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 event is not just another race; it’s a chance for Keetels to prove herself against an established champion.
Keetels has been making waves in the marathon scene. After placing eighth in the NN Marathon Rotterdam with a time of 2:30:42, she’s poised for a strong performance. But what makes this competition even more intriguing is Pidhoresky’s impressive track record—she set the course record in 2023 with a remarkable time of 2:29:03.
The marathon will kick off at Queen Elizabeth Park and finish near the Vancouver Convention Centre, attracting thousands of participants. This year’s race includes various categories: a full marathon, half marathon, an 8 km run, and even a kids run.
Key facts about the marathon:
- The event takes place on May 3, 2026.
- Bus detours will be in effect on May 2 and May 3 due to road closures.
- TransLink will provide extra bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus services for participants.
Keetels isn’t just focused on her own performance; she has also raised over €100,000 for KiKA since her first marathon in 2019. This commitment to charity running adds another layer of significance to her participation. “What began as a one-time challenge quickly turned into something much bigger,” she shared.
The stakes are high for both athletes. Pidhoresky will be looking to defend her title and maintain her status as one of Canada’s top marathoners. Meanwhile, Keetels is eager to showcase her growth and determination.
As we approach race day, uncertainties linger—will Keetels’ recent training be enough to overcome Pidhoresky’s experience? The answer may come down to their respective preparations leading up to this pivotal event.
