Vancouver’s only marathon event featured for its stunning scenery in prestigious global rankings
Vancouver, BC - February 12, 2016 - Vancouver again ranks among the world’s best. Forbes Travel has placed the BMO Vancouver Marathon alongside Big Sur, London, Rio de Janeiro, the Great Wall of China, Rome and Paris, as one of the 12 ‘Top Marathons Worth Traveling For’. Welcoming thousands of international runners and showcasing Vancouver’s stunning scenery, the BMO Vancouver Marathon represents as Canada’s top destination race.
"Runners from more than 50 countries will fly to Vancouver," writes Forbes. "You’ll tour the Canadian city, as the course leads you through 12 neighborhoods, six beaches, three parks and the picturesque Seawall, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. The best part is the views — you’ll get a glimpse of everything from snow-capped mountain ranges to cherry blossom trees. Even better: 70 percent of the race offers shoreline vistas."
Forbes Travel’s last rankings of the ‘Top 10 Marathons Worth Traveling For’ in 2014 and 2012 also featured the BMO Vancouver Marathon. The Vancouver Marathon is the only Canadian event to crack any of those rankings and one of just a few events to make all three lists consecutively alongside other world-renown marathons in London, Athens and Paris.
A look at the event’s website, bmovanmarathon.ca, sees a plethora of other top rankings including being labeled a ‘perfect destination race vacation’ by Canadian Running Magazine, a ‘Spring race all runners should try’ by USA Today, and one of the ‘Most Exotic Marathons’ by CNN Travel.
"Since 2012, our vision since has been to be the world’s best running experience, celebrating all that is Vancouver," adds Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society, organizers of the event. "We are honoured that Forbes Travel has again included the BMO Vancouver Marathon as one of the top destination marathons anywhere in the world and look forward to showcasing our world-class event on the global stage this Spring."
Runners from over 50 countries have already signed up for the 45th Vancouver Marathon on May 1, 2016, in an event that now actually features six different races with shared Finish Lines. In addition to its marquee marathon, the BMO Vancouver Marathon will host the BC Half Marathon Championships on May 1, 2016, a Marathon Relay, 8KM race, new 2.5KM Walk and Kids Run, plus host a free three-day Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo, April 28-30.
To help keep up with the global demand, the event increased its Sport Tour Operators program 75% this year, and returned its special with the hotel booking engine Marathon.beVancouver.com allowing spectators to enjoy great hotel deals, and destination runners to save on their race registration.
To learn more, please visit BMOVanMarathon.com.
About the BMO Vancouver Marathon
Celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2016, the BMO Vancouver Marathon is Vancouver’s only marathon, plus the event boasts a Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 8KM Race, Kids Run and new 2.5KM Walk. Recognized by Forbes, CNN, USA Today and others as one of the top destination marathons in the world, the event is renowned for its unique scenic views including snow-capped mountain ranges, cherry blossom trees, and 70% shoreline views. Join in at the free Expo: April 28 - 30, and on Race Day: May 1, 2016.
About the Vancouver International Marathon Society
The Vancouver International Marathon Society is the non-profit organization responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon, Granville Island Turkey Trot, and the Fall Classic Run at UBC. The Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and delivers running events with a mandate to promote healthy living, increase participation in the sport, and celebrate the value the sport delivers to our communities.
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