From inspiring personal stories to standout performances, the 2026 BMO Vancouver Marathon drew widespread media attention from across the country and beyond. With over 25,000 runners and a city-wide show of support, race weekend showcased the energy, community, and impact that define this iconic event. Here are some of the top media highlights from race weekend.

The rise of running in B.C., by the numbers,
BC Business
“From just 32 finishers in 1972 to more than 25,000 runners today, Vancouver’s marathon boom reflects a broader surge in running—now embraced by over a quarter of Canadian adults and powered by growing community events and data-driven fitness trends. Here’s how the numbers stack up.”

Cork woman raising funds for Aid Cancer Treatment to run 42km marathon in Canada,
The Echo
“A Cork woman, who is currently living in Canada, has raised almost €36,000 for Leeside cancer patients ahead of the annual BMO Vancouver Marathon.”

Could this Dutch influencer take down the BMO Vancouver Marathon record?
Canadian Running Magazine
“Three weeks after winning the Dutch Marathon Championship, this elite runner is making a surprise debut in Canada”

Stewardess Mikky Keetels vliegt 3 weken na ’Rotterdam’ in recordtijd naar marathonwinst in Vancouver,
De Telegraaf
“Atlete Mikky Keetels (27) won onlangs de marathon van Vancouver in 2:33.01, waarmee ze het bestaande parcoursrecord van 2:34.27 ruim verbeterde (ongeveer 1 minuut en 26 seconden sneller). De Canadese Dayna Pidhoresky, die de race vorig jaar had gewonnen, werd tweede op 24 seconden achterstand.”

Volgende marathonsucces voor stewardess Keetels: ze wint in Vancouver,
NOS Nieuws
“Mikky Keetels heeft in het Canadese Vancouver opnieuw succes gevierd op de marathon. De 27-jarige Nederlandse atlete zegevierde in 2.33.01 en dook bijna anderhalve minuut onder het parcoursrecord van de Canadese Dayna Pidhoresky.”

Mikky Keetels wint Vancouver drie weken na Rotterdam, parcoursrecord,
Runners World Magazine Nederland

Dutch athlete breaks BMO Vancouver Marathon course record,
Canadian Running Magazine
“The BMO Vancouver Marathon drew more than 25,000 runners across the marathon and half-marathon distances, with participants coming from over 60 countries. First held in 1972, it is one of Canada’s most popular races. This year, the women’s field led the way, with records falling in both the marathon and half-marathon.”

Fujiwara Kosuke and Mikky Keetels win BMO Vancouver Marathon,
Athletics Illustrated
“The 2026 Vancouver Marathon was won by Japan’s Fujiwara Kosuke in 2:22:02 and Dutch athlete Mikky Keetels in 2:33:01, respectively.”

North Vancouver woman breaks BMO half marathon record,
Vancouver Is Awesome
“No matter the task, we often do our best work when we’re having a good time.
That was certainly the case for North Van athlete Natasha Wodak, who ran to first place and set a new race record at the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon on Sunday.”

Stewardess Keetels wint 3 weken na succes in Rotterdam marathon in Vancouver,
NU.nl
‘Mikky Keetels heeft zondag in een parcoursrecord de marathon van Vancouver gewonnen. De 27-jarige atlete, die fulltime stewardess is, legde de 42,195 kilometer af in 2:33.01. Het was voor Keetels haar tweede marathon in drie weken.”

Nuu-chah-nulth mom and son thankful for BMO Vancouver Marathon experience,
Penticton Herald
“Tseshaht First Nation member ƛiniiḥak (pronounced Tli-nii-hak) ran the BMO Vancouver Marathon with her 27-year-old son Edward Johnson Jr. on Sunday, May 3.”

Streetfront Alternative students take unique path to BMO Vancouver Marathon,
Canadian Running Magazine
“This East Vancouver alternative school is using movement to help students discover what they’re capable of”

VANCOUVER, BC – May 3, 2026 – More than 25,000 participants took part in the 2026 BMO Vancouver Marathon weekend, as runners from around the world competed across marathon and half marathon distances throughout Vancouver.

