Environmental
& Social Responsibility
Countdown To Race Day:
Environmental sustainability, in partnership with Vancity
The Vancouver Sun Run is committed to driving positive change and strengthening our community, while also reducing our impact on the environment. As part of this commitment, we are proud to welcome Vancity as our inaugural Official Sustainability Partner.
Vancity is a proven and respected leader in environmental and social responsibility. Their values-based banking practices are exemplified through their sustainable daily operations, environmentally conscious investment advice, and commitment to being net-zero by 2040.
Together with Vancity, we aim to build a more sustainable future for the Vancouver Sun Run and our greater community.
Learn more about our event’s initiatives below. We’re proud of the work that our spectators, volunteers, participants, and staff have done to ensure the Vancouver Sun Run continues to be a leader in event sustainability year after year.
Reducing the environmental impact of our event
In partnership with Vancity, our goal is to make the Vancouver Sun Run even more climate conscious.
Here are some of the key initiatives we’re implementing this year:
- Using compostable cups at all water stations.
- Transitioning from diesel to battery powered generators at 15 locations along the race route
- Planting a tree in the Cariboo region for every tech T-shirt that is declined by Vancity team participants.
- Diverting waste from landfills through our work with Green Chair (last year we achieved 86.5% waste diversion!).
- Using a climate-friendly delivery partner for team packages—over 200 trucks in Purolator’s last mile fleet are electric.
Learn more about our sustainability initiatives
Mobi Bike Share
Whether you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to get to the Vancouver Sun Run start line, commute to work, run errands or explore the city, navigate Vancouver by bike with Mobi by Rogers. The bikes can be unlocked from one station and returned to any one of the 200+ stations conveniently located near popular attractions and public transit stations.
Hullo Ferries
Hullo provides fast, convenient ferry travel between Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver. With up to 14 daily sailings, convenient downtown locations and high-comfort vessels, they’ll get foot passengers across the Georgia Strait in just 70ish minutes. Hullo is providing a special 7am sailing departing from Nanaimo on April 27th, so you can arrive at Canada’s largest starting line with time to spare. Save 15% on travel between April 25-29 with the code “SUNRUN15″ – applies to new bookings only. Excludes sports gear, large luggage and parking.
Waste Diversion
Did you know that the 2024 Vancouver Sun Run achieved 85.6% waste diversion? 1182kg of Cardboard, 1416kg of Compost, 264kg of Soft Plastics, 330kg of Refundables…. you get the idea! With a collaborative effort from runners, vendors and Green Chair team, 437 bags of garbage were diverted from the landfill!
For this year’s race, look out for the Green Chair recycling stations on route and throughout the finish area. To help us achieve the same (maybe better!) we need your help; whether you are a participant, a spectator or a volunteer. Here are some simple things that everyone can do to help us achieve zero waste:
help us achieve zero waste
Only take what you need! A lot of uneaten food is thrown away at events
This applies at the water stations too; only take a cup if you need a drink. Bring a reusable drink bottle or cup to use
Avoid using disposable energy gel packs. These can’t be recycled and cause a significant litter problem. Reusable versions or alternatives are available!
Recycle, recycle, recycle! Clearly labelled recycling stations will be located on the route and in the finish area. They will be supervised by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. Take all your waste and recycling to these stations.
Don’t forget to recycle all items that you take home from the event. All materials are compostable or recyclable! If your unsure simply ask our volunteers before you leave!
Bring your small hard-to-recycle items from home for recycling. Green Chair are offering all participants and spectators free recycling for batteries, cell phones, small electronics and lightbulbs.
Charitable Donations
The Vancouver Sun Run is proud to have donated more than $3.3 million in charitable proceeds the past 40 years. The Vancouver Sun Run promotes charitable fundraising through our participant pledging program. This year’s local charitable partners are:
BC Cancer Foundation
BC Epilepsy Society
Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver
Charlford House Society
City Dream Centre
Crohns Colitis Canada
Family Network for Deaf Children
Family Services of Greater Vancouver
Greater Vancouver Food Bank
Heart & Stroke Foundation
Hope Air
Raise-a-Reader
SAINTS (Senior Animals In Need Today Society)
Stanley Park Ecology Society
We encourage participants to donate their used warm-up clothing by simply leaving them at the sides of our start line. Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver picks up the clothing which is then donated back to the community through different shelters around Vancouver and others are sold in thrift stores to generate money to support their programs.
youth fitness
community involvement
A catalyst for community involvement and volunteerism, The Vancouver Sun Run involves nearly 1,500 volunteers and several school/community groups.
