Have Questions?
Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Everything you need to know in advance of Race Weekend, for Race Day and following the race can be found below! Have questions that aren't answered?
Please note, many of these FAQ's are based on 2023 for reference and subject to change.
Before the Race
Pre-Event Questions
Be sure to read our Pre-Race information page, and learn more about the Calgary Marathon. If you still have questions, they should be answered hee.
Confirmation of your race entry will be e-mailed to you once payment has been processed. Printed confirmation, digital confirmation or photo ID is required at race package pick-up. If you have not received the email after 20 minutes of registering, please check your junk mail folders as it may not have gone through depending on your spam folder settings.
You can also search for your name by heading to the confirmation page on Race Roster linked here and typing in your name.
Yes. The Calgary Marathon is a registered AIMS Marathon, certified by Athletics Canada - which makes it a Boston Qualifier. For more details on qualifying visit www.bostonmarathon.com
The 60KM Ultra can NOT be used as a Boston Qualifier.
Yes.
You can see this information on the Rules & Regulations page.
Yes!
In an effort to improve family inclusivity and affordability, if your child is ALREADY signed up for Kids Marathon, they are welcome to join you in the 5KM event without registering. We ask that any kids joining parents/guardians in the 5KM who are not registered (i.e. will be in a stroller for the duration of the event OR are already registered for the Kids Marathon), please refrain from taking a medal and other amenities at the finish line.
If your child is not participating in the Kids Marathon and will be joining you in the 5KM event, they must be registered, unless they will be in a stroller for the duration of the event.
Your race package will be ready to pick up prior to race day. If you are unable to pick up your package, you can send a friend to pick it up for you. For more details on how package pick-up works, head to our pre-race info page.
Where:
GMC Stadium, Stampede Park, 3 St. SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 5A2
When:
Friday, May 24, 2024 - 11:00AM to 8:00PM
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Your bib number can be found from the link below:
Bib number look up for 2024 will be available in May 2024.
There is free parking on Stampede grounds on Friday May 24, 2024 and Saturday May 25, 2024 when you come to GMC Stadium to pick up your bib and visit the Runners' Expo. You will just need to show your event registration confirmation to the parking attendant on duty. If you're coming on the C-train, the closest LRT station to GMC Stadium is 25th Ave. SE station called Erlton Station.
Please note, Stampede grounds parking on Race Day will cost $15.
Pregnant or postpartum individuals have the option to defer their registration to the following year.
Participants interested in this can complete a deferral form linked here.
Deferral is pending a review from the Run Calgary office. You can expect a response within 5-10 business days. If your deferral request is accepted, your registration will be deactivated and you will receive a promo code that can be used to register for your race at the next Servus Calgary Marathon!
Deferrals will only be valid for 1 year. If deferral is not utilized at the next Servus Calgary Marathon, no refund or additional deferral will be provided. Deferral request must be received prior to race start.
Bring your old medals and new/gently used running shoes to the Runner's Expo and drop them off at the Fluid Projects booth!
We will be collecting old, used, and pre-loved metal race medals for recycling. These must be made of metal and can be medals from any event or race, they do not have to be specifically Run Calgary or Calgary Marathon medals!
The ReRun Shoe Project also be collecting new/gently used running shoes that will be donated and given a new life! ReRun will also be located in the Runner's Expo right next to Fluid Projects!
Please refer to the Races page to view the 2023 map for your race.
Select the distance you will be running, and scroll down to the section titled "Course Map" for PDF map downloads and Strava/GPX map downloads. Please note that 2023 course maps are for reference and subject to change for 2024.
The 2023 Interactive Map can be viewed here. The Interactive Map also shows the location of road closures, aid stations, cheer stations, and infant feeding stations.
Due to the relocation of the finish line to Enmax Park for 2023, all distances at the Servus Calgary Marathon race weekend will have slight modifications.
(Referencing 2023 routes) All race routes will leave GMC Stadium and head east through Enmax Park into Ramsay. This will change the first 2.5KM of all race routes. Similarly, all of the routes will return along 9 Ave SE and enter Enmax Park from the north, heading south across the finish line. The rest of the 10KM, 21.1KM, 42.2KM and 50KM course routes will largely remain the same as in 2022, however the 5KM route is entirely new this year! The 5km route will see the biggest change as it runs through Ramsey, Inglewood and the East Village this year. All route maps, distances and elevations can be found here.
