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Canada Running Series planning three in-person races for fall 2021

In addition to their lineup of virtual runs throughout the year, organizers are hoping to hold three in-person events next fall

Eastside 10K Photo by: Inge Johnson, Canada Running Series

Canada Running Series (CRS) has released its calendar of events for 2021, and while most are virtual, there are three “anticipated in-person” races slated for September and October. The virtual series kicks off on January 1 with the Camp KM Distance Challenge, followed by seven more events through to the fall. The three in-person events that the CRS team is hoping to stage are Vancouver’s Under Armour Eastside 10K and the Oasis ZooRun in Toronto, both of which are scheduled for September 18, and the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM), set a month later on October 17. These three runs will be offered virtually as well. To help you plan your 2021 schedule, here’s an outline of the CRS calendar. 

Camp KM — January 1 to 31 

For the entire month of January, whether you’re walking or running, log your mileage with the Camp KM Distance Challenge. This is a virtual event in which participants simply try to see how far they can run or walk in one month. Distance will be tracked on the Race Roster website, and this is a great way to find motivation to get outside and train in one of the darkest and coldest months of the year. Click here to register. 

RELATED: A guide to upcoming virtual races and challenges

Move Your Paws for the Polar Bear Cause — February 27 to March 29

Registration for the eighth edition of the Move Your Paws for the Polar Bear Cause opens on January 12. The goal for participants this year is to collectively cover 3,000K in the month-long challenge. This is the same distance polar bears move in a month, and every participant in the challenge can help reach that goal. The challenge kicks off on February 27, which is International Polar Bear Day, and it will raise funds for the Toronto Zoo’s conservation, education and research activities with polar bears.

Tristan Woodfine wins the 2019 Spring Run-Off. Photo: Inge Johnson/Canada Running Series

Under Armour Spring Run-Off — April 1 to 30

Normally an in-person race, the UA Spring Run-Off will be virtual in 2021. Registration will open in January, and there will be a kids’ race, a 5K and an 8K offered. 

RELATED: Under Armour’s Spring Run-Off 8K Training Plan

Banque Scotia 21K de Montréal — April 23 to June 14

Another traditionally in-person CRS classic, the Banque Scotia 21K is sticking with a virtual format next year. Participants will have close to two months to complete their races, and they can choose from a kids’ race and 5K, 10K and half-marathon options. Once again, registration for this event opens in January. 

Reid Coolsaet Vancouver Half-Marathon
Reid Coolsaet wins the 2015 Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon. