Vancouver, BC— June 28, 2026
Thousands of runners filled the streets of Vancouver this morning as the Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K, hosted by Canada Running Series, returned for another memorable celebration of community, perseverance, and athletic achievement.
A record 5,200 participants took part in the Half Marathon, while more than 1,300 joined the 5K, creating one of the largest race days in event history. The 2026 event also marked Beneva’s first year as title sponsor of the Vancouver Half Marathon, ushering in a new chapter for one of Canada’s most celebrated road races.
Participants travelled from 11 Canadian provinces and territories and 33 countries, highlighting the event’s growing international appeal and reinforcing Vancouver’s reputation as one of North America’s premier running destinations.
Against the backdrop of Vancouver’s stunning coastline, beaches, and neighbourhoods, runners of all ages and abilities tackled the scenic courses through UBC and Kitsilano, cheered on by volunteers, spectators, and supporters lining the route.
As title sponsor, Beneva played a key role in enhancing the overall race-day experience for both participants and spectators. At the Museum of Vancouver finish line, the Beneva Zone offered a welcoming space for runners to recover post-race and reconnect with family and friends. Along the course, participants were also energized by virtual cheers, personalized messages displayed on a giant screen that added meaningful moments of encouragement throughout the race.
The day’s elite races showcased outstanding performances from some of Canada’s top distance runners, with Canadian Olympic long-distance runner (2020) Ben Preisner claiming his fourth Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon men’s title in 1:06:43 and women’s course record holder and two-time Canadian Olympic long-distance runner (2016 and 2020) Natasha Wodak capturing the women’s crown in 1:14:48. While there were many impressive performances, Wodak’s women’s record of 1:13:52 remains, as well as Justin Kent’s course record of 1:05:09 – both set in 2024.
Beyond personal bests and podium finishes, participants once again demonstrated the power of sport to create positive impact through the event’s annual Charity Challenge.
This year, 39 charitable organizations participated in the program, collectively raising more than $310,000 to date and tracking toward a fundraising goal of $500,000 before donations close on July 12. Funds raised will support a wide range of community initiatives across British Columbia and beyond.
“Every year, the Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon brings together an incredible mix of elite athletes, first-time runners, charity participants, and passionate supporters,” said Kri Shier, Race Director of Canada Running Series West. “This year’s record turnout and incredible energy on course reflect the continued growth of running in Vancouver and the strength of this community.”
“Today marked an exciting milestone as Beneva celebrated its first year as title sponsor of the Vancouver Half Marathon.”, said Andy Taylor, Executive Vice President and Leader, P&C Ontario and West at Beneva. “We are proud to partner with Canada Running Series to support an event that has become a cornerstone of Vancouver’s running community and a source of inspiration for thousands of participants each year.
Seeing runners from across Canada and around the world come together to achieve personal goals, support important charitable causes and experience the spirit of this city is a powerful reminder of the positive impact sport can have on our communities. We congratulate all participants and look forward to building on this partnership in the years ahead.”
Elite Results
Half Marathon – Men
- Benjamin Preisner – 1:06:43
- Craig McMillan – 1:07:56
- Chris Taylor – 1:08:07
Half Marathon – Women
- Natasha Wodak – 1:14:48
- Ally Ginther – 1:17:06
- Katrina Sutton-Allison – 1:18:08
Canada Running Series returns to Vancouver on Sunday, September 27, 2026, for the Under Armour Eastside 10K.
For more information, visit canadarunningseries.com.
About Canada Running Series
Canada Running Series (CRS) is Canada’s premier running circuit, welcoming more than 60,000 participants annually across six events in Toronto and Vancouver while raising more than $3 million each year for approximately 200 charitable organizations.
The Series includes the World Athletics Elite Label TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1990, CRS has earned international recognition for delivering world-class running experiences while advancing its mission of building community through the sport of running.
About Beneva
Beneva is Canada’s largest mutual insurance company, serving 3.8 million members through more than 6,500 employees who share a commitment to putting people first. Formed in 2020 through the coming together of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance, and strengthened through its 2026 merger with Gore Mutual, Beneva holds $30.3 billion in combined assets and offers a diverse range of products spanning group insurance, property and casualty insurance, and individual insurance and financial services.
The company is headquartered in Quebec City. To learn more, visit beneva.ca.
I’m leading a group of Boston Marathon finishers through an impromptu breakdance lesson, hours after we crossed the finish line and minutes before last call at the bar.
