Upcoming Summer Runs, Walks and Obstacle Course Races

Here are some of the running events taking place in and around Calgary this summer.

Photograph by Pavel1964, courtesy of Canva

Mostly Classic Runs

For the most part, these runs are all about putting sneakers to pavement to get across the finish line as fast as you can. A few have some added fun features, like running at night or to classical music.

 

Banff Marathon Virtual Run

Date: June 1 to 30, 2022

Distance: 10 km, 21.1 km and 42.2 km

Cost: From $90

Starting line: Anywhere

Something to consider: Although the date for the Banff Marathon has passed, there is still a virtual option until the end of June where you can complete the race on your own terms. You will be sent a shirt and racing bib, Banff Marathon merch, entrance into a prize draw and more.

 

K-100

Date: June 25, 2022

Distance: 100 miles

Cost: From $1,500 for a 10-person relay team

Starting line: In Longview

Something to consider: This race is really, really far. It starts in Longview and finishes at Nakiska. But you’re not expected to run 100 miles through Kananaskis Country on your own. It’s a relay, so you’ll have team members to suffer with. Runners have to carry bear spray for a portion of the race.

 

Canada Day Trail Run

Date: July 1, 2022

Distance: 5 and 10 km

Cost: $45

Starting line: TBA

Something to consider: Hosted by The Running Room, this race has five and 10 km variants. At the end, participants will get merch like a cooler bag and a finishing medal.

 

Flapjack 15 Virtual Run

Date: July 8 to 17, 2022

Distance: 15 km

Cost: $50

Starting line: Anywhere

Something to consider: This western-themed race, in honour of the Calgary Stampede, can be finished anytime between the allotted dates. Your time is tracked through the RunKeeper app, and can be done on a treadmill, in a park or on the sidewalk.

 

Stampede Road Race

Date: July 10, 2022

Distance: 5 km, 10 km and 21.1 km

Cost: From $65

Starting line: Southbound on 19 Street S.W., West of Glenmore Track

Something to consider: This race has three length options, plus a number of kids runs at the Glenmore Track. Plus, there’s a Stampede breakfast after the race. Yahoo!

 

Ultra Night Run

Date: September 16, 2022

Distance: 5 km and 10 km

Cost: From $60 for individuals

Starting line: TBD

Something to consider: This race starts in the evening and features runners wearing bright costumes, glow-in-the-dark accessories and neon face paint. It ends with a party in the beer gardens. There is also a virtual event, taking place from September 23 to 25, for those who can’t make it.

 

Beat Beethoven

Date: September 8, 2022

Distance: 4 km walk or 8 km run

Cost: From $80

Starting line: Riverwalk Plaza in East Village

Something to consider: This race is a four-kilometre loop that you do twice. The challenge is to run the eight kilometres before the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra completes 50 minutes of Beethoven’s music. It ends with complimentary wine and a concert. There is also a virtual option running from September 8 to 18.

 

More Than Running

These events are for those who want running to take a backseat to mud, obstacles, bouncy castles and beer. They’re all meant to be “fun” but some are also very competitive.

 

Mud Hero

Date: July 9, 2022

Distance: 6 km and 10 km

Cost: From $110

Starting line: Red Deer Polytechnic

Something to consider:  Expect running, obstacles and lots and lots of mud. Crawl, splash, jump and climb your way to the finish line for your photos and Mud Hero swag.

 

Rugged Maniac

Date: July 23, 2022

Distance: 5 km

Cost: From $84

Starting line: Spruce Meadows

Something to consider: The 25 race obstacles in this event include a three-storey water slide, shipping container towers, fire jumps and more. There’s also a huge party in the middle with mechanical bulls and pie-eating contests.

 

Spartan Race

Date: July 23 and 24, 2022

Distance: 5 km or 10 km

Cost: From $80

Starting line: Heritage Ranch

Something to consider: This is a competitive obstacle course that you will get through with teamwork. If it’s your first time, start with the five-km Sprint distance that includes 20 obstacles. For the serious and the brave, there is the Hurricane Heat team event for a tougher challenge.

 

Mega Bounce Run

Date: July 30, 2022

Distance: 5 km

Cost: From $50

Starting line: North Glenmore Park

Something to consider: Remember how much fun you used to have on bouncy castles? Re-live that experience during this five-km race where there are nine inflatable obstacles for you to cross to get to the finish line. All levels of runners and walkers are welcome, including kids taller than 42 inches.

 

X Warrior Xtrail Series

Date: August 13, 2022

Distance: 6 km sprint and 12 km enduro

Cost: $49

Starting line: Fish Creek Park

Something to consider: This trail running race is part two of a three part series, but you can run it without running the others. Finish off the race with beers at a to-be-announced sponsored location.

 

Run to the Taps

Date: August 14, 2022

Distance: 6 km, 8 km or 10 km

Cost: $30 per run or $50 for both

Starting line: Various breweries

Something to consider: Each of these runs (or walks, if you like) include running to local craft breweries with a 45-minute stop at each to rest and drink. There are two routes, each going to a number of different stops. Bring cash for beer.

 

X Warrior Recon Challenge

Date: August 20, 2022

Distance: 5 km

Cost: Starting at $60

Starting line: Winsport

Something to consider: This obstacle course will push runners to their limits, with more than 15 obstacles throughout the five-km run. You can run a course where the obstacles are optional, or others where they are necessary to finish the race.

 

Running For a Good Cause

While a lot of the runs and obstacle courses already listed also have a fundraising element, for these runs, raising funds and awareness around a cause is one of its primary goals.

 

Calgary Search and Rescue Run

Date: August 20, 2022

Distance: 5 and 10 km

Cost: Starting at $50

Starting line: Pearce Estate Park

The charity or cause you’re supporting: Calgary Search and Rescue

 

Love is Love Mile

Date: September 4, 2022

Distance: 1 mile

Cost: $40

Starting line: Calgary Pride Parade route

The charity or cause you’re supporting: Calgary Pride

 

Mobility Challenge

Date: September 10, 2022

Distance: 5 km

Cost: $50 (adults); $25 (children, seniors and clients)

Starting line: Fish Creek Park Blackbird Day-use area

The charity or cause you’re supporting: Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta

 

Terminator Run for Youth Addiction Awareness

Date: September 10, 2022

Distance: 5 km

Cost: TBA

Starting line: TBA

The charity or cause you’re supporting: The Terminator Foundation

 

RBC Race for the Kids

Date: September 11, 2022

Distance: 6 km

Cost: $25

Starting line: Heritage Park

The charity or cause you’re supporting: Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation

 

Terry Fox Run

Date: September 18, 2022

Distance: TBA

Cost: Free

Starting line: Fort Calgary

The charity or cause you’re supporting: The Terry Fox Foundation

 

Run for Life Virtual Run

Date: September 18 to 25, 2022

Distance: 5 and 10 km

Cost: $20

Starting line: Anywhere

The charity or cause you’re supporting: The Centre for Suicide Prevention

 

Run for Water

Date: TBD

Distance: 5 and 10 km

Cost: TBD

Starting line: Confluence Plaza on St. Patrick’s Island

The charity or cause you’re supporting: Run for Water Foundation

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