All 60KM ultra, 42.2KM marathon, 21.1KM half marathon, 10KM, 5KM and Kids Marathon participants will receive a technical shirt (short sleeve for all distances).
Register early as shirts are ordered months in advance and we can't guarantee t-shirt sizes will be available.
Yes! Please see the size charts below for our men's, women's and youth size t-shirts:
Distances can be changed right up until May 25, 2024, as long as your desired race distance is not sold out. Distances can NOT be changed on Race Day (May 26, 2024).
If you are interested in switching before May 13th, you can upgrade or downgrade yourself by visiting raceroster.com, login to your account and go to the dashboard and click on 'Transfer Request' up until May 13th at 11:59pm MT.
If you are looking to switch anytime between May 13th - May 25th (after the bib numbers have been assigned) you will have to visit the Solutions Table at the Runners' Expo to change from one race distance to another.
Costs are as follows:
Upgrading:
The difference between your original category and the one you are upgrading to + a $10 processing fee and GST.
Downgrading:
$10 + processing fee and GST.
Please note: The Calgary Marathon is not a bike course and safety of all participants is paramount. With rolling road closures and tight corners, handcyclists will only be permitted to participate recreationally in the 5K and 10K distances
Athletes using a push rim wheelchair will be allowed to race competitively in all distances. Racing wheelchair results have their own category. Absolutely no handcycles will be allowed in the race (competitive) category for any distance.
Participation is at sole discretion of the Calgary Marathon and omission of any steps will result in disqualification and removal of bib.
If you are participating in any event using a mobility device of any kind:
- Register as a participant who will be using a wheelchair (it’s a mandatory question when you register) by May 1st at calgarymarathon.com
- You will be contacted by CMS staff to confirm your mobility device, place you in a wave that is safe for you and other participants, and to review rules for participation no later then May 15th
- When you pick up your package, your bib will have a special sticker on it
- Be at the start line 30 mins before your race distance starts to check all equipment and listen to any last minute instructions. Please note: anyone missing briefing will not be allowed to start the race.
- Participants in racing wheelchairs in the 60K/Marathon/Half Marathon will have a 1 min silent start before the runners.
Some things to remember:
- Anyone trying to enter chutes using a handcycle without the appropriate approvals will be removed from the course.
- Participants are not allowed to pass any emergency vehicle doing so will result in an immediate disqualification and no longer allowed to participate in future events
- Participants will stay as safely to the far right of the road as possible to allow others to pass
- Participants will obey and listen to all directions given on course by lead bikes
- Roads are closed on a rolling time schedule as such all intersections must be approached with caution and you may be required to stop
Definitions:
Wheelchair – Traditional push rim wheelchair with 2 wheels identical in size (rear) and two smaller wheels (front casters)
Racing Wheelchair – Has two large wheels (rear) and one small wheel (front).
Handcycles – A three-wheeled cycle propelled by the arms rather than the legs
Strollers are only permitted on the GoodLife 5KM, ASICS Runkeeper 10KM and Centaur Subaru 21.1KM. Anyone racing with a stroller MUST start in the last (purple) corral. Strollers are prohibited in the Servus 42.2KM and 60KM Ultra.
Any children under the age minimums for the 10 km or 21.1 km are only permitted if pushed in a stroller. Please note that children under the age minimums will not receive a shirt, medal or any amenities at the finish line. Children in strollers must remain in their stroller for the entire duration of the race.
Children interested in receiving a medal and shirt can sign up for the 1.2KM Kids Race which is open to those ages 2-12.
During the Race
Race Day Questions
Be sure to read our Race Day information page. Plus, check out our runner resources for training plans, nutrition tips and more. If you still have questions, these should be answered here.
All races will start in Stampede Park, just outside of GMC Stadium. Races 5km-60km will all finish in ENMAX Park (subject to change for 2024).
The kids race will start and finish near GMC Stadium, as this will be an out-and-back course.
