You can support a good cause and/or get some exercise every weekend just by lacing up your shoes and getting out the door for a jog. This list will keep you busy (almost) every weekend from the end of August through to the end of October.
Calgary Women’s Run
When: Sunday, August 25, 2019
Time: 9 a.m.
Cost: $60
Distance: 5 kilometres or 10 kilometres
What it’s for: This race supports the Silver Linings Foundation, which strives to help those affected by eating disorders in the province.
Something to consider: This is the 41st year this race has taken place, so you know it has lots of history. Plus, you’ll get a handmade fused glass pendant from Nik Naks Contemporary Fused Glass if you run in the race.
Edworthy Park (north side of the river), 4105 Montgomery View N.W. calgaryroadrunners.com
The Ultra Night Run
When: Friday, September 6, 2019
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $55 to $65
Distance: 5 or 10 kilometres
Something to consider: This event takes place at night, so you’ll be given a headlight to wear while you run.
Edworthy Park, 5050 Spruce Drive S.W., ultranightrun.ca
Kidney March
When: Friday, September 6, 2019 to Sunday, September 8, 2019
Cost: $75 to register and fundraise a minimum of $2,200.
Distance: 100 kilometres
What it’s for: This walk raises money for the Kidney Foundation of Canada and supports kidney disease prevention – it affects 1 in 10 Canadians.
Something to consider: It’s epic. Hundreds of participants march 100 kilometres over three days and rest in sleeping pots at night. The route starts by Millarville, goes through Kananaskis and finishes in Calgary.
Autism Speaks Canada Walk
When: Saturday, September 7, 2019
Time: 10 a.m.
Cost: Free to enter but fundraising is encouraged.
Distance: 3 kilometres
What it’s for: Proceeds from the walk go to supporting access to resources, programming, services for young adults, grants and research for autism.
Something to consider: This is a community building walk and you have the opportunity to gain support and meet people within the autism community. Beverages and light snacks are provided.
Hull’s Wood, Fish Creek Provincial Park, support.autismspeaks.ca
Dino Dash
When: Sunday, September 8, 2019
Time: 10:55 a.m. for stroller races, 11 a.m for non-stroller races.
Cost: From $30. Additional fundraising is encouraged.
Distance: 5 kilometres or 10 kilometres
What it’s for: This race helps raise funding for the University of Calgary’s varsity track and field and cross-country teams. Since the race began in 2004, $80,000 has been raised to help student athletes with things like scholarships and uniforms.
Something to consider: It’s a flat course, so you’ll feel like you’re running fast even if you’re not. And you’ll go home with a tech T-shirt and a dino-inspired medal.
Foothills Athletic Park, 2431 Crowchild Trail N.W., runyyc.com
Beat Beethoven
When: Thursday, September 12, 2019
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $95
Distance: 8 kilometres
What it’s for: Net proceeds support PhilKids, an after-school music program by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
Something to consider: Beat Beethoven is more than just a run – the event also features a light dinner and performances by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra while you’re running and after the race.
RiverWalk Plaza, runyyc.ca
Calgary Walk for Muscular Dystrophy
When: Saturday, September 14, 2019
Time: 10 a.m.
Cost: Free. Fundraising is encouraged.
Distance: 1 kilometre around Bowness park.
What it’s for: All proceeds from the Walk go to providing essential medical and mobility devices to people with Muscular Dystrophy as well as furthering research for a cure.
Something to consider: This event is about building awareness for neuromuscular disorders, so don’t worry about having to work up too much of a sweat. There will be a barbecue, disability resources, children’s activities and live music.
Bowness Park, 8900 48 Ave. N.W., muscle.akaraisin.com
Life Without Limits Challenge
When: Saturday, September 14, 2019
Cost: Adult registration $50. Fundraising is encouraged.
Distance: 5 kilometres
What it’s for: The Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta, an organization that provides programs and services for individuals living with Cerebral Palsy.
Rotary Challenger Park, 3688 48 Ave. N.E. cpalberta.com
Hustle for the House
When: Sunday, September 15, 2019
Time:
Cost: From $20 to $55. Fundraising is encouraged.
Distance: 1 , 5 or 10 kilometres.
What it’s for: Formerly known as the Rock the House Run, Hustle for the House uses registration fees to help families with sick kids stay together at the Ronald McDonald House, located across from the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
Something to consider: This is more than a run. It’s also a party. You’ll race past live music performances, street performers and dancers. Plus, this event is pet friendly!
North Glenmore Park, , rmhcsca.org
Run For Little Ones
When: Sunday, September 15, 2019
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Adults $30; kids $20. Fundraising is encouraged.
Distance: 1 kilometre and 5 kilometres
What it’s for: Run For Little Ones is a local non-profit organization organized by students at the University of Calgary. The organization raises funds specifically for the Alberta Children’s Hospital’s neuro-critical care unit.
Terry Fox Run
When: Sunday, September 15, 2019
Time: Registration opens at 9 a.m., race begins at 11a.m.
Cost: By donation
Distance: 1 kilometre, 5 kilometres or 10 kilometres
What it’s for: This run raises money for the Terry Fox Foundation.
Something to consider: Runners should stay after the event for the festivities – there will be music, a barbecue and children’s play activities. Dogs are welcome!
Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave. S.E., terryfox.org
MEC Calgary Race Three 2019: Trail
When:Saturday, September 21, 2019
Time: 9 a.m.
Cost: $25
Distance: 6.5, 11 or 24 kilometres
Something to consider: This is the trail version of MEC’s road running race. Located at the Canmore Nordic Centre, it’s mandatory that all participants carry bear spray while running.
Canmore Nordic Centre, 1988 Olympic Way, events.mec.ca
Calgary AIDS Walk and Run
When: Sunday, September 22, 2019
Time: 11 a.m.
