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?
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 here.
Please note, these FAQ's are for reference and subject to change for 2023.
Confirmation of your race entry will be e-mailed to you once payment has been processed. Printed 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.
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 42.2K and 50K Ultra can both be used as Boston Qualifiers.
Yes.
You can see this information on the Rules & Regulations page.
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.
Where:
The Grandstand, Stampede Park, 3 St. SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 5A2
When:
Friday, May 26 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 27 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
All 50KM, marathon, half marathon 10KM, 5KM and Kids Marathon participants will receive a technical shirt (short sleeve for all distances).
Register early as a limited run size is available and we can't guarantee t-shirt sizes will be available.
No. You may not sell, transfer or give your bib to another person. This policy applies to all race participants and is in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected family/business emergency, have a medical emergency, etc. There are NO exceptions. If someone runs with your bib and becomes injured or needs medical attention, medical professionals will not have their correct medical history and emergency contacts on hand. CMS reserves the right to ban participants from all future race participation who sell a bib/run with a bib that is not their's.
Yes, as long as your desired race distance is not sold out you can upgrade or downgrade your distance prior to the race. Visit raceroster.com, login to your account and go to the dashboard and click on 'Transfer Request'. If it is within 3 weeks of the event (and after the bib numbers have been assigned) you will have to visit the Solutions Table at the Runners' Market 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.
DOWNLOAD THE T-SHIRT SIZING CHART HERE.
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. 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 and to review rules for participation no later then May 5th
- 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 50K/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
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.
No, all participants will be provided with a Chronotrack B-Tag when you pick up your race kit at the Expo. 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.
Updated Road Closures available on our interactive map.
All race-day activities will start and finish in Stampede Park. All events start on Stampede Trail and finish inside the Grandstand area.
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).
The course will be open for 6 1/2 hours. At 12:30pm rolling road openings will begin and some participants still out on course may be asked to move to the sidewalks/pathways. 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.
YES! Our head pace bunny Amy Li takes her role seriously and 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. Have you heard their cheer? They are all about that pace!
We encourage you 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 ($15) is available on Stampede Park and it's best to give yourself plenty of time and access through the South side, off 25th ave SE. The South entrance is open all day and you will have no challenges exiting. The north side, near the Saddledome, is difficult to access after 6:30 am, as this is when road closures come into effect. Please note, wait times are variable throughout the day given the single entrance off 25th Ave. Carpooling, getting dropped off, parking just outside the grounds, and taking transit are great alternatives. The closest LRT station to The Grandstand is 25th Ave. SE station called Erlton Station.
Yes, there will be markers each kilometer along the route for each distance. They are recognizable because they will match your bib.
Yes, please reference each course map on our Interactive Map HERE to see the location of aid stations.
Yes, please reference each course map on our Interactive Map HERE to see the location of the porta potties.
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.
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.
- Stampede Park (start/finish)
- East Village
- Bow River Pathway
- Victoria Park (1st ST SW and 11th Ave SW)
- Centre Street Bridge (Memorial Drive)
- Princess 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.
The race start times can be found on each Race page. Please see these below:
50KM Ultra Marathon ›
42.2KM Marathon ›
Centaur Subaru 21.1KM ›
10KM ›
GoodLife Fitness 5KM Family Walk & Run ›
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 50KM Ultra solo finishers are the only ones to receive unique belt buckle medals.
Chips are now disposable. No need to return them. Please recycle them accordingly.
There is a recommended meeting area inside the Grandstand.
We recommend that you choose areas with less traffic to meet your friends/family as the finish line can be very crowded.
You can find all registration info on our Register page.
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 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 'Charity Teams' section. Select 'Fundraising Team - Charity Challenge 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
50KM Ultra Questions
Please read through the 50KM 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 route on the 50KM Ultra page. The elevation chart is below:
42KM of the 50KM 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.
The 50KM will be timed and runners will wear chips. Your 42.2KM time will also be recorded and it will be accepted as a qualifying time by B.A.A if you qualify for Boston.
Yes. B.A.A. will accept your marathon time as a official Boston qualifying result.
Yes. The 50 KM Ultra serves as the National 50 KM Championships. If you met the elite standards email elites@calgarymarathon.com for an invite.
Sub 3:25 for men
Sub 3:50 for women
More Elite Information here.
Please note there is no prize money however top male and top female will be crowned national champion and be given a special medal and prize package.
There will be signs on course and volunteers telling 50K runners where to go and at the turnaround. Please note it is the runner's responsability to know the route.
Awards and prizing information can be found on our Post-Race page.
The 50KM Ultra is reserved for runners who have completed at least one marathon (or ultra) in the last 18 months in less than 4.5 hours (or pro-rated for ultra distances).
- You must have completed one marathon in the last 18 months in under 4.5 hours.
- You must be confident you can complete the 50KM ultra marathon in less than 6.5 hours.
The criteria is 100% strictly logistical as our municipal road permit relies on us being off the city roads in 6.5 hours and the course is pro-rated. This means we can't have any more roads for any extra length of time. In order to put on our road race and in this case a special event that is longer than our usual distance we must work with our city partners. Until we have a race that draws participation like New York or Boston and have the support of non-runners in the city who come out and cheer runners on and don't mind the roads being closed, we will be limited in what roads we can have and for how long. So please encourage your friends and family to be cheerleaders on the last Sunday in May!
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!