The race start times can be found on each Race page. Please see these below. Note that times are subject to change for 2024:
60KM Ultra Marathon ›
Servus Credit Union 42.2KM Marathon ›
Centaur Subaru 21.1KM ›
ASICS Runkeeper 10KM ›
GoodLife Fitness 5KM Family Walk & Run ›
No, when you pick up your race kit at the Expo, all participants will receive a bib that contains a Chronotrack B-Tag. It is a single-use, disposable chip that is applied to the back of your race number.
*Do not remove this tag or your time will not be recorded.
Please note the cutoff times listed below are for reference and subject to change!
The Marathon and Half Marathon both start at 7am and roads will remain closed until approximately 1:30pm. The 60KM Ultra will likely start at 5:30AM to ensure that Ultra runners have additional time to complete their race. At 12:30pm rolling road openings will begin and some participants still out on course may be asked to move to the sidewalks/pathways.
Roads west of Crowchild will be open by 1:30pm and the remaining roads (except the last 2 KM) will be open by 2pm, with all roads being open by 2:15pm. If any participants are still out on course when they need to open the roads then they will just be asked to move to the sidewalks.
Our interactive map HERE will have the approximate road closure and opening times.
The take-down of the finish line begins at around 1:30 and you are not guaranteed an official finishing time if you cross the finish line after this time. If the finish line is gone when you cross the finish line, please contact us (info@calgarymarathon.com) with your time and we can arrange to get your results added and a finisher's medal to you.
Updated Road Closures available on our interactive map.
The average race-day temperature is a high of 21C (70F) and a low of 7C (45F). Calgary's elevation is 1,040 metres (3,500 feet).
YES! Our Pace Team lead Amy Li selects some of the best pacers in our city who bring all their energy and put it in to making sure you have the race of your life. We have pacers for all distances and a variety of goal finishing times!
Check out our Pace Team page for more info!
In partnership with SOGO Adventure Running, Servus Calgary Marathon will be offering on-site day camp for 100 children between the ages of 4-12. This will give parents/guardians the opportunity to race, who otherwise might not have been able to participate due to limited childcare options. SOGO Adventure Running is a local Calgary program that brings kids together for outdoor fun and adventure.
Registration for this program is not yet open for 2024, but will be expected to launch in early 2024. Information below is from 2023 and subject to change for 2024.
Once registration for this program is open, participants will be able to register their child for this $20 service by going to our registration page and selecting the sub-event “SOGO Adventure Running.” Registration can be completed for the child as a separate transaction if you’ve already registered for your own race, or as an add-on to your new race registration (before completing your registration, select “add participant”).
Drop off will take place near the startline/GMC Stadium between 6:30-7:15 am MST on Sunday May 26th. The SOGO coaching team will walk the kids over to Lindsay Park, where the kids will have a fun adventure running experience from 7:30-9:00 am, consisting of navigation, map reading, running and playing games.
SOGO will bring the kids back to the GMC Stadium Courtyard by 9:15 am, just in time to participate in the Kids Marathon at 9:30am if you’ve signed up for that! Your child must be picked up between 9:15 and 9:45am.
As this is our first year piloting this program, currently this amenity is feasible for parents/guardians participating in race distances 21.1 km or 10 km only. Please note youth registered in the SOGO Adventure Running will be outside for the duration of the activity and should dress accordingly!
We strongly encourage participants to take public transit to the race venue. There are two LRT stations in close proximity to GMC Stadium/start line, Erlton Station and Victoria Park/Stampede Station.
An alternative to taking public transit is to park for free on Spiller Road and walk west on 25th and into Stampede Park. It's about 800m so this walk can make for a great warm up!
Paid parking on Stampede grounds is limited due to construction and there can be significant delays on race morning due to the volume of participants.
The Finish Area/Post-Race Festival is located in ENMAX Park, and will be approximately 800 meters from the GMC Stadium/Start Line Area/Lot 6.
The closest parking to the finish line will be at Stampede Park across Stampede Trail from GMC Stadium and the Agrium Building. (lots 6 & 3)
The Finish Area/Post-Race Festival is located in ENMAX Park, and will be approximately 800 meters to get back to the GMC Stadium/Start Line Area.
