branded gear.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $17 million raised for charity through RUN4HOPE program
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Yokohama MarathoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025International sister-city partnership between the BMO Vancouver Marathon and Yokohama Marathon, announced in August 2025. Alex Remtula (RUNVAN Manager-Partnerships & Special Events) and Eric Chéné (RUNVAN Executive Director) participated alongside officials from the Office of the City of Yokohama to the Americas.
• Achilles International Track and Field SocietyflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 February 2024RUNVAN formed an exciting new partnership with the Achilles International Track and Field Society to elevate the Jerome Classic, one of the biggest track and field events in Canada. The partnership leverages RUNVAN's network and resources while preserving the meet's legendary history with the original founders and volunteers.
• BMO Financial GroupflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerBMO serves as the title sponsor of the BMO Vancouver Marathon and BMO Vancouver Half Marathon. As a major financial institution with national reach, BMO provides significant GTM amplification for the events while associating its brand with one of Canada's premier destination marathons.
• BlueShore FinancialflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerBlueShore Financial is the presenting partner for the First Half (First Half presented by BlueShore Financial) and Great Trek (Great Trek presented by BlueShore Financial) events. Multi-year partnership providing financial support and cross-promotion through the credit union's member base.
• Athletics CanadaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRUNVAN events are part of the Athletics Canada National Track and Field Tour and hold Athletics Canada Road Race Label status. The First Half and BMO Vancouver Marathon are Athletics Canada labeled events.
• World AthleticsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Jerome Classic is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour (Silver level). This international federation partnership elevates the event's status and attracts elite athletes from around the world.
• City of VancouvercoreOthersCity of Vancouver stakeholders collaborate with RUNVAN on capacity limits, road closures, and event permitting. City permitting has increased capacity limits from 5,000 to 7,500 for Vancouver's only Marathon.
• City of BurnabycoreOthersCity of Burnaby hosts the Jerome Classic at Swangard Stadium. The event is a cornerstone of Burnaby's athletic landscape and is supported by the municipality.
• Government of CanadacoreOthersThe Jerome Classic is supported by the Government of Canada as part of its partnership with Athletics Canada National Track and Field Tour.
• Greater Vancouver Food BankminorOthersCharitable beneficiary of the RUN4HOPE program through the Granville Island Turkey Trot, receiving donations from race participants.
• Surrey Food BankminorOthersCharitable beneficiary of the RUN4HOPE program through the Granville Island Turkey Trot, receiving donations from race participants.
• SHARE Family and Community ServicesminorOthersCharitable beneficiary of the RUN4HOPE program through the Granville Island Turkey Trot, receiving donations from race participants.
• Fitness WorldminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCross-training partner providing RUNVAN runners with a free pass for gym access, supporting marathon training programs and cross-training recommendations on the RUNVAN Resources page.
• BrooksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGear partner recommended on RUNVAN Resources and training pages. Brooks running shoes are promoted as part of marathon training advice.
• ForerunnerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorForerunners is a major local running store that partners with RUNVAN through sponsored training articles, run clinics, and community promotion. Their trainers share training tips for RUNVAN events.
• Running RoomcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRunning Room runs training clinics for RUNVAN events and is listed as a partner for marathon training programs and community outreach.
• StreetFrontminorOthersLong-time supporter of StreetFront, an alternative education program in Vancouver, through youth running initiatives and school programs.
• Indigenous Women OutdoorsminorOthersPartnership with Indigenous Women Outdoors at the Great Trek to honour Indigenous voices, uplift community, and promote running with respect and awareness on Musqueam territory.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Yokohama Marathon: Major Asian destination marathon that signed an international sister-city partnership with RUNVAN in 2025. Comparable mass participation road race with strong destination-tourism appeal but operating in a different geography (Japan).

Direct peers

• Canada Running Series: Major Canadian mass participation road race organizer running events such as the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half, and Around the Bay. Direct peer along product, customer (destination runners), and operational model.
• TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon: Toronto's flagship marathon organized under the Canada Running Series umbrella. Most directly comparable Canadian destination marathon, competing for the same national sponsorship and runner pool as RUNVAN.
• Big Sur International Marathon: Iconic U.S. destination road marathon known for scenic course and destination appeal. Comparable to RUNVAN on destination-race positioning, scenic-course value proposition, and runner demographic.
• Scotiabank Calgary Marathon: Major Canadian mass participation road marathon and half marathon with similar destination-race appeal, corporate title sponsorship (Scotiabank), and Athletics Canada sanctioning. Direct competitor for the national runner and sponsor pool.

Broad incumbents

• Ironman (World Triathlon Corporation): Global mass participation endurance event organizer (Ironman triathlons, marathons, and running events). Larger incumbent in the same broad category with overlapping sponsorship, participant, and destination-race dynamics.
• Bank of America Chicago Marathon: World Marathon Major and one of the largest destination marathons in North America with corporate title sponsorship (BofA). Comparable to RUNVAN's flagship BMO Vancouver Marathon on sponsorship model, scale, and destination runner economics.

Others

• Athletics Canada: National governing body for track and field and road running in Canada. RUNVAN events (First Half, BMO Vancouver Marathon) hold Athletics Canada Road Race Label status and the Jerome Classic is part of its National Track and Field Tour, making it both a partner and an ecosystem peer.
• World Athletics: International governing body of athletics. RUNVAN's Jerome Classic is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour (Silver level), making World Athletics both a federation partner and an ecosystem-shaping peer in elite track and field events.
• Running Room: Canada's largest running specialty retailer and training-clinic operator. Functions as a RUNVAN training/registration channel partner but also organizes its own training programs and clinics, making it an adjacent ecosystem peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/runvancanada
• YouTubeyoutube.com/runvancanada
• Facebookfacebook.com/runvancanada
• Instagraminstagram.com/runvancanada
• TikToktiktok.com/@runvancanada

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN®