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 cinnamon buns or feather boas along the way.
MEC Calgary Road Race Series
Date: April 27, June 15, September 14 and October 19, 2019
Distance: 5 km; 10 km; 15 km; 21.1 km and 30 km (depending on event)
Cost: $20 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. You can challenge yourself to a new distance and race in a new venue almost every month. Each race also has a 1 or 2 kilometre route for kids.
Calgary Police Half Marathon
Date: April 28, 2019
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 39 years. Seniors and children may want to participate in the 1 km Rookies & Legends course.
Eyeball the Wall
Date: May 4, 2019
Distance: 15 km and 30 km
Cost: From $35
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.
Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run, Walk & Ride
Date: May 12, 2019
Distance: 5 km 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.
Scotiabank Calgary Marathon
Date: May 26, 2019
Distance: 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km, 42.2 km and 50 km
Cost: From $40
Starting line: Stampede Park
Something to consider: This was Western Canada’s first official marathon. It’s a Boston Marathon qualifier. For 2019, you can run any distance in the morning (50 km, 42.2 km or 10 km) and then do the 5 km run or walk at noon and you’ll get two medals that fit together.
Millarville Run to the Farmers’ Market
Date: June 15, 2019
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 on its opening. You can also stop for cinnamon buns during the Cobs Cinnamon Bun Run 8-Miler (that’s 12.8 km). You can also do the half marathon as a relay with a team of two.
Banff Marathon
Date: June 16, 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 22, 2019
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. Runners have to carry bear spray for a portion of the race.
Divas Half Marathon and 5K Calgary
Date: June 23, 2019
Distance: 5 km and 21.1 km
Cost: From $75
Starting line: Eau Claire Festival Market
Something to consider: It’s a female-focused event and participants receive pink t-shirts and tutus to wear while they run and pick up boas and tiaras along the course.
Stampede Road Race
Date: July 7, 2019
Distance: 5 km, 10 km and 21.1 km
Cost: From $55
Starting line: Southbound on 19 St. S.W., West of Glenmore Track
Something to consider: There’s a Stampede breakfast after the race. Yahoo!
Ultra Night Run
Date: September 6, 2019
Distance: 5 km and 10 km
Cost: From $55 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. It ends with a party in the beer gardens.
Beat Beethoven
Date: September 12
Distance: 4 km walk or 8 km run
Cost: From $75
Starting line: Fort Calgary
Something to consider: This race is a 4 kilometre loop that you do twice. The challenge is to run the 8 kilometres before the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra completes 50 minutes of Beethoven’s music. It ends with complimentary champagne and a concert.
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. (We’re looking at you Spartan Race.)
X Warrior Challenge
Date: June 8, 2019
Distance: 5 km
Cost: Prices vary
Starting line: Winsport Canada Olympic Park
Something to consider: There are some stairs thrown into this race, as well as the running and the 20 obstacles. You know, to make it even more difficult.
The 5km Foam Fest
Date: June 22, 2019
Distance: 5 km
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.
Vulcan Mega Bounce Run
Date: July 13, 2019
Distance: 5 km
Cost: From $49
Starting line: Vulcan
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. All levels of runners and walkers are welcome, including kids taller than 42 inches.
Rugged Maniac
Date: July 27, 2019
Distance: 5 km
Cost: From $59
Starting line: Spruce Meadows
Something to consider: The 25 race obstacles in this event include a 3-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.
Mud Hero
Date: August 10 and 11, 2019
Distance: 6 km and 10 km
Cost: From $59
Starting line: Canyon Ski Resort, Red Deer
Something to consider: Expect running, obstacles and lots and lots of mud.
Spartan Race
Date: August 10 and 11
Distance: 5 km or 13 km
Cost: From $69
Starting line: Wild Rose MX Park
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 Sprint or 5 kilometre distance that includes 20 obstacles. For the serious and the brave, there is the HH12HR course which is a 12-hour endurance challenge.
Run to the Taps
Date: August 17 and August 25
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) include running to three breweries with a 45 minute stop at each to rest and drink. The August 17 runs are at night. The August 25 runs are in the afternoon in the Barley Belt. AGLC rules won’t allow the cost of beer to be included in the cost of registration so bring cash for beer.
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.
Climb for Wilderness
Date: April 27, 2019
Distance: Climb 1,204 stairs
Cost: Minimum $75 raised
Starting line: The Bow Building, 500 Centre St. S.E.
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Alberta Wilderness Association
Walk So Kids Can Talk
Date: May 5, 2019
Distance: 5 km
Cost: $100 fundraising minimum suggested
Starting line: Eau Claire Plaza
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Kids Help Phone
Darkness Into Light
Date: May 11, 2019
Cost: From $30
Starting line: Prince’s Island Park
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Pieta House
Amazing Step Up 4 Calgary Kids Race
Date: June 1, 2019
Cost: $25 per family or $10 per child
Starting line: Hull’s Wood, Fish Creek Provincial Park
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Nutrition Students Teachers Exercising with Parents (NSTEP) and the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society
Calgary Brain Tumour Walk
Date: June 1, 2019
Distance: 2.5 km and 5 km
Cost: Fundraising
Starting line: Edworthy Park
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
Dog Jog
Date: June 1
Distance: 2.5 km and 5 km
Cost: Fundraising
Starting line: South Glenmore Park
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Calgary Humane Society
WWF-Canada Kids’ Run for Nature
Date: June 2, 2019
Distance: 1 km, 3 km and 5 km
Cost: $15 to register with additional fundraising encouraged
Starting line: Confederation Park
The charity or cause you’re supporting: WWF Canada
Run for Water
Date: June 8, 2019
Distance: 5 km, 10 km and 61 km urban ultra and relay
Cost: From $40
Starting line: Confluence Plaza on St. Patrick’s Island
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Run for Water Foundation
MS Walk Calgary
Date: June 9, 2019
Distance: 3 km and 5 km
Cost: Fundraising
Starting line: Prince’s Island Park
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Betty’s Run for ALS
Date: June 9, 2019
Distance: 5 km and 8 km
Cost: Fundraising
Starting line: North Glenmore Park
The charity or cause you’re supporting: The ALS Society of Alberta
Sporting Life 10km
Date: June 15, 2019
Distance: 10 km
Cost: From $65
Starting line: 69 St. and 17 Ave. S.W.
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Starlight Children’s Foundation
Do it for Dads
Date: June 17, 2019
Distance: 5 km
Cost: $35 registration fee. If you fundraise $125, the fee is waived.
Starting line: Eau Claire Market
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Prostate Cancer Canada
Life Without Limits Challenge
Date: September 14, 2019
Distance: 5 km
Cost: $50 (adults); $25 (children, seniors and clients)
Starting line: Calgary Rotary Challenger Park
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta