Mikky Keetels, a rising marathoner and influencer, aims to challenge the defending champion Dayna Pidhoresky at the 2026 BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 3, 2026. This year’s event promises to be thrilling as both athletes prepare for a showdown that could redefine local marathon history.
The marathon will start at Queen Elizabeth Park and finish near the Vancouver Convention Centre. Runners will have options to compete in a full marathon, half marathon, an 8 km race, or a kids run. The BMO Vancouver Marathon is one of Canada’s premier road races, drawing thousands from across the region and around the world.
Key facts about the event:
- The full marathon covers a distance of 42.2 kilometers.
- Bus detours will be implemented on May 2 and May 3 due to road closures.
- TransLink plans to add extra bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus services for participants and spectators.
Keetels recently placed eighth in the NN Marathon Rotterdam with a time of 2:30:42. “I’m going into it feeling relaxed and just want to see what the day brings,” she said. Since her first marathon in 2019, she has raised over €100,000 for KiKA, highlighting her commitment to charity running.
Pidhoresky is no stranger to success; she set a course record of 2:29:03 at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and has a season’s best of 2:31:24 from the McKirdy Micro Marathon. Her experience as the defending champion adds an exciting layer of competition.
The community eagerly anticipates this event. Local businesses are preparing for increased foot traffic, while families plan their marathon weekend activities around this vibrant celebration of sport and charity. Yet, as preparations ramp up, some uncertainties linger regarding weather conditions and potential changes in health guidelines.
This year’s marathon promises not just athletic excellence but also an opportunity for community engagement—something that both Keetels and Pidhoresky embody through their respective journeys in running.
