When a record number of people take part in the BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 6, they will be running through some of the most scenic areas of the city. Among the 17,000+ runners will be first-timers discovering why the Vancouver event has been chosen as a top destination marathon by Forbes, CNN, and USA Today.
But although the route goes through forests and winds along the seawall, it also encompasses several kilometres of city roads.
Drivers are advised of many road closures, including some that begin tonight (May 5). Dozens of streets and neighbourhoods will be affected.
Starting at noon on Saturday, the area around the Coal Harbour finish line will be closed to allow organizers get set up. It will not reopen until 7 p.m. the next day.
At 5 p.m., areas around the start area at Queen Elizabeth Park will be closed. Most road closures begin Sunday morning.
One southbound lane of the Burrard Bridge will be closed from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and the northbound lanes of the Cambie Street Bridge will be closed from 6:30 to 8 a.m.
The half marathon that runs directly from Queen Elizabeth Park to Coal Harbour begins at 7 a.m. That course closes at 11 a.m.
The marathon, which starts at Queen Elizabeth Park and goes through Kerrisdale and Dunbar before entering Pacific Spirit Park and UBC Endowment Lands, begins at 8:30 a.m. That course closes at 4 p.m.
There is also an 8 km run in Stanley Park. It starts at 9:30 and the course closes at 11 a.m.
A complete list of road closures, as well as how to access the start line, can be found here.
