Harvest Half Marathon
When: September 24, 2022
Cost: $80
Distance: 21 km
Starting line: Mid-Sun Community Centre
What it’s for: The Harvest Half Marathon supports the Epilepsy Association of Calgary.
Something to consider: The Harvest Half Marathon is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a course that weaves through Fish Creek Park. Afterwards, stick around for the awards ceremony and post-race refreshments.
Wild Run for Conservation
When: September 25, 2022 (in person); September 25 to October 4 (virtual)
Cost: Starting at $70 for the solo 10 mile
Distance: 10 miles, individually or as a relay team of two to four people
Starting Line: St. Patrick’s Island Park
What it’s for: Formerly known as the “Gorilla Run,” the Wild Run raises funds for conservation efforts around the world. This year, funds are directed towards raising money for the Whooping Crane. The race has been taking place for the last 15 years and has raised almost $130,000 for animals facing extinction.
Something to consider: This year’s race is a hybrid event with both an in-person race and virtual race. If you don’t want to run the whole race, you can also sign up as a four-person relay team. The race starts and finishes on St. Patrick’s Island, and consists of four legs, one of which will go through the Calgary Zoo grounds.
Calgary Heartbeat Run
When: September 25, 2022
Cost: Starting at $20
Distance: 1 km, 3 km, 5 km and 10 km
Starting line: Baker Park
What it’s for: Funds raised go towards the Calgary Health Foundation to help support research towards the advancement of cardiac care in Calgary.
Something to consider: The route for the Calgary Heartbeat Run will include several laps around Baker Park, tracked by chip timers given to every runner. There is also a virtual option this year, with five km, 10 km and 21 km distances if you are unable to make it but still wish to show support.
CIBC Run for the Cure
When: Sunday, October 2, 2022
Cost: Minimum $45 donation or minimum fundraising commitment starting at $150.
Distance: 1 km and 5 km runs
What it’s for: The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Proceeds raised support breast cancer research, education and community health grants.
Starting Line: Southcentre Mall
Something to consider: In Calgary, this run starts at Southcentre Mall. On the same day, runners from across Canada will be participating in this race. You can sign up as a team or individually, and there are options to run from anywhere if there is a not a location in your community.
Calgary Police Half Marathon
When: October 2, 2022
Cost: Starting at $40 for 5 km, $90 for the half marathon
Distance: 5 km, 10 km and half marathon
Starting line: Mount Royal University Recreation Centre
What it’s for: The Calgary Police Half Marathon supports the Calgary Police Youth Foundation and the Mount Royal University Bursary Program, which supports students in the Bachelor of Arts, Health and Physical Education and Social Work programs.
Something to consider: This year’s half marathon, in its 42nd year, takes a brand new route, starting at Mount Royal University and circling Glenmore Reservoir. There are no water stations in this race, so be prepared with everything you will need for the day.
Run for Calgary
When: October 2, 2022
Cost: $20
Distance: 3 km casual and 7 km competitive runs
Starting line: Confluence Plaza, St. Patrick’s Island
What it’s for: All funds raised go towards Canadian Blood Services
Something to consider: This run, organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Calgary chapter, was started as a grassroots program to support local non-profits and organizations and has become an annual event, supporting charities like Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Genesis Centre. This year, the run supports Canadian Blood Services.
Investors Group Alzheimer Walk and Run
When: October 9, 2022
Cost: Registration fee. Fundraising is encouraged.
Distance: 1 km, 5 km and 10 km distances
Starting line: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
What it’s for: All funds support local families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Something to consider: This annual Thanksgiving weekend event is back in-person after a virtual event in 2021. This year’s colour theme is red, so be sure to dress up in your best attire — outrageous costumes are encouraged.
Onesie Run
When: October 15, 2022
Cost: $20
Distance: 1 km fun run or 5 km
Starting line: East Village, at the Simmons Building
What it’s for: The Onesie Run raises money to support the Calgary Humane Society
Something to consider: Dress up in your favourite cozy onesie and head out to help support the Calgary Humane Society. If you don’t have one, there will even be onesies for sale on race day. Dogs are allowed in this race, as long as they remain leashed.
First Responders Half Marathon
When: October 23, 2022
Cost: $100 for half-marathon
Distance: 5 km, 10 km and half marathon (all in person and virtual)
Starting line: St. Patrick’s Island
What it’s for: Proceeds go towards the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Something to consider: This race consists of several variations, including team versions of the 10 km and half marathon runs where teams of four race for the best team average time. There is also a virtual option, ending on October 22 before the in-person race.
firstrespondershalfmarathon.ca
Dash of Doom
When: October 29, 2022 (in person); October 28 to 31, 2022 (virtual)
Cost: Starting at $45
Distance: 1 km kids run; 5 km and 10 km runs (virtual and in person)
Starting line: North Glenmore Park
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-themed race and one of the city’s only pet-friendly road races. 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). This is a hybrid event, with both virtual and in-person options.
Santa Shuffle and Elf Walk
When: December 10, 2022
Cost: $40 individual
Distance: 5 km run and 1 km walk
Starting line: TBA
What it’s for: Proceeds from registration and fundraising go towards The Salvation Army to help support marginalized communities struggling with things like substance abuse disorders and homelessness.
Something to consider: Race participants are encouraged to wear festive attire, like ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa suits or anything else festive and fun.