The men’s marathon delivered a competitive international race, with Japan’s Kosuke Fujiwara pulling away from the field late to capture the BMO Vancouver Marathon title in 2:22:03, winning by 30 seconds over Canada’s Russell Pennock.

Representing Kanagawa, Japan, Fujiwara kept his post-race reaction simple and joyful: “Very nice day, I’m happy!”

Russell Pennock impressed in his marathon debut, finishing second in 2:22:33 after. American runner Zachary Anderson completed the podium in third place with a time of 2:23:30.

Men’s Marathon | Top Three:

• Fujiwara Kosuke (JPN): 02:22:03
• Russell Pennock (CAN): 02:22:33
• Zachary Anderson (USA): 02:23:30

The women’s marathon produced one of the most exciting finishes in recent event history, as Mikky Keetels of the Netherlands ran 2:33:02 to claim victory and break the former event record of 2:34:27.

Keetels arrived in Vancouver as a surprise late entry after recently winning the Dutch national marathon title at Rotterdam. Incredibly, the decision to race in Vancouver came together just days before the event.

“I have seven days off… I’m a bit impulsive and I saw the Vancouver Marathon,” Keetels said after the race. “I emailed the race organizers like three days ago and I took a flight and here we are!”

The Dutch runner battled stride-for-stride throughout much of the race with hometown Olympian Dayna Pidhoresky, with just 24 seconds separating the pair at the finish line and at times only six seconds between them during the closing stages.

“It was a battle out there today. In my mind, I knew whoever won was going to break the record.” reflects Pidhoresky.

Pidhoresky crosses second in 2:33:27, also under her own previous event record, further cementing her remarkable legacy at the event. She now owns four of the five fastest women’s marathon times in race history. American runner Madison Hibshman finishes third in 2:39:52.

When asked for advice to runners, Keetels encouraged participants to embrace the unknown. “Be surprised! I didn’t see the course before, so I don’t want to know what’s happening. I like to be surprised,” she says.

Women’s Marathon | Top Three:

• Mikky Keetels (NLD): 2:33:02 Event Record
• Dayna Pidhoresky (CAN): 2:33:27
• Madison Hibshman (USA): 2:39:52

The women’s half marathon produces another standout performance as Canadian Olympian Natasha Wodak shatters her own event record, winning in 1:12:01 in front of a hometown crowd. After the race, Wodak reflected on racing in Vancouver, saying, “I just love running here, I love running in my hometown.” Seattle’s Danielle Jordan places second in 1:15:43, while Sammie Kidder finishes third in 1:16:19.

Women’s Half Marathon | Top Three:

• Natasha Wodak (CAN): 1:12:01 Event Record
• Danielle Jordan (USA): 1:15:43
• Sammie Kidder (USA): 1:16:19

In the men’s half marathon, Canada’s Max Turek claims victory in 1:03:29, the second-fastest time ever recorded on the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon course. “I love the course, it’s a fast course,” says Turek following his win.

Fellow Canadian Santiago Gaitan Caballero finishes second in 1:04:39, followed closely by Thomas Broatch in 1:04:46.

Thousands of spectators lined the course throughout the day, with neighbourhood Cheer Stations and Block Parties creating a festival atmosphere as runners made their way through downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, and along the city’s waterfront.

Men’s Half Marathon | Top Three:

• Max Turek (CAN): 1:03:29
• Santiago Gaitan Caballero CAN): 1:04:39
• Thomas Broatch (CAN): 1:04:46

Charity Impact

This year’s participants raised more than $260,000 for charity through the BMO Vancouver Marathon’s RUN4HOPE program. Since its inception, runners have raised over $17 million in support of social impact initiatives and community organizations.
This extraordinary effort reinforces the event’s role not only as a celebration of athleticism, but also as a platform for giving back and building stronger communities.

Event Acknowledgments

The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN and the BMO Vancouver Marathon extend their sincere thanks to the more than 3,000 volunteers, event stakeholders, and partners who make the event possible.

The next generation of runners took center stage today at the BMO Vancouver Marathon Kids Run, bringing big energy and big smiles to race day. With perfect spring conditions, young athletes across all age groups showed what the future of the sport looks like, fast, fun, and full of heart.

