Editor’s note: This article was updated on April 11, 2018.
Serious running races
Obstacle course races
Fun runs
Fundraising runs
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.
If you prefer to run if there’s a good cause to raise funds for
Climb for Wilderness
Date: April 21, 2018
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
Transplant Trot
Date: April 28, 2018
Distance: 3 km, 5 km and 10 km
Cost: $36.50
Starting line: Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Canadian Transplant Association
Walk so Kids Can Talk
Date: May 6, 2018
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 12, 2018
Cost: From $30
Starting line: Prince’s Island Park
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Pieta House and Distress Centre Calgary
Calgary Brain Tumour Walk
Date: June 2, 2018
Distance: 2.5km and 5km
Cost: Fundraising
Starting line: Edworthy Park
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
Run for Water
Date: June 9, 2018
Distance: 5 km and 10 km
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 10, 2018
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
Sporting Life 10km
Date: June 16, 2018
Distance: 10 km
Cost: From $65
Starting line: 69 St. and 17 Ave. S.W.
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Kids Cancer Care
Do it for Dads Walk/Run
Date: June 17, 2018
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