The Vancouver Marathon and the Lions Gate Road Runners - Vancouver Marathon 40 Years in 2011
The BMO Vancouver Marathon is one of Canada's largest marathons and has an extensive history since its inaugural year in 1972.
The Vancouver Marathon and the Lions Gate Road Runners - Vancouver Marathon 40 Years in 2011 ©BMO Vancouver Marathon
About Lions Gate Road Runners
Short History
Our club, the first in Vancouver to be dedicated to the promotion of long-distance running, was started in 1971 and has been an integral part of the Vancouver running community ever since. We established many major local runs, including the Vancouver marathon, Haney to Harrison relay and James Cunningham Seawall Race.
Events
We currently manage three annual races open to all runners. We also organize club runs for our club members from time to time. These are relaxed, social weekend runs of various distances and at different locations including Burnaby Lake, Buntzen Lake or the seawall. We often end the run with a brunch or cup of coffee at a nearby restaurant. We also meet for a regular Thursday evening workout at the Point Grey School all-weather track.
Members
Our club currently consists of about 80 members, about 70% men and 30% women. We have runners of all abilities, from young and adult beginners to elite level seniors and master’s runners who are among the top-ranked in Canada. We always welcome runners of all abilities and ages into our club and we currently have members aged from under 19 to over 70.
Race History
The BMO Vancouver Marathon is one of Canada's largest marathons and has an extensive history since its inaugural year in 1972. The event has had participation from athletes from around the world - 38 countries in 2008!
Fun fact!
The original 1972 "British Columbia Marathon" course went around Stanley Park five times. There were 72 entrants.
See the articles for more history about the BMO Vancouver Marathon.
Vancouver Marathon 1909
Download 1909 (2.1 MB)
Howard wins first Vancouver Marathon
Download Howard (2.4 MB)
Don Basham (founding member if AIMS) was also race director of this race for the first 20 years and he will be present at this years race.
Along with the Vancouver Marathon, this race was also founded by my road running club (Lions Gate Road Runners), of which I am now president. The club is also celebrating its 40th year as the first road running only club in British Columbia.
We are currently gathering memorabilia and documenting the history of the Vancouver Marathon. Although there have been several marathons in Vancouver since 1909, the current Vancouver Marathon had its beginnings in 1972 as the Lions Gate Road Runners International Marathon.We would very much like to have AIMS help us celebrate our 40th year.
Attached are two articles that were printed in the Canadian Running Magazine last year.
Dr. Jack Taunton was the founding member of both the Lions Gate Road Runners and the Vancouver Marathon. This year Jack Taunton was chief medical officer of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.
Although we are celebrating the 40th year of the Vancouver Marathon, Lions Gate Road Runners and the Cunningham Seawall Race. It will not be long before we will be celebrating the 50th year. Our plans to celebrate the 40th year will go a long way to help us celebrate the 50th year.
The Lions Gate Road Runners:
Download LGRR (1.2 MB)
Frank Stebner
BMO Vancouver Marathon