The Kids Races starts near Ceperley Playground inside Stanley Park, the Kids Run takes participants aged 6 to 13 on a fun and scenic 2.4KM loop around Lost Lagoon, a perfect setting for young runners to shine.

Age Category 10-13

In the Girls 10–13 category, McKinley Wasyliw led the way with an impressive finish time of 8:28. Danika Masi followed in second (10:20), with Abbygail Estey rounding out the podium in third (10:57).

On the boys’ side, Aaden Si Shing Chan (all the way from Malaysia) claimed the top spot, crossing the line in 9:41. Gabriel Garcia secured second place (9:54), and Raphael Dawson finished close behind in third (10:03).

Age Category 6-9

In the 6–9 age group, young runners showed incredible enthusiasm and determination on course.

In the Girls 6–9 category, Siena Radu took first place with a time of 11:08. Avril Créixams-Díaz followed in second (12:22), and Anjali Garcia secured third (12:41).

For the Boys 6–9 division, Sequoia Nolan led a tight race to the finish, claiming first in 11:07. Ayden Estey was just a second behind in second place (11:08), with Keaton Luck finishing third in 11:18. In 

A sweet and heartwarming sibling moment added to the celebrations – when Ayden crossed the finish line, he was greeted by his older sister Abbygail, as mentioned earlier, earned a podium spot in her age group earlier in the day.

The event was filled with excitement well beyond the finish line. Families and participants enjoyed a fun festival atmosphere, with pre- and post-race activities including face painting, balloon animals, fun games, snacks, and juice boxes.

Adding to the experience, the 47 Captain Vancouver Sea Cadets provided outstanding on-course and event support, helping ensure a smooth, safe, and encouraging environment for every participant from start to finish.

The Kids Run continues to be a highlight of race weekend, celebrating movement, confidence, and community. Young runners raced their hearts out and inspired the crowd.

A CITY-WIDE CELEBRATION OF CHEER AND CONNECTION

The 2026 event will once again transform Vancouver into a course-wide celebration, with enhanced community cheer zones, live entertainment, and neighbourhood activations designed to bring energy to every kilometre of the route.

From waterfront stretches to residential corridors, spectators, community groups, and local run clubs are expected to line the course, creating one of the most vibrant race-day atmospheres in Canada.

“The BMO Vancouver Marathon has always been defined by its community spirit,” organizers share. “The encouragement from spectators and volunteers is a powerful part of the experience – it carries runners through every step of the journey.”

NEW FOR 2026: POST-RACE BEER GARDEN EXPERIENCE

The 2026 event will feature an exciting addition – a dedicated Beer Garden presented by Stanley Park Brewing at Victory Plaza in Jack Poole Plaza. This new, central post-race gathering spot is for participants, supporters, and volunteers.

Runners can reconnect, reflect, and celebrate their achievement in a fun, relaxed atmosphere after crossing the finish line. The activation will feature local craft beers, non-alcoholic beers, and cocktails from Stanley Park Brewing, along with music and seating areas.

This new activation elevates the event’s festival-style weekend experience, supports local partners, and creates a shared community space at the heart of the race celebrations.

MORE THAN A MARATHON WEEKEND

The BMO Vancouver Marathon continues to expand its signature offerings as Canada’s premier destination race, including:

• A scenic marathon course showcasing Vancouver’s coastline, parks, and neighbourhoods
• Multiple distances welcoming elite athletes, recreational runners, and walkers
• A high-energy race weekend expo featuring wellness, nutrition, gear, and interactive experiences
• Enhanced cheer stations and community engagement zones across the course
• A growing focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and celebration of all movement journeys

COMMUNITY AT THE CORE

RUNVAN events continue to be shaped by strong community participation, from volunteers and local organizations to charities and run clubs that bring energy and purpose to race weekend.

Participant capacity limits are established in collaboration with City of Vancouver stakeholders, balancing safety, neighbourhood considerations, and event operations to ensure an optimal experience for all.

Organizers continue to emphasize the importance of respecting official registration channels. There is no waitlist for Vancouver’s only marathon, and participants are encouraged to avoid scams involving unofficial transfers or resales.