**Please note: Information below is for 2023, the bag check process is subject to change for 2024.**
FREE and secure bag check is available and will open at 5:30 am on race day. You can only check the clear bag that is provided to you at Package Pick-up. This is the ONLY bag that will be accepted at bag check. Please clearly write your bib number in large numbers on the tag provided and staple it to the clear bag. This is required to check and pick up the bag. Allow a minimum of 15 minutes to check your bag.
Participants will check their bag next to the start line (outside the GMC Stadium).
All bags will then be moved to the finish line in Enmax Park just 75m from the finish line, and be available by the time you finish your race. Bag Pick-up will close at 2:00PM on race day. Any items not picked up will be given to charity. Event Organizers assume no risk of items left at Bag Check. **Please note: Bag Pick-up process is subject to change for 2024.
FREE and secure bag drop opens at 5:30AM on race day and is located in the GMC Stadium Courtyard, close to the Start Line.
Bag Pick-up will close at 2:00PM on race day. Any items not picked up will be given to charity. Event Organizers assume no risk of items left at Bag Check. **Please note:
The Bike Lock Up will open at 5:30 am on race day and all bikes must be picked up no later than 2:00 pm. The Bike Lock Up is located beside Bag Check Drop Off (big white tent) in Parking Lot 5 which is just east of the Start Line. Bikes will not be transported to the finish area.
The bike area will be secure and operated by volunteers from 5:30am-2:00pm, but don’t forget to bring your lock! Cyclists must provide their own lock and will be responsible for racking their bike and securing it with their lock.
Yes, there will be markers each kilometer along the route for each distance. They are recognizable because they will match your bib.
Please reference each course map on our Interactive Map HERE to see the location of aid stations. Please note these exact locations are subject to change for 2024.
In addition to hydration/nutrition at each Aid Station, menstrual products will also be available and visible on all Aid Station tables.
GoodLife Fitness 5KM has 1 aid station on course.
ASICS Runkeeper 10KM has 2 aid stations on course.
Centaur Subaru Half Marathon has 6 aid stations located on course, approximately every 3KM.
The Servus Calgary Marathon has 14 aid stations located on course, approximately every 3KM.
The 50KM Ultra has 18 aid stations located on course, approximately every 3KM.
Please refer to our interactive map for your specific race distance and toggle on "Aid Stations" to view the approximate location for each aid station along your route.
First Aid on course will be provided by our local Volunteer Ski Patrol. For more information on what they do check out their web site at www.csps.ca. There will also be a first aid tent at the finish line.
Please be sure to write your full name, emergency contact information and any allergies or health conditions you have on the back of your race bib.
For 2023, Servus Calgary Marathon will be coordinating the addition of 4 Infant Feeding Stations. Two stations will be located on-course, and two stations will be located near the Servus Calgary Marathon start and finish areas. These stations will be freely accessible to any participants, volunteers or attendees who require a private space to breastfeed, pump, or bottle-feed.
The on-course stations will service the half marathon, full marathon and 50K Ultra race events, and will be located by the 10.5K aid station, and the 21K/32K aid station.
Yes, we will have entertainment stationed throughout the course and at the Start/Finish area. If you are interested in being an entertainer for the Calgary Marathon, please email info@calgarymarathon.com for more information.
An updated Spectator Map will be released in the Race Guide that is published in the middle of May. The information provided below is subject to change for 2024.
There will be an 800m walk between the start and finish line - please follow the ‘finish festival ahead signs’ that will direct you to the finish line. This path will be accessible.
A Shuttle Service will also be operating on a continuous loop going between the Bag Drop Tent (near Start Line) and the west side of the pedestrian bridge heading into ENMAX Park. The Shuttle Service Pick Up/Drop Off points will be marked on the Spectator Map . Please Note: Priority will be given to those who require mobility assistance, but the Shuttle will be open and free to use for all attendees.
The finish line/post-race festival in Enmax park is 800m from the start line. All curbs are accessible. We recommend that you park in the north east corner of Lot 3 on Stampede Park grounds. That will give you the opportunity to reduce the walk to 330m. Enmax Park is an accessible greenspace with paved paths throughout.
A Shuttle Service will also be operating on a continuous loop going between the Bag Drop Tent (near Start Line) and the west side of the pedestrian bridge heading into ENMAX Park. The Shuttle Service Pick Up/Drop Off points will be marked on the Spectator Map . Please Note: Priority will be given to those who require
mobility assistance, but the Shuttle will be open and free to use for all attendees.
