The BMO Vancouver Marathon is making records before it even begins on Sunday, May 6, 2018.

Seventeen thousand registered runners will lace up for Vancouver’s premier running event — the highest number of participants since it first started in 1972. Runners and spectators come from around the world for the marathon, providing a significant boost for hotels, restaurants and other tourism businesses that employ British Columbians.

“The BMO Vancouver Marathon gives people from across the province, and around the world, a unique experience of Vancouver’s downtown,” said Ravi Kahlon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Multiculturalism. “The economic benefits for the Lower Mainland and B.C. are significant. This is just one way our government is attracting people to British Columbia, creating good jobs and a sustainable economy, so that people can experience the best of B.C.”

In support of the marathon and the tourism opportunities it creates for B.C., the Province is contributing $168,000 in funding through its Tourism Events Program. The funding is used for marketing, international promotions, advertising and online webcasting. The marathon is expected to bring more than 16,000 hotel stays to the area, and generate an estimated $55.75 million in overall economic impact.

Ranked as one of the top destination marathons in the world, the marathon draws significant international interest and this year, for the second year in a row, it will draw participants from 65 countries. The event is also webcast to nearly 50 countries, helping to showcase the beauty of B.C.

“Vancouver’s only marathon has seen tremendous growth internationally, thanks in large part to the support of the Tourism Events Program, and has now surpassed another record for international and destination runners,” said Eric Chéné, Runvan race director. “The BMO Vancouver Marathon has become a world-class destination race, with runners now marking the BMO Vancouver Marathon as a must-run race. Thanks to the Province’s support, we have been able to increase and broaden our marketing reach that is otherwise limited as a non-profit. Once runners see our backyard, they want to run it.”

The Tourism Events Program supports events that raise national and international awareness of B.C.’s many tourism experiences, and motivates people from around the world to travel to and experience British Columbia. These events also generate tourism activity in communities and regions throughout the province.

Quick Facts:

• Tourism is an important economic driver for B.C., generating $17 billion in revenues in 2016.
• Tourism is one of the province’s biggest employers. More than 133,000 people work in this industry.
• Tourism is growing in importance for B.C.’s economy. In 2016, the industry contributed $7.9 billion in added value to the province’s gross domestic product (GDP), an increase of 5.6% over the previous year.
• The Government of British Columbia invests over $113 million in the tourism sector annually.
• In 2017, 5.7 million international visitors came to B.C. — a 3.3% increase (181,700 more visitors) over 2016.

Learn More:

For more information about the BMO Vancouver Marathon, visit: http://bmovanmarathon.ca/

For more information on the Tourism Events Program, visit: www.destinationbc.ca/BC-Tourism-Industry/Municipal-and-Regional-District-Tax-Program/Tourism-Events-Program.aspx