RUNVAN® Great Trek

The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment where all are respected and treated fairly. The purpose of this statement is to highlight the driving factors for being inclusive and diverse in all aspects of our organizational operations and conduct and to reinforce our commitment to providing equality and fairness to all. We believe in a culture that values diversity, dignity, and respect. We foster an open and inclusive workplace that respects, values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, unique differences, and the variety of strengths of our employees, contractors, partners, volunteers, participants, and spectators. We aim to bring a respectful, diverse and inclusive approach to the way we interact together. Discrimination and bullying and harassment are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Our commitment to EDI means that we actively work to eliminate biases, barriers, and systemic inequalities within our organization. Accordingly, RUNVAN is committed to providing equal opportunities to our employees, contractors, partners, volunteers, participants, and spectators.

We acknowledge the value and importance of diversity and inclusion and will continue to:

• Create an environment that promotes dignity and respect for every employee, contractor, volunteer, spectator, and participant;
• Abide by all applicable human rights, privacy, and related laws; and
• Educate employees and volunteers about the importance of maintaining a respectful workplace and the importance of EDI.

We understand that creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization is an ongoing journey. As part of this process, we are dedicated to regular assessment, improvement, and accountability, as we strive to build an organization that reflects our
diverse community.

As part of RUNVAN’s commitment to EDI, RUNVAN is committed to the following initiatives:

• Races for everyone regardless of gender, age, ability, ethnicity, etc.;
• Age Category prizing for men, women, and non-binary athletes;
• Accessible gender-neutral washrooms;
• Merchandise designed to fit all body types;
• Multi-lingual support to help welcome participants from 65+ countries;
• EDI training for all staff and nearly 3,000 volunteers;
• Complimentary entry for individuals in financial need including StreetFront students;
• Discounted youth pricing and school programming, including the donation of extra inventory;
• Team Benefits are standardized for all Run Crews and Groups with 10 or more registrants;
• Collaboration with Indigenous partners including Musqueam Indian Band and Indigenous Tourism BC;
• Collaboration with Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I-SPARC);
• Entertainment Stations representing diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds; and
• Collaboration with a broad range of event partners and charities that reflect the diversity of the Vancouver community.

RUNVAN® and its events are committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all participants, volunteers, officials and fans at RUNVAN® events. As a non-profit, RUNVAN® is also deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment, free of discrimination and harassment. This Volunteer Code of Conduct addresses conduct that is inconsistent with these goals and detracts from the event experience. The following conduct is prohibited at or near the Start Line, Finish Line, Expo, on course, in event venues, facilities and all areas controlled by the event:

● Conduct that is illegal
● Volunteering without a proper registration and signing of waiver
● Entering or exiting designated areas, zones, or any other locations other than that permitted by event organizers
● Inviting or attempting to invite other non-participants or volunteers onto the field of play, the course, designated participant/volunteer zones, or any other locations other than that permitted by event organizers.
● Behaviour that is unruly, disruptive, threatening or violent in nature, including verbal or physical harassment of officials, participants, staff, volunteers or fans
● Conduct that results in damage to the venue or other personal property
● Displaying flags, signs, symbols, images, using language or making gestures that are threatening, abusive, or discriminatory, including on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, ability, and/or sexual orientation
● Displaying signs, symbols or images for commercial purposes or for campaigning or advocating for or against any candidate, political party, legislative issue, or government action
● Possession of an unauthorized pyrotechnic device, smoke or firework or other Prohibited Items
● Pets, personal, or commercial drone use
● Throwing objects of any kind
● Littering; Use garbage and recycling receptacles provided, or carry items with you. Do not litter
● Discharging; Move to the side of the course if you feel the need to spit, blow your nose or vomit. Use the provided portables and do not urinate or defecate on course or in nature
● Failing to follow requests from staff regarding operations, policies and emergency response procedures
● Irresponsible use or consumption of alcohol or other substances
● Headphones are strongly discouraged; Pay attention to all race announcements and volunteer safely
● Any behaviour that otherwise targets others or interferes with others’ enjoyment of the event

Any volunteer who violates any of these provisions may be subject to penalty, including, but not limited to, removal from role and event zone, and loss of entry for future events. Any volunteer, participant, competitor or spectator who conducts themselves in an extremely disruptive or dangerous manner, or commits multiple violations, may also be banned from all future events.

Level 1 Offences include, but are not limited to: violent behaviour, threatening, abusive or discriminatory conduct or language, trespassing or throwing objects onto the field of play, and illegal conduct.

Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, individuals who violate this Volunteer Code of Conduct may be required to submit a written request for readmission and participate in an online Education Class to be reinstated.

Please note that RUNVAN® and its events reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who has engaged in harassment of officials, participants, staff, volunteer or other fans or who have otherwise violated this Code of Conduct using social or digital media or other forms of communication.