Get your helmets ready, Port Coquitlam! The beloved May Days Kids’ Bike Race is rolling back into town, and registration opens soon.
The City of Port Coquitlam is excited to announce the registration dates for the popular May Day Kids’ Race on May 10.
This free, fun, and non-competitive event takes place in downtown Port Coquitlam, along a 1.3-kilometre loop track that begins at Shaughnessy Street and McAllister Avenue. Registration opens for Port Coquitlam residents on April 1 at 8:00 a.m., and for the general public on April 4. Early registration is recommended, as space is limited.
A much-loved event, the Kids’ Race gives children aged 3 to 12 the chance to race the 1.3-km track while being cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. Last year, the May Day Kids’ Race attracted 500 children and was a highlight of the spring festival.
The Kids’ Race will take place from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. and will feature multiple races across three age categories on the 1.3-kilometre course:
- Ages three to five years old at 10:10 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 10:20 a.m., racing 100 meters.
- Ages 5 to 8 years old at 10:25 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., racing 1.3 kilometre.
- Ages 9 to 12 years old at 10:35 a.m., racing 2.6 kilometres.
Registration is free at portcoquitlam.ca/register:
- 3 to 5 yr. – use barcode 109802, 109803, 109804
- 5 to 8 yr. – use barcode 109805, 109806
- 9 to 12 yr. – use barcode 109807
Advance registration is required. Participants must provide their own properly fitting bike in good working condition, and a properly fitting bicycle helmet.
About May Days
May Day’s roots go back centuries. In ancient times May was a time of outdoor celebration, and May Day was celebrated by the Romans with flower-decked parades in honour of Flora, their goddess of flowers. In England, village youth would collect flowering boughs to decorate hawthorne trees – the predecessors to the May Pole.
Port Coquitlam first celebrated May Day as a community in 1923, with Maypole dancing and the crowning of a May Queen. While the festival has evolved and grown over the years, it has maintained many of its original traditions, including Maypole dancing and the crowning of local children as May Day “royalty” – a May Queen and Ambassador along with a Royal Party.
The festival officially kicks off with the May Day Opening Ceremony on Sunday May 4 at 3:00 p.m. at the Jon Baillie Arena – PCCC, maypole dancing by local children, dance performances and the presentation of the 2025 May Day Royal Party.
The May Days Kids’ Race at 10:00 a.m. kicks off the event, followed by the Rotary May Day Parade at 11:00 a.m. on Shaughnessy Street in downtown Port Coquitlam, then the Kids Party in Leigh Square at 12:00 p.m. and the Party in the Square at the Terry Fox Hometown Square at 1:00 p.m.
Sponsorship Opportunities
City corporate sponsors play a significant role in enhancing Port Coquitlam’s cultural vibrancy and economic vitality.
Corporate sponsorship with the City is an excellent way to feature your brand to a targeted audience. The sponsorship team works with companies to align the best solution to meet a range of business objectives. View a list of the City’s feature event sponsorship opportunities at portcoquitlam.ca/sponsorship.
Sponsors for May Days include:
- OpenRoad Tri-Cities – Gold Sponsor
- IUEC Local 82 – Silver Sponsor
- Tri-City News – Media Sponsor
For more information about May Days or more details about the event, visit portcoquitlam.ca/maydays.
Don’t miss out! Register today!