CANADA’S TOP DESTINATION RACE

As Vancouver’s signature running event, the marathon continues to welcome participants from around the world on the first Sunday of May, celebrating endurance, community, and the shared joy of movement.

Stay connected on Instagram via @bmovanmarathon and @runvancanada.

At the BMO Vancouver Marathon, the Start Line represents more than a race, it’s a space to empower, cultivate connection, and celebrate community.

Across race weekend, Indigenous runners from communities near and far are coming together in Vancouver, supported through partnerships with organizations like Indigenous Women Outdoors (IWO), Native Women Run (NWR), and the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I-SPARC). These collaborations help reduce barriers to participation and create meaningful opportunities for athletes to experience the physical and mental health benefits of running.

Indigenous Women Outdoors (IWO), in particular, is rooted in the mission to bring Indigenous women together to cultivate strong connections with one another and their environment through movement and shared experiences. That spirit is reflected throughout race weekend as runners gather not only to compete, but to connect.

For many, the journey to the start line is significant. Athletes like Danica Weager, running with the I-SPARC team, and Stewart Duncan and Howard Smith of the Haisla Nation are part of a growing movement of Indigenous runners embracing endurance sport. Others, like Dave Ward of Driftpile Cree Nation and Bridget Irwin, traveling from a remote Cree community in northern Quebec, reflect the reach and impact of these efforts.

Together, they are cultivating connection between communities, across cultures, and through shared experiences on the course.

RUNVAN’s commitment extends beyond participation. Indigenous culture is thoughtfully woven into the race experience, from medals designed by Musqueam artist Darryl Blyth to Indigenous welcomes and performances that help celebrate the traditions and stories of the host nations.

These efforts are helping shape an environment where participation is more accessible, community is strengthened, and Indigenous voices are visible and celebrated.

By empowering runners, cultivating connection, supporting health and well-being, and celebrating culture, the BMO Vancouver Marathon continues to grow as a space where sport brings people together in meaningful and lasting ways.

Come out and cheer!

The BMO Vancouver Marathon is more than just a race, it’s a city-wide celebration!

This year, runners and spectators will experience live performances, music, cheer zones, giveaways, and community energy all across the course. If you have friends or family racing, or you simply want to be part of the atmosphere, come out and cheer along the route. Your support helps power every step.

Chinatown Comes Alive

Location: W Pender Street and Shanghai Alley

When to Expect Runners:

• 7:21am: Half-Marathon Elites arrive
• 7:38am: Half-Marathon masses arrive

One of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods will set the tone early in the race. BMO brings cultural performances to Chinatown with dragon and lion dances from Eternal Dragon and the Hon Hsing Athletic Club of Vancouver.

Kitsilano Beach Festival Zone

Location: Cornwall Avenue in Kits Beach Park, west of Arbutus

When to Expect Runners: 

• 10:05am: Marathon Elites arrive
• 11:06am: Marathon masses arrive

One of the biggest activation areas on course, Kitsilano features an ACHÉ BRASIL dance performance, face painting, lawn games, and public bleachers. KITS Eyewear will also be onsite with games, product displays, plus lemonade and coffee at their nearby storefront.

Sounds of the Course in Kitsilano

Location: Chestnut Avenue and Creelman Avenue

When to Expect Runners:

• 10:08am: Marathon Elites arrive
• 11:11am: Marathon masses arrive

Runners will be welcomed by the Robert Malcolm Memorial Pipe Band, bringing a classic race-day soundtrack to one of the most scenic sections of the route.

High Energy at Sunset Beach

Location: Beach Avenue and Broughton Street

When to Expect Runners:

• 7:34am: Half Marathon Elites arrive
• 8:02am: Half Marathon masses arrive
• 10:17am: Marathon Elites arrive
• 11:25am: Marathon masses arrive

The Sunset Beach water station will be impossible to miss. BMO is bringing three inflatable men to the course, adding movement and energy to one of the most scenic sections of the route.

English Bay Celebration Zone

Location: Beach Avenue and Denman Street

When to Expect Runners:

• 7:34am: Half Marathon Elites arrive
• 8:02am: Half Marathon masses arrive
• 10:17: Marathon Elites arrive
• 11:25: Marathon masses arrive

English Bay turns into a race-day party with a drag queen performance, live DJ, face painting, and lawn games. Public bleachers will also be available, making this another top spot to watch the race unfold.

