The Vancouver Sun Run will wind through several of the city's neighbourhoods on Sunday, April 21.
The annual community run is Canada's largest road race and draws thousands of participants to the downtown core. Runners are accompanied by live music along the 10 km scenic route.
Participants will get a souvenir technical shirt, personalized race bib with a timing tag, and entry to a fun finishers party at BC Place. There are also water stations along the route for people who need a refreshing respite.
While it isn't a charity event, the Sun Run has donated over $3 million to various causes since 1985.
Numerous road closures will be in effect through the morning and into the early afternoon during the event, including a multi-hour closure of the Burrard Bridge.
When is the Vancouver Sun Run start time?
The Sun Run kicks off at 9 a.m. but there is a mini sun run at 8 a.m. and competitive wheelchairs one at 8:40 a.m.
Vancouver Sun Run road closures
Road closures commence at 5 a.m. in the start (Georgia, from Seymour to Bute) and finish zones (Pacific Blvd, from BC Place Stadium to Pat Quinn Way). Roads will re-open at 1:30 p.m.
The Burrard Bridge will be fully closed from 8 a.m. until noon on Sunday.
Other road closures:
- Georgia – from the Causeway to Pender, from 8 - 11 a.m.
- Denman – from Georgia to Beach Ave, from 8 - 11 a.m.
- Beach Ave – from Denman to Jervis, from 8 - 11:30 a.m.
- Pacific Ave – From Jervis to Hornby, from 8 - 11:30 a.m.
- Burrard St – Davie to the Burrard Bridge, from 8 - 11:30 a.m.
- Burrard Bridge – full closure, from 8 - 11:30 a.m.
- W 6th Ave East Exit, from 8:30 - noon
- Burrard Street – Bridge to West 3rd, from 8:30 - noon
- W 3rd Ave – Burrard to Fir, from 8:30 - noon
- Fir St – W 3rd Ave to W 4th Ave, from 8:30 - noon
- W 4th Ave/W 6th Ave, from 8:30 - 12:30 p.m.
- Cambie Bridge – Pacific Ave Exit ramp, from 5 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Cambie Bridge – 6th Ave East, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
- West 3rd Ave – 2nd Ave to Columbia, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Columbia – From 3rd to 6th Ave, from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- 6th Ave – From Columbia to Quebec, from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Quebec – From 6th to Terminal, from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Pacific Blvd – From Terminal to Griffiths Way, from 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Mini Sun Run Road closures
- Pacific Blvd – from Nelson to Carrall, from 5 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Pacific Blvd – from Pat Quin Way to Quebec, from 7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Quebec – from National to Prior, from 7:30 - 9 a.m.
- Pat Quinn Way – from Expo Blvd to Pacific Blvd, from 5 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Carrall – from Keefer to Pacific Blvd, from 7 - 9 a.m.
- Carrall- From Expo to Pacific Blvd, from 7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Expo Blvd – from Quebec to Pat Quinn Way, from 7 - 9 a.m.
- E/bound Pacific Blvd. Exit Ramp - from Cambie Bridge, from 5 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Cambie Bridge – Pacific Ave Exit, from 5 a.m. - 1 p.m.
How long is the Sun Run?
The Sun Run is 10 km long.
Participants must finish walking or running the course in two hours and 30 minutes. The organizers are mandated by the city to open road closures at a certain time.
Where is the Sun Run start line? How will I get to the start line?
The start area is located on Georgia Street, from Seymour to Bute streets.
Organizers advise taking transit to get to and from the race. The SkyTrain is the best option to get into Downtown Vancouver and the Burrard and Granville stations are located closest to the start point.
Those planning to take transit to the run should check TransLink's Trip Planner for its most up-to-date information/schedules closer to the event day.
People who drive to the event should park near the finish area at BC Place Stadium. There is some free street parking and several pay parking lots.
Provide plenty of time to reach the start line if you are participating in the race.
What is the route for the Sun Run?
Participants will start their race at Georgia and Thurlow and then the race continues "west on Georgia to Denman, south on Denman to Beach Ave, southeast on Beach to Pacific, south over the Burrard Bridge, south on Burrard to 3rd Ave, east on 3rd to Fir, south on Fir to 4th Ave, east on 4th to 6th Ave, east on 6th Ave under the Cambie Bridge to 3rd Ave, east, 3rd Ave to Columbia, South on Columbia St to 6th Ave, East on 6th Ave to Quebec Ave, North on Quebec Ave to Terminal and continue on Pacific BLVD to Griffiths Way to finish," according to the website (see slide two for map).
What is the Mini Sun Run?
The Eva Air Mini Sun Run is a 2.5 km run for people with families or runners who prefer a shorter route. It is recommended that adults or escorts accompany children eight and under.
The mini run kicks off Pacific Blvd at 777 Pacific Blvd outside of BC Place Stadium.
Where can I pick up my Sun Run race package?
Participants can pick up their Vancouver Sun Run Expo and Individual Race Package at the Vancouver Convention Centre East (999 Canada Place) in the East Exhibition Hall A during the following days and times:
- Friday, April 19: Noon – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 20: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