Within Stampede Park
- Start Line area - courtyard in front of GMC Stadium
- Finsh Line area/Post-Race Festival - ENMAX Park
- The finish chute along Agricultural Trail within ENMAX Park will be a great place to cheer on finishers. We are working on getting seat added along the path and will have a whole spectator guide in the Race Guide that is published in May.
Outside of Stampede Park
- East Village
- Charity Block Party on 9 Ave SE between 6 St SE and Fort Calgary
- Bow River Pathway
- Victoria Park (1st ST SW and 11th Ave SW)
- Centre Street Bridge (Memorial Drive)
- Prince's Island Pedestrian Overpass (Memorial Drive)
- 14 Street Bridge (Memorial Drive)
- 21 Street NW Pedestrian Overpass (Memorial Drive)
Each race map indicates the best spectator locations. See race maps in the Races section.
After the Race
Post-Race Questions
Be sure to read our Post-Race information page. You can see race results here. If you still have questions, these should be answered here.
All finishers, in every race category will receive a medal.
*Marathon and 60KM Ultra finishers are the only ones to receive unique belt buckle medals.
Post-race massages are available for purchase and will be provided by Massage Heights. When you register for your race in Race Roster, you can add a massage to your cart as an add-on and we will email you instructions prior to the event with information on where to go. Limited spots are available
You can add this to your existing registration by clicking on the ‘Store’ tab on the right hand side of our events details page HERE. On Race Day, pre-purchased massages are given on a first come first serve basis but your wait shouldn't be more than 10 minutes.
Chips are now disposable. No need to return them. Please recycle them accordingly.
Our Post-Race Festival in ENMAX Park will be a great place to reunite with friends/family. There will also be a Community Meeting Hub tent near finish line, which is great for corporate teams, charities, and school groups that are looking for a place to congregate.
We recommend that you choose areas with less traffic (ex. further into Post-Race Festival) to meet your friends/family as the finish line can be very crowded.
Your race results are posted online in real time through startlinetiming.com and posted on our website. Chip timing will track your start and finish providing quick and accurate results and all runners must use this system. Your chip is attached to your bib, please make sure your bib is visible and not folded for accurate timing. Please note, the chips are disposable and are not required to be returned.
On the back of each bib, there will also be a QR Code that can be scanned and will immediately direct you to this year's live race results.
Results will be updated live HERE.
Fundraising and Charity
Charity Challenge Questions
Be sure to read the Charity Challenge page. If you still have questions, these should be answered here. If not, feel free to contact us!
- Fill in your distance and your details, you will then be asked if you want to participate in the Charity Challenge - Choose YES
- Choose a charity from the dropdown. Fill in the remainder of the information required and click Continue to Payment at the bottom of the page.
Find this event on your Race Roster dashboard and you can edit your Fundraising page by clicking on 'Edit page' under the Fundraising tab on the right. Once in your fundraising page you can send out emails from Race Roster to your friends and family to support you, post the donation link on your social media and/or copy the link and send it in an email from your own email account!
You definitely can! Please follow these three steps to set up your fundraising page.
- Select this event from the Race Roster dashboard.
- Click on 'Edit page' under the Fundraising tab on the left.
- Find and select the charity you would like to support in the 'Select a preferred fundraising organization' dropdown.
- Customize your page and upload a photo, set a fundraising goal and add a personal message for your 'My Story' section.
When you register please select 'Yes, create a new charity team and add this registrant' under the 'Teams' section. Select 'Fundraising Team' and then type in your team name and select your preferred charity.
*Please contact charitychallenge@calgarymarathon.com to create a new team and/or have your name added to a specific fundraising team if you have already registered.
When you register please select 'Yes, add this registrant to a charity team created by someone else' under the 'Charity Teams' section. When you start typing in the team name it should start to autopopulate. Select your team and your fundraising will automatically be associated with the preferred charity for that team.
*Please contact charitychallenge@calgarymarathon.com to have your name added to a specific fundraising team if you have already registered.
Please send any cheque donations made out to the charity directly to the charity, ensuring that you have the name, address and email address for the donor. Also indicate that the donation should go towards the Charity Challenge and your fundraising total.