Brooks Running Cheer Station

Location: Stanley Park, Second Beach Pool

When to Expect Runners:

• 7:37am: Half Marathon Elites arrive
• 8:07am: Half Marathon masses arrive
• 10:22am: Marathon Elites arrive
• 11:33am: Marathon masses arrive

Brooks Running brings music, crowd energy, and bananas to help lift runners through the later stages of the race.

XACT Cheer Station

Location: Stanley Park, Devonian Park

When to Expect Runners:

• 7:57am: Half Marathon Elites arrive
• 8:45am: Half Marathon masses arrive
• 9:49am: 8KM Elites arrive
• 10:01am: 8KM masses arrive
• 10:47am: Marathon Elites arrive
• 12:14am: Marathon masses arrive

XACT adds another cheer zone in Stanley Park with a live DJ, crowd support, and product giveaways.

The 2026 BMO Vancouver Marathon offers more than a finish time. It is a chance to experience Vancouver at its best, with community spirit, entertainment, and support around every corner.

Pick your cheer zone. Plan your route. Soak in the atmosphere. We’lll see you on race day!

The 2026 BMO Vancouver Marathon brings a deep and varied field to the start line. You have defending champions, proven international runners, strong Canadian contenders, and several athletes stepping up to the marathon distance for the first time. The men’s race features past winners alongside debut runners with real upside, which opens the door to multiple possible outcomes. On the women’s side, experienced champions and consistent front-runners set the tone for another competitive battle. Expect an honest early pace, with the race shaping up through the second half along Vancouver’s course.

Sergio Ráez Villanueva breaking the tape at the 2024 BMO Vancouver Marathon

Men’s Race Preview

Russell Pennock

Russell Pennock enters his marathon debut with strong recent half marathon performances and steady progression. He arrives with momentum and moves up in distance for the first time.

Highlights:

• 4th at First Half 2026, 1:04:36
• 1:07:29 at First Half 2025, 1st in age category 25 to 29
• 1st at 2025 Royal Victoria Half Marathon, 1:05:15

Keisuke Yokota

Keisuke Yokota brings international depth from Japan and ranks among the top contenders based on personal best.

• Marathon PB of 2:11:43 at the 2023 Osaka Marathon
• Based in Saitama, Japan
• Experienced Japanese road racer with consistent national-level performances

He adds strong international competition to the front group.

Sergio Raez Villanueva

Sergio Raez Villanueva returns as one of the most proven athletes in the field and a past champion. He knows this course well and consistently performs at the front.

• 1st at 2024 BMO Vancouver Marathon, 2:22:45
• 2023 BMO Vancouver Marathon Canadian Champion, 2:23:21
• 4th, 2025 BMO Vancouver Marathon, 2:22:52

Louis Marmar Maruk

Louis Marmar Maruk represents VFAC and has shown consistent strength across Vancouver-area races. He has steady half marathon form and moves up in distance with confidence.

• 1st at Great Trek Half Marathon 2025, 1:10:20
• 1:11:06 at First Half 2024
• 1:11:58 at First Half 2025

Lindsay Lamrock (left) and Dayna Pidhoresky (center), 2nd and 1st place winners at the 2025 BMO Vancouver Marathon

Women’s Race Preview

Dayna Pidhoresky

Dayna Pidhoresky leads the women’s field and enters as the clear favourite based on past results in Vancouver and on the international stage. She brings experience, consistency, and proven winning ability on this course.

Career highlights:

• BMO Vancouver Marathon course record holder, 2:34:27 set in 2023
• 3x BMO Vancouver Marathon champion (2022, 2023, 2025)
• 2020 Canadian Olympic Marathon Trials champion in 2:29:03
• Represented Canada at the Tokyo Olympic Games
• 2019 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon winner in 1:13:07

Mikky Keetels

Mikky Keetels enters as a true darkhorse, arriving just days before race weekend but bringing serious credentials. The Dutch champion has the speed to contend and could be a surprise factor at the front of the race.

