Next up in the Big Fun Run series is the Big Jungle Run at Burnaby Lake Park on Saturday May 31st.

From Solo Runs to Family Goals

When I first signed my son and myself up for his first 5km fun run, we weren’t thinking about setting records, my only hope is that he wouldn’t hate it. I’ve been a runner since long before I was a parent and I wanted to share something I loved with him, something outside, active, and a little bit challenging where improvement is easily tracked and detours are expected.

Now, three fun runs later, he doesn’t hate it, not even close. We’re on a roll and his interest in running has become more exciting and way more fun than I expected.

Our First Race Together

We began with the Big Elf Run on a chilly December day in 2023. It was 5km of peaks, challenges and a lot of high fives. There were moments he wanted to give up and moments he was fired up to get moving but as we crossed that finish line the endorphins were pumping and I knew it wasn’t our last fun run. He now had a personal best to beat.

Through the Big Fun Run Series, we’ve now crossed three finish lines side-by-side, each one feeling a little more special, and much smoother, than the one before. Training together has been a highlight for me, not because we’re breaking any speed records, but because it’s time we spend together. No distractions, just a shared goal: get outside, keep moving, and feel strong doing it. He’s less keen on the before school training sessions than I hoped, and he doesn’t love rainy runs but we’ll get there!

Running together has been good for both of us. We set small goals before each run, and celebrate every little milestone. Some days we run fast. Some days we walk and talk. There’s often a playground intermission. Every time, we finish feeling a little more proud of ourselves — and each other.

Low-Stress, High-Fun Events

We always have a fun run to train for. The Big Fun Run series offers several runs throughout the year so there’s always something to be working towards. The events themselves are exactly what they promise: fun (and low stress for parents, a win-win). They’re community-driven, welcoming, and low-pressure. The crowds are manageable and the bathroom lineups are short. Runners show up in costumes, music blasts from the start line, volunteers cheer along the course and there’s a treat at the end. There’s no focus on finishing times, just a big, collective push to get moving and have a good time doing it.

A Family Affair at the Big Easter Run

At the Big Easter Run this spring, my whole family joined in. My five-year-old daughter completed the 1km Kids Run (her first race, and hopefully not her last), and my husband ran the 5km with us. It felt pretty special to look around and realize we were doing this together, not as individuals, but as a family. We chatted with other runners, encouraged other runners (and doggos) along the route, and even stopped for a few water breaks, dance breaks, take-in-the-view of Jericho beach breaks and of course, selfie breaks.

Next Up: The Big Jungle Run

The next Big Fun Run event is the Big Jungle Run at Burnaby Lake Park on Saturday May 31st, 2025. Wild animal costumes are encouraged, and if previous races are anything to go by, it’ll be another morning full of smiles, tired legs, and a lot of high-fives. This race offers distances of 1km for the littles, 5km and 10km for those who’ve been training! There’ll be a DJ pumping the tunes, prize giveaways, vendors with all-ages activities and a great vibe throughout the park.

More Than a Run—It’s a Connection

Sharing a love for running with my kids has been one of the more meaningful parts of parenthood so far. I love being able to do something together, that we both enjoy where we’re working together on individual goals. It’s not about competition or performance. We’re showing up, moving forward, getting those steps in and supporting one another.

I can’t wait to see where our next run takes us, and how long until I can’t keep up with him!

VANMOM10 gets runners 10% off any Big Fun Run. Check out the run schedule at www.bigfunrunseries.com and register for the Big Jungle Run on May 31!

Written by Jenn Wint