Destination Race – Calgary Marathon

Race Stats

Date: June 1, 2014
Races: marathon, half-marathon, 5K, 50K for 2014 only
Participants: 11,000 (2013)
Website: calgarymarathon.com

For a race with so much that’s new, it’s sometimes easy to forget that the Calgary Marathon is the longest-running marathon in Canada.

It began 50 years ago in 1963 and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014 (the race missed one year in the early 60s).

The event went through an overhaul and re-launched in 2012, better suited to meet its growing profile on the running scene.

With more than 11,000 runners taking part in the marathon, half-marathon and 5K distances, the Calgary Marathon has nearly doubled its numbers in the past four years. They outgrew previous staging areas and organizers moved the start/finish lines to the iconic Stampede Grounds. Finishing in front of the Stampede Grandstand, where rodeo champions are usually crowned, runners get a special rush, as they enter the stadium on the homestretch. After you pass through the finishing chute, volunteers serve up pancakes, in addition to the bananas and Gatorade you would expect to find at any road race.

There’s also a beer garden on the Stampede Grounds if you need some extra carb-replenishment.

The iconic Scotiabank Saddledome (home of the Calgary Flames) is in the backdrop at start and the final mile. The course, which is mostly flat after organizers removed the Shaganappi Trail hill, circles downtown and takes runners from the northeast to southwest parts of the city, through seven different neighbourhoods. There are scenic views of the Calgary Tower, Bow River and Elbow River along the route.

Depending on the sky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Rockies. “I love the part that runs up from the Elbow River, and the Bow River along Memorial Drive is scenic and historic,” says race director Cheryl Lowery. “We’re going through some really cool communities that have been revitalized and just trying to showcase the city.”

Lowery stresses the importance of running through residential neighbourhoods. It not only provides easy opportunities for spectators to watch, but it also brings up the spirit of communities in transition. The East Village, near the Stampede Grounds, is one of those areas. Neglected in the past, it’s now under a phase of massive redevelopment, with mixed-income housing projects and businesses popping up. Local business and community members organized a “spirit hub,” or cheering section, in the area to cheer on the runners during the races. “It’s so amazing and there’s so much energy,” says Kimberley Dykes, who arrived at 6 a.m., shouting encouragement — dressed in colourful orange gear and waving signs — until the final runners passed by in the afternoon. “It’s so emotional — you can see that you’re picking the runners up and they love it.” The Calgary Marathon donates $1,000 to the organization with the best “spirit hub,” sending a team of organizers around the course to judge the enthusiasm.

IF YOU GO
Getting there: By plane, Air Canada and West Jet have regular flights to Calgary from all major Canadian cities. By car, from the east or west, Calgary is on the TransCanada Highway. It’s 3.5 hours south of Edmonton on Highway 2.
Lodging: The Westin (320 4th Ave SW) has been recently renovated and offers luxury accommodations downtown, about a 10-minute drive from the Stampede Grounds. The Hyatt (700 Centre St. SE) and Mariott (110 9th Ave. SE) also offer upscale, central accommodations.

Shopping: If you need to pick up some running gear, there are eight Running Room locations (The Kensington and Eau Claire Market locations are the most central). Get expert advice from a Calgary running legend at Strides Running Store (3558 Garrison Gate SW). Gord’s Running Store (919 Centre St. NW) is also popular with the locals.

Eating: For pre and post-race dinners, you’ll find plenty of options at Eau Claire Market. Eighth Avenue SW also has a number of choices, including Blink (11 8th Ave. SW), which offers a variety of surf and turf, and vegetarian options with local beers.

Entertainment: After hosting the 1988 Olympics, Calgary developed a rich sporting tradition. With the Rockies at Calgary’s doorstep, try ziplining or bobsledding at Canada Olympic Park (88 Canada Olympic Road SW). Visit the new Canada Sports Hall of Fame (169 Canada Olympic Road SW) or relax with an evening at the Calgary Philharmonic (Jack Singer Hall, 205 8th Ave. SE).

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx0w5R4fYe4[/youtube]