A Winners Guide to the BMO Vancouver Marathon.
2025 is well underway, which means for many, the goal of completing their first (or next) Marathon has begun. At least, it probably should begin soon…
Sergio Raez Villanueva racing to finish line to win the BMO Vancouver Marathon.
If this sounds like yourself, then no doubt you’ve heard of the BMO Vancouver Marathon. An annual race held on the first Sunday of May each year, that just so happens to be the largest marathon in Canada with 2024 seeing a record participant count of over 23,000. From an unparalleled atmosphere, race day hype, sell out tickets, and a crowd that shuts down the city, It’s a race you do not want to miss!
To tell you why, Hummingbird caught up with the man that took last year's title.
Here is our Winner’s Guide to the BMO Vancouver Marathon, with 2024 champion: Sergio Raez Villanueva.
A man on a mission.
From a track background, university running, and dabbling in the 5km and 10km, 2022 saw Raez Villanueva crank up the km’s and give the marathon distance a run for its money. (Bad day to be a marathon).
After taking 3rd place at the BMO Vancouver Marathon in 2023, just 1 year after his marathon debut, Raez Villanueva returned to the BMO in ‘24 on a mission for gold, claiming his new found experience in the distance resulted in “knowing what to do with the pain” once struck with the inevitable ‘wall’ 10km out from the finish line. Something he claims everyone should be aware of (but not fear) during their first time racing the marathon distance.
With new knowledge, as well as utilizing the “technical elements” of the BMO Vancouver course, such as the rolling uphills and downhills, Sergio hit the road hard and led the race from the beginning. Pioneering over the finish line in an eye watering time of 2:22:44. That’s a sub 3:30 minute kilometer pace…
Sergio Raez Villanueva running
A winners view on the course.
So, how does one "utilise" a marathon course? We picked the champs brain about how the “techie” aspects were taken advantage of, as well as what made this course so enjoyable. (For you monsters who enjoy marathons).
This scenic, award-winning course takes runners on a 42.2KM (26.2 miles) adventure past beautiful beaches, through natural parks, and along Vancouver's Seawall. (Here comes another record)…The world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path.
Sergio claims the early hills make the course “a little more of a grind” than other courses, something however, he prefers from training in Ontario winters and being forced into a “grind mindset”.
Do not fear! The challenges are balanced as what goes up, must come down. BMO Marathon runners can enjoy a long, (oh, we mean long) downhill as they head from the University of British Columbia toward Spanish Banks, with scenic views of both the city, mountains, and the ocean. As Sergio calls it, a “great mix of everything”. (Vancouver, we love you).
BMO Vancouver Marathon
After the long downhill, Sergio warns first timers of the last 10km, as not only is this the capital city of Pain Town (Our description there, not Sergio’s)... but the flattened out roads can shock the legs after being so used to a descending gradient. Especially if you’ve hit the downhills strong, Sergio claims that one tactic that benefitted the success of his race was a quick start, but tackling the downhills a little more controlled rather than blazing down them. Even then, the last 10km proved to be a painful one!
Should you be worried? No. It’s Vancouver, there's much worse places to hurt that much in. Besides, you signed up and did the work, right? In Sergio’s words, for a moment it’s just “you and nature”. The sound of the water creates a space for “Peace amidst the pain” in the final km’s before you’re back in the city, and the crowd can carry you home.
And carry Sergio home they did, with a roar that thundered through the city as he crossed the finish line, hands above head in the shape of heart. (We love you too Sergio, you beast).
Sergio’s BMO Vancouver Marathon finish
Sergio’s tips for beginners.
So what’s the champ got for the rookies? Firstly, he thinks you made the right choice, the BMO Vancouver marathon is 100% a great race to begin (or complete) your marathon journey. Secondly, take in the moment and enjoy the crowds, don’t get too caught up in pacing or fixate on times. And thirdly, that running is “90% mental, 10% physical”. You know it’ll be tough, but so are you.
Want to check out what shoe 2024 champion Sergio Raez Villanueva is racing in this year? Check out our review of the New Balance SuperComp Elite V4, Sergio’s weapon of choice in 2025.
On behalf of Hummingbird, we want to congratulate all of last year's runners. The first timers, the seasoned veterans, you name it. The half and full marathon is no joke and completing such a feat is an amazing accomplishment.
The 2025 BMO Vancouver Marathon
Racing the Vancouver BMO Marathon this year? Put the work in and enjoy the process. Hummingbird Collective wishes you all the best of luck!
A huge thank you to Sergio for his words of wisdom and we look forward to seeing you back out there this year, defending the title.
