You often her people ask, “are you a runner?” Virtually 99 per cent of people will say ‘God no,’ thinking that you have to run full marathons and be crazy fast to consider yourself ‘a runner.’ However, there happen to be plenty of 5-, 10- and 15km runs/walks around the city in the next couple of months that are open to all levels of runners. 

Running also happens to be one of the most affordable workouts you can do. Buy a pair of shoes and – boom – you’re done. You can also buy the water belt, heart rate monitor, spandex shorts and cute scrunchie to go along with it, but that’s up to you! Taking up running as your new form of exercise will not only help get you in shape, but you will also spend more time outside and explore the city on foot.  Whether you’re new to the activity or you’ve been running for years, here are some of the top races in Calgary this summer:

Scotiabank Calgary Marathon

Race Date: May 23-26, 2019

From the family-friendly 5km walk/run to the fast and furious Boston qualifier marathon or the 50km Ultra National Champs, the Scotiabank Marathon welcomes all Calgarians to participate in a race regardless of what length or speed you choose. Start and finish your race by the Scotiabank Saddledome with thousands of Calgarians running alongside you or cheering you on from the sidelines. Weave your way through city streets, the Bow River Pathway and all the way up to Baker Park (if you choose the 50km option). In some way, shape or form, challenge yourself to take part in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon this year.

MEC Race Series

Race Dates:

• June 15, 2019 – Road Race
• July 20, 2019 – Trail Race
• September 14, 2019 – Road Race
• September 21, 2019 – Trail Race in Canmore
• October 19, 2019 – Road Race

Get your run on at one of five Mountain Equipment Co-op races this year, choosing from a 5km, 10km, 15km or the whopping 21.1km race.  At only $20-25 each, MEC makes working out affordable. Not only do you get an excellent workout, but you’ll also receive chip-timed results, coffee and bananas, finish-line massages and unlimited high-fives from stoked MEC members and staff congratulating you on your finished race. There is even a 2km fun race for kids if you’re looking to do something while the whole family. Visit their website above for daily race info.

Divas Running Series

Race Date: June 23

A feather boa, sparkly tiara, pink tutu and a bedazzled medal slung around your neck – just what your race outfit was missing! Tear around the city in your diva gear, enjoying cold sips and icy freezies along the way to keep you going in the (hopefully) warm June weather until the very end where you will be rewarded with a glass of bubbly. With 5km and 21.1km race options, you decide how far you want to push yourself with this one. Receive early bird pricing for this event if you book before June 21 – visit their website above for more details.

Stampede Road Race

Race Date: July 7, 2019

The 11th annual Stampede Road Race is coming to Calgary this July. With 2,000 spots available, this race fills up quicker than you’d expect. With 5km, 10km and 21.1km options, it’s best to register early and secure your spot so that you can start training ASAP. Each registrant receives an athletic t-shirt to commorate the day and is invited to enjoy a traditional stampede breakfast post-race. Exercise and brunch on a Sunday – is there any better combination?!

Grab your running shoes and head out for your first, fifth or tenth run of the spring, Calgary – these races won’t train for themselves!