Six spring races to add to your race calendar

It’s unfortunately that time of year – the end of marathon season. While many fair-weather runners will hibernate for the winter, others are keen to keep training to chase spring goals. We have established a shortlist of in-person races to look forward to in the spring of 2022.

February 2022

RunVan The First Half Marathon – Vancouver (Feb. 13)

• Sign up for the first half marathon of the year that is run on a beautiful loop course of Vancouver’s famous Stanley Park Seawall. This in-person race only offers the in-person half marathon and is limited to 2,000 spots. There are 5K and 10K virtual options available.

March 2022

New Balance Chilly Half Marathon – Burlington, Ont. (March 6)

• The New Balance Chilly Half Marathon, Frigid 10 & Frosty 5K has established itself as a popular early season event to kick off the racing season in Ontario. The 2022 edition is set for a return to in-person racing across all three distances

Around the Bay 30K – Hamilton, Ont. (March 27)

• Around The Bay is Canada’s oldest road race, first run in 1894, three years before the Boston Marathon. Starting in downtown Hamilton, the unique and challenging 30K course takes participants on a rolling tour of Hamilton, Ont. harbour before heading along Beach Boulevard and into neighbouring Burlington for the final 10K of rolling hills and scenery on Hamilton’s north shore. In 2022, the race will offer an in-person 30K, a two-and three-person relay, as well as a flat and fast 5K.

May 2022

BMO Vancouver Marathon – Vancouver (May 1)

• Known for its stunning beauty, the Vancouver Marathon takes participants on a complete city tour through Vancouver’s famous parks and neighbourhoods. Registrants get to enjoy awesome ocean views alongside natural beaches with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. This point-to-point course begins in Queen Elizabeth Park south of Vancouver and takes participants past the UBC campus, Pacific Spirit Park and around the famous Vancouver seawall at Stanley Park to the downtown finish.

Marathon Des Érables – Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. (May 7)

• The Marathon des Érables race passes through Sain-Jean-sur-Richelieu’s famous chemin du Sous-Bois and the maple groves of Mont-Saint-Grégoire. The road course is 100 per cent flat for the half and full marathon, with several water stations located on the course and at the finish. This race provides non-stop entertainment for all ages. The race weekend also offers an in-person 5K, 10K, 15K and half-marathon.

Oak Bay Half-Marathon & 10K – Victoria, B.C. (May 29)

• The Oak Bay Half-Marathon, 10K & Kids 1K is one of BC’s most scenic races. The race starts at the beautiful Windsor Park in Oak Bay and winds its way through the heart of Oak Bay’s shopping district, then loops out and back along the scenic seaside route of Victoria’s famous Beach Drive.

Most of these events have limits on the number of entrants. Sign up sooner than later to secure your spot on the start line this spring.