Fun Runs, Serious Runs and Obstacle Course Races Coming Up

Whether you prefer to run for the challenge of it, for the fun of it or for the fundraising element, there are plenty of races you can register for. Here are some of the running events from April through to August you should know about.

By Karin Olafson

April 12, 2018

Rugged Maniac takes place in Calgary on July 28, 2018.

Photograph by Gameface Media

Editor's note: This article was updated on April 11, 2018.

If you race to compete (or to challenge yourself)

Eyeball the Wall

Date: April 22, 2018

Distance: 15 km and 30 km

Cost: From $37

Starting line: South Glenmore Reservoir

Something to consider: This race is marketed as a sort of training race for the Calgary Marathon, though you can still participate even if you aren't going on to participate in the Calgary Marathon. There are finisher medals and plenty of aid stations throughout the course.

Calgary Police Half Marathon

Date: April 29, 2018

Distance: 5 km, 10 km and 21.1 km

Cost: From $45

Starting line: Mount Royal University

Something to consider: The Calgary Police Foundation has held this annual half marathon in Calgary for 38 years. Seniors and children may want to participate in the 1 km Rookies & Legends course.

MEC Calgary Road Race Series

Date: May 5, June 9, July 21, September 8 and October 13, 2018

Distance: 5 km; 10 km; 15 km; 21.1 km and 30 km (depending on event)

Cost: $15 each

Starting line: Varies at each event

Something to consider: The whole series runs from January to October and you probably won’t find a cheaper entry fee for a race anywhere — it starts at $15. You can challenge yourself to a new distance and race in a new venue almost every month.

Scotiabank Calgary Marathon

Date: May 27, 2018

Distance: 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km, 42.2 km and 50 km

Cost: From $50

Starting line: Stampede Park

Something to consider: This was Western Canada’s first official marathon.

Millarville Run to the Farmers' Market

Date: June 16, 2018

Distance: 3 km, 12.8 km and 21.1 km

Cost: Prices vary depending on race

Starting line: Black Diamond

Something to consider: The half marathon, half marathon relay and Cobs Cinnamon Bun Run 8-Miler all end at the Millarville Farmers' Market. You can also stop for cinnamon buns during the Cobs Cinnamon Bun Run 8-Miler (that's 12.8 km).

Banff Marathon

Date: June 17, 2018

Distance: 10 km, 21.1 km and 42.2 km

Cost: From $65

Starting line: In Banff

Something to consider: This race in Canada's first National Park is probably one of the most picturesque races of the summer.

K-100

Date: June 23, 2018

Distance: 100 miles

Cost: From $1,175 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.

Stampede Road Race

Date: July 8, 2018

Distance: 5 km, 10 km and 21.1 km

Cost: From $50

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

Something to consider: There’s a Stampede breakfast after the race. Yahoo!

If you need monkey bars, mud and barbed wire to make things exciting

X Warrior Challenge

Date: May 12, 2018

Distance: 5 km

Cost: Prices vary

Starting line: Stampede Park

Something to consider: There are some stairs thrown into this race, as well as the running and the obstacles. You know, to make it even more difficult.

The 5km Foam Fest

Date: June 23, 2018

Distance: 5km

Cost: From $60

Starting line: Heritage Ranch, Red Deer

Something to consider: This race has obstacles that you won't find at any other race, like lily pads (you'll essentially be running across water), a chamber of foam, a foam zone, a foamy log roll, a tube crawl, a mud pit and a foamy finish. Basically, this obstacle race is largely about the foam.

Rugged Maniac

Date: July 28, 2018

Distance: 5km

Cost: From $59

Starting line: Spruce Meadows

Something to consider: The 25 race obstacles in this event include water slides, shipping container towers, fire jumps and more.

Mud Hero

Date: August 11 and 12, 2018

Distance: 6km and 10km

Cost: From $59

Starting line: Canyon Ski Resort, Red Deer

Something to consider: Expect running, obstacles and lots and lots of mud.

If you’re all about the fun when you run

St. Patrick’s Island Fun Run

Date: May 5, 2018

Distance: 5 km

Cost: $35

Starting line: St. Patrick's Island

Something to consider: Don’t worry if you’ve had to skip that vacation to Hawaii this year. This is a Hawaii themed event, complete with a luau and finisher leis.

Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run, Walk & Ride

Date: May 13, 2018

Distance: 5 km, 9 km and 10 km

Cost: From $40

Starting line: Chinook Centre

Something to consider: Technically serious runner types register for this race too. There's also the option to bring the strollers, so this year, gather the various moms in your life and vow to complete the race together.

Color Me Rad

Date: June 23, 2018

Distance: 5 km

Cost: From $25

Starting line: SAIT

Something to consider: Colourful powders are thrown at this event, so you’re going to want to wear white.

Divas Half Marathon and 5K Calgary

Date: June 24, 2018

Distance: 5 km and 21.1 km

Cost: From $75

Starting line: Eau Claire Festival Market

Something to consider: This is the first time this event has taken place in Calgary. It's a female-focused event and participants receive pink t-shirts and tutus to wear while they run.

Mega Bounce Run

Date: August 11, 2018

Distance: 5 km

Cost: From $49

Starting line: Stanley Park

Something to consider: Remember how much fun you used to have on bouncy castles? Re-live that experience during this race where there are nine inflatable obstacles for you to cross to get to the finish line.

Pure Protein Night Race Calgary

Date: August 25, 2018

Distance: 5 km and 10 km

Cost: From $45 for individuals

Starting line: South Glenmore Park, 8415 24 St. S.W.

Something to consider: This race starts in the evening and features runners wearing bright costumes, glow-in-the-dark accessories and neon face paint.