Calgary’s 2012 Featured Marathons & Runs

It’s (almost) summer and the running’s fine. Sure, die-hard runners can be found on Calgary streets and trails year-round, but summer’s the time when to strip off those layers, line up and even run a few personal bests.

Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or you’re gearing up for a payoff from those long, cold months of training, here are some races in and around Calgary to keep on your radar - and keep you running right through to fall.

Set a Personal Best: Scotiabank Calgary Marathon

Now in its 49^th year, the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is offering up a new route, new venue and whole new experience for 2012. Get your racing feet wet with a 5K, up the challenge in the ultra-competitive 10K or go the distance in the half or full marathon. No matter what you choose, it’ll be a party, and you’ll be sharing the fun with some 11,000 participants. The race begins and ends in Stampede Park, where you can refuel with a post-race pancake breakfast, on-site entertainment and a health expo with vendors to cater to a runner’s every need. Oh, and did we mention that the courses are flat, fast and certified? What more could a runner want?

Where to register? http://www.calgarymarathon.com/registration.html

When to run? May 27^th, 2012

What to sport? Your competitive nature or laissez-faire attitude. Pick one.

Celebrate the Centennial: Stampede Road Race

Yeehaw! Kick up your heels and celebrate the Stampede 100^th Centennial by stampeding down Calgary’s streets. This race includes a 5K, 10K and half-marathon, which start and finish at Glenmore Athletic Park. And in true Stampede style, this race features a full post-race Stampede breakfast and bolo tie finishing medals for participants. Then head on down to the midway for more Stampede City fun.

Where to register? http://www.stampederoadrace.ca/register.php

When to run? July 8^th, 2012

What to sport? Bandanas and cow bells.

Get Dirty: 5 Peaks Central Alberta Trail Series

If you like a run with mud and guts, the 5 Peaks Trail Series is for you. Five Peaks is known for breathtaking scenery and tough cross-country courses that will literally take your breath away. Each race venue is within an hour’s drive of Calgary, and each of the five races in the series provides its own unique terrain and challenges. Distances range from a short course (4 to 8km), to the Enduro course (up to 17km) and even a few select half marathons. Plus, whether you’re a top-place finisher or a middle of the pack mudder, there’s more than $40,000 worth of prizes and gear to be won.

Where to register? http://www.5peaks.com/register.asp

When to run? May 19^th through September 29^th, 2012

What to sport? A photographic memory.

Party in the Park: Kananaskis 100-mile Relay

10 legs, 10 runners and 100 miles of gorgeous Kanaskis country make the K-100 Relay both an amazing (albeit lung-searing) experience and a can’t-miss event on any runner’s social calendar. The race kicks off early in the village of Longview and continues for 100 miles along Highway 541 and 40. Legs range between 9km and 18km each, and meander through rolling Rocky Mountain scenery lined with cheering spectators. Once you and your team of friends arrive at the Nakiska Ski Resort, you’ll be more than ready for a post-race barbecue and Big Rock beer.

Where to register? http://www.hihostels.ca/westerncanada/1583/run_with_hi_roster_registration.hostel  

When to run? June 23^rd, 2012

What to sport? Team spirit complete with secret handshakes and matching run outfits.

A Night Out: Energizer Night Race

Whether on the roads or the trails, most races cater to early birds. If you hit your stride when the sun goes down, the Energizer Night Race offers a fun and refreshing alternative to early-morning racing. The gun for this race goes off after 9pm, just as the sun is setting, so you can run off into the sunset and return from your 5K or 10K under the light of the moon – and the headlamps of your fellow runners. The celebration of light and music goes well into the night with a post-race party and festivities.

Where to register? http://www.runningroom.com/energizer-night-race/calgary/

When to run? August 18^th, 2012

What to sport?  Glow in the dark anything.