Your Ultimate guide to races in and around Canmore and Banff! Use this to help build your race calendar, and get inspired to run some of the coolest trails in the world. We would love to hear what you sign up for, so if you decide to tackle any of these or you want some more information, give us a shout!
Races in the Banff and Canmore Area
5 Peaks Canmore 1
June 8th 2024
Distances
- 7.1km / 175m
- 16.1 / 410m
- 22km / 545m
The Canmore Nordic Centre, Canada's premier cross-country skiing and biathlon venue, hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics and continues to hold regional, national, and international events. In summer, it transforms into a hub for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. The Canmore 5 Peaks runs attract participants from across Alberta and BC. The race features a lively start/finish area with stunning mountain views, a DJ, and a festive atmosphere. The course includes challenging hill climbs, technical single track, and significant elevation gain, looping through diverse trails and offering spectacular views and opportunities to see other runners.
Website link
Market Place Banff Marathon
June 15th 2024
Distances
- 10km
- Half Marathon
- Marathon
Experience one of the most stunning running events on the planet with the Banff Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10K, set in Canada's first National Park. Starting in the charming village of Banff, runners will traverse through breathtaking landscapes, including the serene Vermilion Lakes and the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. The route offers spectacular views of mountain vistas, wildlife, and historical sites. The race concludes alongside the beautiful Bow River, with cheering crowds welcoming participants back to Central Park in downtown Banff.
Website link
Meet the Minotaur
June 22nd 2024
Distances
- 10km / 955m
- 33.5km / 2900
Get ready for an epic adventure with the Minotaur SkyRace on June 22, 2024, in Crowsnest Pass, AB. This race is part of the prestigious Skyrunner® World Series and features a grueling 33.5 km course with a staggering 2900m elevation gain. The terrain is rugged and demanding, perfect for those seeking a true test of endurance and skill. alternatively, try the Mini-Taur, Canada's toughest 10 km race with a 950m elevation gain. Embrace the wild beauty of the mountains and push your limits in an unforgettable experience.
Website link
Powderface Marathon
June 29th 2024
Distances
- 21km / 670m
- 44.4km / 1671m
The Powderface Mountain Marathon is an Alberta favorite and a must-do for trail runners. Covering 44.4km with 1671m of elevation gain on beautiful K-Country singletrack, it’s technically an ultra marathon. This classic event also offers a half-marathon distance. With only 150 spots available, early registration is highly recommended to secure your place in this iconic race.
Website link
Tackle the Toad
June 29th 2024
Distances
- 20km / 987m
- 50km / 2520m
Tackle the Toad is an exhilarating trail race on Toad Mountain near Nelson, BC, featuring 50km and 20km courses. Set for June 29, 2024, this race offers stunning views and challenging terrain, with 2500m of elevation gain on the 50km route. Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner or a trail running enthusiast, Tackle the Toad promises an unforgettable adventure through beautiful and rugged landscapes.
Website link
Sinister 7
July 13th 2024
Distances
- 50km / 2255m
- 50miles / 2952m
- 100miles / 6354m
Welcome to Sinister 7 Ultra, one of the toughest races you'll ever face. Choose from 100-mile, 50-mile, or 50km courses through Alberta's rugged Rocky Mountains. The 100-mile race features over 6,600m of elevation gain, testing even the most prepared runners. Open to solo participants or teams of up to seven, racers have 30 hours to conquer the seven stages, each highlighting the area's geography and history. The race's name is inspired by the formidable Seven Sisters Mountain that dominates the course.
Website link
Trans Selkirks
July 23 - 25 2024
Distances
- 100km / 5000m (3 day stage race)
- 55km / 3300m (3 day stage race)
- 50km / 3510m
- 25km / 1650m
The TranSelkirks Run offers a range of challenges with steep ascents, rugged ridges, and breathtaking alpine views. Participants can choose from 3-day adventures (Full Stoke and Half Stoke) or single-day events (Stoked Scramble and Stoked Ultra), each showcasing the diverse terrain of Revelstoke, British Columbia. This event celebrates the trail community, fostering camaraderie and support as runners experience the magic of the mountains together. Join us in this stunning location for an unforgettable adventure!
Website link
Moose Mountain
July 24th 2024
Distances
- 16km / 460m
- 29km / 1220m
- 42km / 1620m
- 50km / 2351m
Moose Mountain Trail Races, hosted by Lewiston Ultra Events, is Alberta's oldest trail event and a cornerstone of the running community for over 30 years. Held in the West Bragg Creek recreational area, the race features over 150km of trails, ascending from rolling prairies to forested single and double tracks. Runners are treated to stunning views of Moose Mountain, the highest peak in the range, with an 8000-foot backdrop. The event celebrates community spirit and the beauty of the local trail system.
Website link
5 Peaks Canmore 2
Sept 7th 2024
Distances
- 6.8 / 160m
- 13.1km / 380m
- 19.8km / 545m
The Canmore Nordic Centre, Canada's premier cross-country skiing and biathlon venue, hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics and continues to hold regional, national, and international events. In summer, it transforms into a hub for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. The Canmore 5 Peaks runs attract participants from across Alberta and BC. The race features a lively start/finish area with stunning mountain views, a DJ, and a festive atmosphere. The course includes challenging hill climbs, technical single track, and significant elevation gain, looping through diverse trails and offering spectacular views and opportunities to see other runners.
Website link
Golden Ultra
September 13 - 15th 2024
Distances
- 3 day stage - 5km vert, 60km ultra, 23km run
- 3 day stage - 3km climb, 30km run, 13km run
- Days 2 and 3 individually
The Golden Ultra is a three-day trail running event in Golden, BC, from September 13-15, 2024. Runners can choose from two stage race distances—the Full Pint and the Half Pint—or participate in single-day events. The race covers legendary singletrack trails, offering options for a 13km run, ultra-marathons, and more. With a limited registration of 600 runners, the event is known for its well-organized, supportive atmosphere and stunning scenery, making it a dream for mountain runners.
Website link
Mel's Road Race
September 28th 2024
Distances
- 5km
- 10km
- Half Marathon
The Tradition Continues - Melissa’s Road Race, one of Canada’s most historic and popular running events, takes place on September 28th, 2024. Featuring 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon routes through scenic Banff National Park, this event routinely sells out. Since 1979, Melissa’s has been known for its vibrant atmosphere, on-course entertainment, post-run party, and commemorative long-sleeved shirts with local art. It has won multiple awards as Alberta’s Best Road Race and remains a cherished tradition in Banff.
Website link
Grizzly Ultra
October 12-13 2024
Distances
- 50km / 1050m
- Up to 5 Person relay
The Grizzly Ultra Marathon & Relay features 5 legs, each starting and ending at the Canmore Nordic Centre stadium. Covering a total of 50km with a 1089-meter elevation gain, each leg is graded for difficulty using a Grizzly Claw Rating. Leg 3, the hardest, is rated 5 Claws, while Leg 5, the easiest, is 1 Claw. This makes the event suitable for all abilities and ideal for team participation. The former Olympic stadium provides an excellent base for cheering on teammates.