
Article content
Vancouver Sun Run organizers carefully watch weather forecasts in the weeks leading up to the annual event. Rain, and more than 55,000 walkers and runners, require extra safety planning, and too much sun requires extra water.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
- Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
- Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
- Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
- Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
- Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
- Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
“Weather is the one thing we can’t control,” said race director Tim Hopkins.
Article content
Article content
This year, organizers didn’t have to worry. The weather complied beautifully — a balanced 12 degrees Celsius made race-day conditions close to perfect for the 57,519 registered participants, as well as the thousands of spectators, who showed up for the 42nd Sun Run on April 19.
Article content
“We had beautiful weather,” said Hopkins. “The areas around the seawall, Olympic Village and Science World were lined with people cheering participants on,” said Hopkins.
Article content
The most important thing? “They were cheering for the every-day athletes.”
Article content
Those every-day athletes are what makes the Sun Run such a special community event, said Hopkins.
Article content
Article content

The start line at 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April 19, 2026. Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG

The start line at 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April 19, 2026. Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG

The start line at 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April 19, 2026. Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG

The start line at 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April 19, 2026. Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG

Crowds of runners gather at the start line of the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run on Sunday, April 19. It's a beautiful morning for 57,518 registered participants, the second-highest total in Vancouver Sun Run history. Photo by Harold Munro /PNG

Crowds of purple gathering at the start line of the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run on Sunday, April 19. It's a beautiful morning for 57,518 registered participants, the second-highest total in Vancouver Sun Run history. Photo credit: Harold Munro/PNGPhoto by Harold Munro /PNG

Lead runners at start line at 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April 19, 2026. Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG

Runners at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run as they headed onto Beach Avenue as part of the 10k course through Vancouver streets on April 19, 2026.Photo by Harold Munro /PNG

Runners at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Runas they headed onto Beach Avenue as part of the 10k course through Vancouver streets on April 19, 2026.Photo by Harold Munro /PNG

First wave of competitive runners passing Science World in Vancouver during the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run on April 19, 2026.Photo by Stephanie Ip /PNG

Runners on the Burrard Street Bridge during the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run.Photo by Harold Munro /PNG

Runners on the Burrard Street Bridge during the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run.Photo by Harold Munro /PNG

Purple-clad Vancouver Sun Run runners make their way along cherry blossom-lined streets awash in pink.Photo by Harold Munro /PNG

Purple-clad Vancouver Sun Run runners make their way along cherry blossom-lined streets awash in pink.Photo by Harold Munro /PNG

Justin Kent takes the top time in the Vancouver Sun Run's 10k race.Photo by Rich Lam

Justin Kent takes the top time in the Vancouver Sun Run's 10k race.Photo by Rich Lam/PNG

Runner John Gay finishes second-place overall in this year's Vancouver Sun Run with a time of 28:44.Photo by Rich Lam /PNG

April 19, 2026: Vancouver, B.C. -- Makenna Fitzgerald is the first woman to cross the finish line at The Vancouver Sun Run. Fitzgerald and Justin Kent, who took top spot overall, pose for photos at the finish line.Photo by Rich Lam /PNG

Makenna Fitzgerald was the first woman to cross the finish line at the Vancouver Sun Run. Photo by Rich Lam /PNG

Makenna Fitzgerald, the first woman to cross the finish line at the Vancouver Sun Run, poses for photos with overall winner Justin Kent at the finish line.Photo by Rich Lam /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

On lookers cheer on the runners during the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

On lookers cheer on the runners during the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Spiderman runs the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026. Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

T-Rex runs the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026. Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

A supporter cheers on runners along the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026. Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Finishers celebrate after crossing the finish line at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026. Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Finishers celebrate after crossing the finish line at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026. Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Batman runs the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026. Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

A supporter holds up a sign to cheer on runners at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026. Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Runners run the course at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026.Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Finishers celebrate after crossing the finish line at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026. Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Finishers celebrate after crossing the finish line at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026. Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Finishers celebrate after crossing the finish line at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026. Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

Finishers celebrate after crossing the finish line at the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run in Vancouver on April, 19, 2026. Photo by RICHARD LAM /PNG

The post-race Vancouver Sun Run party at B.C. Place is in full swing. Photo by Stephanie Ip /PNG

The post-race Vancouver Sun Run party at B.C. Place is in full swing. Photo by Harold Munro /PNG
Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.
You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.
Article content
This year, a 95-year-old completed the course, alongside walkers and runners of all ages. “That’s truly what the story is about. It’s the opportunity to train and complete something from start to finish.
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
“It’s not the time it takes you to finish, it’s the opportunity to complete that goal. Every athlete finishes the same race,” said Hopkins.
Article content
There were 145 people registered to run in the elite division, most of whom were Canadian.
Article content
Although the Vancouver Sun Run is not an Olympic team qualifier, in part because of its size and topography, it is a signature event that many elite athletes use to train with the Olympics in mind, said Hopkins. A number of elite Canadian runners who have participated in the Sun Run have gone on to become Olympians.
Article content
This year, B.C. runners won in male and female divisions, with Burnaby’s Justin Kent taking first in the race overall, with a time of 28:40. The top women’s finisher, Makenna Fitzgerald of Kamloops, was a surprise winner on Sunday. Fitzgerald won the 10-kilometre women’s road race with a time of 32:24 in her Sun Run debut, beating her personal best of 34:10.
Article content
Article content
Kelowna’s John Gay, 29, who won The Sun Run in 2023 and placed second this year, started as one of those every-day athletes, said Hopkins. “He participated when he was 12, and got inspired.”
Article content
Article content
Gay went on to join Canada’s Olympic team in Tokyo in 2021, where he ran a personal best in the 3,000-metre steeplechase.
Article content
Although the Vancouver Sun Run is still an international event, race organizers prioritize elite Canadian athletes, picking up the tab for flights and hotels. “Our goal is to profile the incredible Canadian athletes we have in this country,” said Hopkins.
Article content
Among international athletes in the men’s division were two from the U.K., one each from the Ukraine, Belgium, Kenya, Uganda, and four from the U.S. Among the international women were one each from Kenya, Ireland, the U.K. and France, as well as two from the U.S.
Article content
This year’s race was capped at 55,000 participants, but left room for late registrants through a charity bib program. Participants who registered after the 55,000 cap could pay a higher fee ($100), with $50 going directly to the Sun Run’s charities.
Article content
Overall, $138,147 for 16 charities was raised, and of that, the charity bib program generated more than 1,000 additional registrations and raised $62,450.
.png)
3 hours ago
7















































































































Bengali (BD) ·
English (US) ·