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 running at night or to classical music.
Banff Marathon Virtual Run
Date: June 1 to 30, 2022
Distance: 10 km, 21.1 km and 42.2 km
Cost: From $90
Starting line: Anywhere
Something to consider: Although the date for the Banff Marathon has passed, there is still a virtual option until the end of June where you can complete the race on your own terms. You will be sent a shirt and racing bib, Banff Marathon merch, entrance into a prize draw and more.
K-100
Date: June 25, 2022
Distance: 100 miles
Cost: From $1,500 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.
Canada Day Trail Run
Date:Â July 1, 2022
Distance: 5 and 10 km
Cost: $45
Starting line: TBA
Something to consider: Hosted by The Running Room, this race has five and 10 km variants. At the end, participants will get merch like a cooler bag and a finishing medal.
Flapjack 15 Virtual Run
Date: July 8 to 17, 2022
Distance:Â 15 km
Cost:Â $50
Starting line: Anywhere
Something to consider:Â This western-themed race, in honour of the Calgary Stampede, can be finished anytime between the allotted dates. Your time is tracked through the RunKeeper app, and can be done on a treadmill, in a park or on the sidewalk.
Stampede Road Race
Date: July 10, 2022
Distance: 5 km, 10 km and 21.1 km
Cost: From $65
Starting line: Southbound on 19 Street S.W., West of Glenmore Track
Something to consider: This race has three length options, plus a number of kids runs at the Glenmore Track. Plus, there’s a Stampede breakfast after the race. Yahoo!
Ultra Night Run
Date: September 16, 2022
Distance: 5 km and 10 km
Cost: From $60 for individuals
Starting line: TBD
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. There is also a virtual event, taking place from September 23 to 25, for those who can’t make it.
Beat Beethoven
Date: September 8, 2022
Distance: 4 km walk or 8 km run
Cost: From $80
Starting line: Riverwalk Plaza in East Village
Something to consider: This race is a four-kilometre loop that you do twice. The challenge is to run the eight kilometres before the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra completes 50 minutes of Beethoven’s music. It ends with complimentary wine and a concert. There is also a virtual option running from September 8 to 18.
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.
Mud Hero
Date:Â July 9, 2022
Distance:Â 6 km and 10 km
Cost:Â From $110
Starting line:Â Red Deer Polytechnic
Something to consider:Â Expect running, obstacles and lots and lots of mud. Crawl, splash, jump and climb your way to the finish line for your photos and Mud Hero swag.
Rugged Maniac
Date: July 23, 2022
Distance: 5 km
Cost: From $84
Starting line: Spruce Meadows
Something to consider: The 25 race obstacles in this event include a three-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.
Spartan Race
Date: July 23 and 24, 2022
Distance: 5 km or 10 km
Cost: From $80
Starting line: Heritage Ranch
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 five-km Sprint distance that includes 20 obstacles. For the serious and the brave, there is the Hurricane Heat team event for a tougher challenge.
Mega Bounce Run
Date:Â July 30, 2022
Distance:Â 5 km
Cost: From $50
Starting line: North Glenmore Park
Something to consider:Â Remember how much fun you used to have on bouncy castles? Re-live that experience during this five-km 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.
X Warrior Xtrail Series
Date: August 13, 2022
Distance: 6 km sprint and 12 km enduro
Cost:Â $49
Starting line:Â Fish Creek Park
Something to consider: This trail running race is part two of a three part series, but you can run it without running the others. Finish off the race with beers at a to-be-announced sponsored location.
Run to the Taps
Date: August 14, 2022
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, if you like) include running to local craft breweries with a 45-minute stop at each to rest and drink. There are two routes, each going to a number of different stops. Bring cash for beer.
X Warrior Recon Challenge
Date:Â August 20, 2022
Distance:Â 5 km
Cost:Â Starting at $60
Starting line: Winsport
Something to consider:Â This obstacle course will push runners to their limits, with more than 15 obstacles throughout the five-km run. You can run a course where the obstacles are optional, or others where they are necessary to finish the race.
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.
Calgary Search and Rescue Run
Date:Â August 20, 2022
Distance: 5 and 10 km
Cost: Starting at $50
Starting line: Pearce Estate Park
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Calgary Search and Rescue
Love is Love Mile
Date: September 4, 2022
Distance: 1 mile
Cost: $40
Starting line: Calgary Pride Parade route
The charity or cause you’re supporting:Â Calgary Pride
Mobility Challenge
Date: September 10, 2022
Distance: 5 km
Cost: $50 (adults); $25 (children, seniors and clients)
Starting line: Fish Creek Park Blackbird Day-use area
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta
Terminator Run for Youth Addiction Awareness
Date: September 10, 2022
Distance: 5 km
Cost: TBA
Starting line: TBA
The charity or cause you’re supporting: The Terminator Foundation
RBC Race for the Kids
Date: September 11, 2022
Distance: 6 km
Cost: $25
Starting line: Heritage Park
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation
Terry Fox Run
Date: September 18, 2022
Distance: TBA
Cost: Free
Starting line: Fort Calgary
The charity or cause you’re supporting: The Terry Fox Foundation
Run for Life Virtual Run
Date: September 18 to 25, 2022
Distance:Â 5 and 10 km
Cost:Â $20
Starting line: Anywhere
The charity or cause you’re supporting:Â The Centre for Suicide Prevention
Run for Water
Date: TBD
Distance: 5 and 10 km
Cost: TBD
Starting line: Confluence Plaza on St. Patrick’s Island
The charity or cause you’re supporting: Run for Water Foundation