Highlights include:

• Dutch Marathon Champion at the Rotterdam Marathon
• Marathon PB of 2:30:42
• Half marathon PB of 1:13:29

Lindsay Lamrock

Lindsay Lamrock returns after a 2nd place podium finish last year and continues to build her marathon experience. She continues to improve in every appearance.

• 2nd at 2025 BMO Vancouver Marathon, 2:39:50
• Believes she can improve upon her previous time.

Rita Jelagat

Rita Jelagat adds international strength from Kenya and arrives with a strong personal best. She brings front-of-pack experience from major races.

• Marathon PB of 2:32:19 at the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon

Yukari Yatsutome

Yukari Yatsutome makes her BMO Vancouver Marathon debut representing Japan and the Yokohama sister city connection. She adds depth to the international field.

• Marathon PB of 2:34:43
• Experienced Japanese marathon runner

Maguie Quintero

Maguie Quintero returns with deep experience at this event and consistent finishes over multiple years.

• 2nd at 2018 BMO Vancouver Marathon, 2:50:25
• Marathon PB of 2:44:00
• 5-time BMO Vancouver Marathon finisher

What to Expect on Race Day

The men’s race features proven winners and strong debut talent, with no guaranteed outcome at the front. The women’s race features an experienced champion at the top, with several athletes capable of pushing the pace and challenging for the podium.

Expect a patient start, followed by decisive moves in the second half as the race unfolds along Vancouver’s course.

Since ’99, Streetfront has been using long-distance running as a catalyst for personal growth; helping students discover what they’re capable of, one run at a time.

Based out of Britannia Secondary School, Streetfront is a Vancouver School Board program for students in Grades 8–10 who may not have found success in traditional school settings. Alongside core academics, students take part in regular physical activity like running, hiking, swimming, and more – building confidence, routine, and a sense of belonging.

Through one of several community initiatives supported by RUNVAN, which has backed the program for the past 12 years – students have the opportunity to train for and take on the BMO Vancouver Marathon, a challenge they’ve embraced every year since 2000.

That commitment has grown into something extraordinary. Streetfront’s marathon team is now the largest group of high school marathoners in the world. But beyond the numbers, the impact is deeply personal.

“Partnering with the BMO Vancouver Marathon for all these years has literally changed Britannia Secondary – not just Streetfront. We have over 60 students who hound us to run marathons, to change their personal narratives and take on challenges they never thought possible.”

“Without the most beautiful marathon in North America, they don’t get the real, tangible opportunity to put that to the test,” adds Trevor Stoke, Streetfront Department Head and teacher.

For every student who lines up at the start, the finish line represents more than a race. It’s proof that they can take on something difficult and see it through.

The 2026 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in recent years. This year’s field brings a strong mix of proven veterans, rising talent, and fresh faces ready to make their mark. The men’s race is especially deep, with several legitimate contenders and no obvious favourite, setting the stage for a thrilling battle for the win and podium spots. On the women’s side, accomplished champions and dangerous challengers promise a high-quality race of their own. Whether you’re racing, cheering on course, or following from afar, there will be plenty to watch from the first stride to the finish line.

2025’s BMO Vancouver Half Marathon winner Andrew Davies (Center) 3rd place finisher Harry Halford (Right) and 9th place finisher Ryan Tyrrell (Far Right)

Men’s Race Preview

Santiago Gaitan Caballero

Santiago Gaitan Caballero enters the race as the top seed and the fastest man in the field on paper. His standout mark of 1:00:53 at the St. George Half Marathon places him among the quickest Canadian performers ever over the distance. While that time is not eligible for record purposes due to course elevation regulations, it still signals world-class ability.

He also represented Team Canada at the 2018 U18 Jamaican Invitational Meet and arrives in Vancouver as one of the clear favourites for the win.

Max Turek

Max Turek has built a resume of strong performances in major races and knows how to compete in deep fields. He placed inside the top 10 at the 2024 Boston Half Marathon, where he ran a personal best of 1:02:45. With proven speed and race experience, Turek looks like a serious podium threat.