Cost: Free. Fundraising is encouraged.
Distance: 3 kilometre walk and 5 kilometre run
What it’s for: This year marks the 25th anniversary for the Calgary AIDS Walk and Run. Fundraising proceeds go to supporting programming for HIV Community Link.
Something to consider: Stick around for live music after the run, including African performers and Indigenous music. Costumes are encouraged and pets are welcome.
Eau Claire Plaza, 139 Barclay Parade S.W., calgaryaidswalk.ca
Calgary Heartbeat Run
When: Sunday, September 22, 2019
Time: 9:45 a.m.
Cost: Registration from $25. Fundraising is encouraged.
Distance: 1, 5 or 10 kilometres
What it’s for: This run supports the Calgary Health Trust and the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta.
Something to consider: If you’re the competitive type, know that this is a timed event and results are posted online within 24 hours after the event. If you’re not, that’s okay too. This race is ideal for admiring the fall colours.
In the park directly west of Fish Creek Exchange showhomes, 1-855-515-0693, heartbeatrun.ca
RBC Race for the Kids
When: Sunday, September 22, 2019
Time: 9 a.m.
Cost: From $20.
Distance: 6 kilometres
What it’s for: This race helps raise funds for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Something to consider: Just registering for this run gets you a free t-shirt, finisher medal, pancake breakfast, kids’ activities and free entry into Heritage Park.
Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., childrenshospital.ab.ca
Strides for Melanoma
When: Sunday, September 22, 2019
Time: 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. race start
Cost: Registration fee $25. Fundraising is encouraged.
Distance: 5 kilometres
What it’s for: The Melanoma Network of Canada. Funds raised at this event will help with prevention and awareness initiatives to reduce the prevalence of melanoma and help them provide patient support for those who are affected.
Something to consider: You don’t need to worry if you can’t reach the finish line. There’s no pressure to finish in a blisteringly fast time here.
Sandy Beach Park, 4500 14A St. S.W., melanomanetwork.ca
Run For Childhood Cancer
When: Saturday, September 28, 2019
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Cost: From $20. Fundraising encouraged.
Distance: 2 kilometres, 5 kilometres or 10 kilometres
What it’s for: This run supports Believe in the Gold, is a charitable organization that works to raise awareness and help families cope with childhood cancer.
Something to consider: Prizes will be given for the best gold costumes and there will be family friendly activities after the run.
Eau Claire Market Pavilion, 200 Barclay Parade S.W., believeinthegold.ca
Wild Run for Conservation
When: Sunday, September 29, 2019
Time: 7:50 a.m.
Cost: Individual adult registration $75; Adult Relay Team $175
Distance: 10 miles
What it’s for: Formerly known as the Gorilla Run, the Wild Run raises funds for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, the Bonobo Conservation Initiative and others organizations to raise funds for mountain gorillas and other conservation efforts. The race has been taking place for the last 15 years and has raised almost $100,000 for animals facing extinction.
Something to consider: If you don’t want to run the whole race, you can also sign up as a four-person relay team. Plus, not only do you get a custom race bib, custom hat and a medal, but you’ll also be able to participate in a post race celebration in Kitamba cafe and with an optional staff priced breakfast.
Calgary Zoo North Entrance, 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E., 403-264-2996, runcalgary.com
CIBC Run for the Cure
When: Sunday, October 6, 2019
Time: 7 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. race start
Cost: Minimum $40 donation or minimum fundraising commitment starting at $150.
Distance: 1 kilometre or 5 kilometres
What it’s for: The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Proceeds raised support breast cancer research, education and community health grants.
Something to consider: On the same day, runners from across Canada will be participating in this race. Join in.
Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Rd. S.E., 1-866-302-2223, cibcrunforthecure.com
Alzheimer Walk and Run
When: Sunday, October 13, 2019
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: Registration fee. Fundraising is encouraged.
Distance: 1, 5 or 10 kilometres
What it’s for: All funds support local families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Something to consider: You’ll work up an appetite before Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, all registrants will receive a $10 Save on Foods gift card – perfect in case you need to pick up some last minute groceries.
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, 197 1 St. S.W., alzheimercalgary.ca
MEC Calgary Road Race Five 2019
When: Saturday, October 19, 2019
Time: 9 a.m.
Cost: $20
Distance: 5, 10, 21.1 and 42.2 kilometres
Something to consider: This is the last of MEC’s five Calgary running races this year, so don’t miss your chance to take part in the series.
MEC Calgary, 830 10 Ave. S.W., events.mec.ca
Halloween Howl
When: Saturday, October 19, 2019
Time: TBD
Cost: TBD
Distance: 3, 5 and 10 kilometres.
What it’s for: This run helps generate awareness and funds for diabetes research by the Alberta Diabetes Foundation. $110,000 was raised at the 2016 Halloween Howl event.
Something to consider: Runners will be dressed up in their best Halloween costumes, and there will even be prizes for the best ones. And if you’re interested in being timed, the 10 kilometre race is chip-timed.
Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade S.W., albertadiabetesfoundation.com
Dash of Doom
When: Saturday, October 26, 2019
Time: 4 p.m.
Cost: Starting at $35
Distance: 1, 5 or 10 kilometres
What it’s for: This race supports the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, a local organization that rescues and helps animals who have been abandoned, surrendered or abused.
Something to consider: This is a Halloween night race and one of the city’s only pet-friendly road race. Bring your pooch, wear a Halloween costume, and if Fido will let you, dress him up in a costume too (there are even prizes for the best costumes). When you’re done racing, check out the festival area with games and a photo booth.
Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade S.W., raceroster.com
This story was updated to reflect 2019 races.