Our pathways are packed in the summer with walkers, joggers and runners racking up the kilometres, but there are also plenty of opportunities to run through the winter. Sign up for a registered race or fun run, because it is always easier to run in the company of others.
Last Chance Half MarathonÂ
This is a fundraiser for MitoCanada. It’s a serious cause that raises money to try and solve the hundreds of illnesses associated with dysfunctional mitochondria (aka the organelles within our cells that produce energy). MitoCanada also makes racing seriously fun. They are the group that does things like tether together more than 100 runners at the Calgary Marathon. They call this the last chance marathon because they assume (probably correctly) that most of us will hang up our shoes for the winter.
Distance: 21.1 km
Date: Nov. 12, 2017
Fee: From $65
Location: Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade S.W.
bethereraces.com
Mocha and Marshmallows Night Run
This short out and back run takes you from Sunalta along the Bow River and back. When you cross the finish line, you get a mug to fill with that warming mocha and marshmallows. It starts at 4:44 p.m., which is technically the afternoon, but it’s also sundown so you’ll be running in the dark.
Distance: 4 or 8 km
Date: Nov. 18, 2017
Fee: $25
Location: Tri It Multisport, 1703 10 Ave. S.W.
tri-it.ca
The Great Sweater Run
Another excuse to wear your tacky Christmas sweater. That’s the theme for this run in South Glenmore Park. There are muffins and hot chocolate at the finish line.
Distance: 2, 5 or 10 km
Date: Nov. 25, 2017
Fee: $50 ($25 for 2 km walk)
Location: South Glenmore Park
thegreatsweaterrun.caÂ
Santa Shuffle
This is a fun run and elf walk, which means you didn’t have to train for months and kids are welcome. It happens in cities across the country and is a fundraiser for The Salvation Army. To get in the spirit, you might want to get a Santa hat or elf ears. Costumes are welcome and encouraged at this run.
Distance: 1 km; 5 km
Date: Dec. 2, 2017
Fee: From $25
Location: Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade S.W.
santashuffle.ca
Dashing Through the Glow
This is the last in Spruce Meadows 40th Anniversary Run Series and it takes full advantage of all the holiday decorations and twinkling lights on the grounds. Grab your headlamp for the untimed night run that goes around the Equiplex and ends with a party that includes live music and concessions for sale. Kids can warm up with hot chocolate and adults can put Bailey’s in their hot chocolate or go for some wine.
Distance: 2 or 5 km
Date: Dec. 8, 2017
Fee: From $50
Location: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way S.W.
sprucemeadows.com
Resolution Run
If you want to end 2017 on a healthy, positive note, this is the run for you. It’s a night race taking place at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, which means you can get your run in and be bragging about it at a party in time to ring in the new year. Plus, you get a winter technical running jacket with registration.
Distance: 5 or 10 km
Date: Dec. 31, 2017
Fee: From $55
Location: Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade S.W.
resolutionrun.ca
MEC Race Series: Race One
This is the first of seven races in Mountain Equipment Co-op‘s 2018 race series. You can sign up for just one, but the idea is that you would commit to the year and challenge yourself to get better and run further. Let’s face it, if you make it to the January race, the races in April, May, June, July, September and October will be easy. All of the races are on different courses. The fee for the entire series is $84 or each race is $15.
Distance: 5, 10Â or 21.1 km
Date: Jan. 20, 2018
Fee: $15
Location: Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade S.W.
mec.ca
Hypothermic Half Marathon
On Feb. 10, 2017, the high was 6C. But we all know that is not usually the case. February is cold and people who run this half marathon are hardcore. Or, they are in it for the swag. Participants get a Running Room backpack and reversible neck warmer. Plus, when it is done, participants gather for a buffet breakfast.
Distance: 21.1 km
Date: Feb. 10, 2018
Fee: From $70
Location: Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave. S.E.
hypothermichalf.com