We are not only celebrating 40 years with the Vancouver Canucks, on Sunday, the BMO Vancouver Marathon will be hitting the same milestone anniversary as well.

The event is one of Canada's largest marathons and is regarded as a destination run for many with its scenic route starting at Pacific Blvd and making its way into Stanley Park and past other landmarks.

It is also one of Canada's oldest races, organized and operated by the Vancouver International Marathon Society -- a non-profit, volunteer organization.

The marathon/half and 8k distance annually attracts elite and recreational runners from across Canada and internationally.

It all began in 1972 with 46 participants . At the time, the course consisted of five loops around Stanley Park and was organized by the Lions Gate Road Runners.

The race director was Don Basham and the founding members were Dr. Jack Taunton and Ivor Davies.

I had the honor to interview Dr. Taunton -- a Richmond resident who is an an avid competitive runner/cyclist and former Chief Medical Officer for the 2010 Olympics.

"(From 1973-1978) the marathon was called the Lions Gate Road Runners International Marathon and it was Don who organized the run," he recalled. "We were a small group but we were keen runners who wanted to have a marathon home to call our own.

"It was a thrill to have our own race and we came out of the park in 1980 . It was no longer five loops around Stanley Park."

Fast forward to postExpo 1986, the Vancouver Marathon had grown to over 2,400 participants and truly had become an international race with a solid contingent of runners from far away as Japan and Australia.

Some notables in this year's race include Tom Howard -- a three-time winner including the inaugural race. He will compete in the half marathon distance. Another three-time winner is Kenya's Thomas Omwenga.

Twilight actor Charlie Bewley will run the marathon in honor of the passing of his friend and colleague -- stuntwoman Jocelyn Clarke -- who had died from lung cancer in February.

Approximately 15,000 participants are expected to run in this year's event.

For more information on the BMO Vancouver Marathon visit www.bmovanmarathon.com.

Christine Blanchette is an established runner and writer who competed in the Boston Marathon and other high profile events For more visit her blog at www.christineblanchette.wordpress.com.