Other key results include:

• 2nd at the 2023 Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon in 1:02:49

Thomas Broatch

Few athletes in this field bring the same mix of range and consistency as Thomas Broatch. He has delivered strong results across the half marathon, marathon, and shorter road races. Broatch should be firmly in the podium conversation.

Career highlights:

• Half marathon PB of 1:04:08
• 3rd at First Half 2023 in 1:04:23
• 6th at First Half 2026 in 1:05:02
• Marathon PB of 2:10:35 at the 2025 Houston Marathon
• 2023 Canadian Champion at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Other Men to Watch

Nageso Nyafaro Tuse

An Ethiopian refugee training in Kenya, Nageso Nyafaro Tuse is a 2028 Refugee Olympic Team hopeful with strong upside.

• Half marathon PB of 1:04:34
• 2nd at the 2025 Manitoba Marathon
• 7th at the BMOVM Half Marathon last year in 1:05:49

He has the credentials to challenge the front group.

Ryan Tyrrell

Ryan Tyrrell continues to trend upward and has quietly become one of the stronger names in the field. Expect him in the mix.

• Half marathon PB of 1:05:10 at the 2025 Marathon Beneva de Montreal
• 2nd at the 2024 Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon in 1:05:29
• 9th at the 2025 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon last year
• McMaster track and field alumnus

Harry Halford

Harry Halford already knows how to race well in Vancouver. He finished 3rd here at the 2025 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon while setting a personal best of 1:05:24.

That course familiarity could prove valuable when the pace lifts late in the race.

Alex Drover

A McMaster Marauders alumnus, he brings a strong middle-distance background and championship experience. In 2023, he stood on the U SPORTS podium twice, winning gold in the 3000m and silver in the 1500m. His strength over shorter distances makes him an interesting wildcard as he steps into the half marathon.

Natasha Wodak crossing the finish at the 2018 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon

Women’s Race Preview

Natasha Wodak

Natasha Wodak headlines the women’s field and enters as the athlete to beat. She is one of the most accomplished distance runners in Canadian history, with success on the national and international stage.

Career highlights:

• 2-time Olympian
• 2019 Pan American Games Gold Medallist in the 10,000m
• Former Canadian women’s marathon record holder, 2:23:12 at Berlin in 2022

Her record in Vancouver is just as impressive.

• 4-time BMO Vancouver Half Marathon Champion (2012, 2013, 2017, 2018)
• 2020 Virtual Champion
• Canadian women’s event record holder for the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon, 1:12:58 set in 2017
• 5-time First Half Champion (2012, 2013, 2017, 2018)
• First Half course record holder, 1:10:17 set in 2023.
• Winner of the 2026 First Half in 1:11:51

Samantha Jory

Samantha Jory returns as a proven contender, coming off a win on this course in 2024. She has shown consistent form across Vancouver races and continues to build momentum in the half marathon.

Highlights include:

• 2024 BMO Vancouver Half Marathon Champion in 1:14:23
• 2nd at First Half 2024 in 1:13:36
• 4th at First Half 2023 in 1:14:28
• 3rd at the 2023 Canadian Half Marathon Championships in 1:15:07

Argentina Valdepeñas

Returning Mexican favourite Argentina Valdepeñas brings experience and resilience. She won the 2024 BMO Vancouver Marathon in 2:39:38 and competed at the 2023 World Championships, and is a mother of five competing at an elite level.

Career highlights:

• Marathon PB of 2:35:16
• Half marathon PB of 1:16:23
• 44 career marathons completed
• First Latin American finisher at Chicago, Tokyo, New York, and Berlin
• Second Latin American finisher at Boston

Danielle Jordan

Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Danielle Jordan enters as one of the most intriguing newcomers in the field. She recently won the Brooks Lake Sammamish Half Marathon with a fast PB of 1:14:05, and brings strong leg speed from her background on the track.

• Former UConn athlete
• 16:57 road 5K PB

What to Expect on Race Day

The men’s race has several athletes with times close to 1:04 or faster, which should create an honest pace from the gun. The women’s field features one of Canada’s all-time greats, plus proven challengers and dangerous newcomers.

If you’re on the course, keep an eye on the lead packs early. This field has the depth for fast times, bold moves, and close finishes.