Ice Cream & Donut Run Club: Vancouver's Sweetest Running Adventure
In 2018, a runner named Karen was musing with a friend about the numerous fantastic ice cream and donut shops in the Vancouver area. This led to a brilliant thought: "Wouldn't it be fun to get a bunch of friends together and run from these places and then try out the treats?" From that simple question, the Ice Cream & Donut Run Club was born. Their first run in July 2018 was a huge success with eight runners, and since then, the club has grown into a massive local phenomenon, proving that a little sweetness is the perfect motivation.
A Run Club for Every Pace
The philosophy of the Ice Cream & Donut Run Club, as envisioned by founder Karen, is refreshingly simple and fun. Their stated aim is to explore all the ice creameries and "donuteries" around the Vancouver area, making every run a delightful adventure of flavors. It is a community built on the idea that a good run is made even better with a delicious reward and good company at the end.
The club's impressive growth from eight people to a community with nearly 500 members on each of its social platforms is a testament to its welcoming nature. Group runs now regularly see 40-60 runners, a diverse mix that includes everyone from elite ultramarathoners to people just starting their running journey. To cater to all, each run offers two options: a faster-paced 8 K route and a very casual 5 K route that operates under a strict "no runner left behind" policy.
A Nomadic Feast of Running
The culture of the Ice Cream & Donut Run Club is built around discovery and indulgence. Their activities are centered on their group runs, which take place on a consistent weekly schedule. However, the meeting point is always changing. True to their mission, the starting line for each run is a different ice cream or donut shop somewhere in the greater Vancouver area. This nomadic approach ensures that every run is a new exploration of a different neighborhood, followed by the chance to sample a new treat.
The Ice Cream & Donut Run Club extends a warm and delicious invitation to anyone and everyone in Vancouver. If you believe that running should be fun and that a good workout deserves a sweet reward, this is the community for you. You are encouraged to connect with them via their official social media channels to find out about their next tasty adventure.
A Pillar of Vancouver's Fun-Loving Scene
The Ice Cream & Donut Run Club is a standout crew, but they are part of a thriving and diverse running community in Vancouver. The city boasts a variety of other groups, each with its own unique charm. This includes the brewery-hopping East Van Run Crew, which meets at a different local brewery each week, and the community-focused Fraser Street Run Club. This rich ecosystem of social crews makes Vancouver's running scene incredibly fun and welcoming.
Vancouver, a stunning coastal metropolis in British Columbia, Canada, is a true haven for runners. The city is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes where majestic mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. This, combined with a city-wide passion for an active and outdoor lifestyle, provides an endless variety of paths and trails to explore year-round.
The running routes of the Ice Cream & Donut Run Club are as varied as the flavors they pursue. Their unique, nomadic model means they have explored nearly every neighborhood in the Vancouver area. Other iconic running routes in the city include the world-famous Stanley Park Seawall, a nearly 9-kilometer paved loop that offers stunning, uninterrupted views of the city skyline, the mountains, and the ocean. For a different experience, the lush trails of Pacific Spirit Regional Park provide a vast network of paths through a temperate rainforest.
The running calendar in Vancouver is packed with exhilarating events that are a major focus for the local community. The crown jewel is the BMO Vancouver Marathon, known for its world-class organization and stunning course that showcases the city's diverse neighborhoods and captivating waterfront views. Another major draw is the Vancouver Half Marathon. For those seeking a more whimsical experience, the Moustache Miler is a unique and beloved charity race that combines the joy of running with a fun, philanthropic spirit.
