Vancouver marathoners crowd Camosun Street near 33rd Avenue during the annual race.
By Carol Volkart
To the walkers of Dunbar, Camosun hill from 41st to 29th is a pleasant climb bordered by the silent Pacific Spirit Park forest on one side, and quiet homes on the other.
But for one morning in early May every year, the serenity is shattered by thousands of Vancouver Marathon runners struggling up that hill, with roadside spectators cheering them on.
To the runners, who have already covered more than five miles of their 26.2-mile journey by that point, it must seem like Mount Everest. Okay, the fittest of the fit who lead the race probably don’t even notice the elevation, but many are struggling.
That’s why you’ll find my partner/photographer John Denniston at the top of the hill on marathon morning every year: Grimaces, pain and fortitude make for the most interesting photos.
Here are some of his images from the May 4, 2025, BMO Vancouver Marathon, which drew about 25,000 participants for the full, half and 8-km races:
Sergio Raez Villanueva (4th place) from Mississauga, Ont. and Yuki Kawauchi (3rd place) of Japan were the first runners up Camosun Street hill.
The strain of the race is evident on the faces of even of these front-runners.
Another view of Camosun near 33rd Avenue when the marathoners go by.