If someone gives you a cheque in your name and/or cash, you can add their donation to your fundraising page by submitting the donation with your credit card information and their donor information.
The Ultramarathon Distance
60KM Ultra Questions
Please read through the 60KM Ultra page. You can also find information on our Info pages. If you still have questions, these should be answered here.
You can find the 2023 50KM route on the 60KM Ultra page for reference. Once the 2024 60KM is finalized, updated maps will be added to our website. The elevation chart from the 2023 50 km is below:
If you met the elite standards, please email elites@calgarymarathon.com for an invite.
Sub 3:25 for men (marathon time)
Sub 3:50 for women (marathon time)
More Elite Information here.
Please note there is no prize money, however top male and top female will be awarded a prize.
- You must have completed one marathon in the last 18 months in under 4.5 hours.
- You must be confident you can complete the 60KM ultra marathon in less than 7.5 hours.
The Relay Race
50KM Ultra Relay Questions
Please read through the 50KM Relay page. You can also find information on our Info pages. If you still have questions, these should be answered here.
Teams can consist of 2 to 4 members, however ALL team members must be registered by May 1st. No members can be added after this date. If no one has joined your team by May 1st then your team will be disqualified.
The same as the 50 KM solo route. You can find the route on the 50KM Ultra page. The elevation chart is below:
42K of the 50K will be on the road. There is an extension on the pathway system to make up part of the distance however it is marked, measured and marshalled just as all other parts of the course are.
Leg 1: Start Line -> 9 Ave & 8 St SE: 11 KM
Leg 2: 9 Ave & 8 St SE -> Parkdale Blvd NW: 7.2 KM
Leg 3: Parkdale Blvd NW -> Baker Park Paddle Station: 12.9 KM
Leg 4: Baker Park Paddle Station: -> Finish Line: 18.9 KM
The first person to register is The Captain and responsible for paying the team registration. The Captain will create a password to forward to the rest of the team and the remaining team members must register using that password.
Run Calgary needs some lead time to process the teams and ensure team names are on bibs for all team members. We want to ensure the combined team package pick-up experience for the relay teams is as efficient as possible at the Health & Wellness Expo from May 29-30th.
No. There is a 50 KM relay party zone in the stands and we encourage your team to cheer in the last runner who will get medals for the whole team. We will have a photographer in the party relay zone for a group photo with an awesome backdrop included and the finish line behind you.
There is a MEET ME area right inside the Grandstand for friends and family to gather and a specific signed 50KM relay party zone in the stands.
Each 50 KM relay team member gets a Calgary Marathon branded fanny pack and a medal(s) unique to their leg.
The first leg is within walking distance - about 1200m north of the start line. A shuttle bus to and from the Stampede Grounds will be available to/from the remaining legs. Schedule for bus will be available closer to race day. However participants can make their way to and from their own transition point as they see fit.
Each transition point will have a bag drop with a set cut off time so the bag drop volunteer can bring the bags to central bag check. Your bag will be ready for pick up at Stampede Park bag check 45 mins after your bag drop closes. If this doesn’t work for you, you will have to make your own arrangements. Full schedule will be available closer to the date and in your relay manual which is in development.
Each team member will receive a bib specific to their leg and one timing bracelet which must be traded off when runners are transitioning. Relay timing bracelets can be worn on your ankle or your wrist but not held in your hand as it muffles the signal. Bibs are mandatory and coloured according by leg so if you switch legs you must also switch bibs and if you run more than one leg you must wear both bibs.
If a team member wishes to run the Marathon, 50K or Half Marathon they must register for both events, pay the cost of both events and they have to run the first leg for their team. Relay team members running the Marathon, 50k and Half Marathon can ONLY run the first leg. NOTE: all relay awards are based on net chip time to accommodate those running two events.
There will be timing mats out on the course at the transition points as well as 5KM splits and the half-way point of the marathon. You can sign up to get texts to track a runner, however it’s only as good as your cell service and provider so delays happen when there are many people in one area accessing the service, such as at Stampede Park.
A party! These zones will have food tents to provide a light snack to each relay participant ending/starting their leg, porta-lets, music and buses waiting to get you back to Stampede Park.
We have to keep some surprises! More to be revealed soon!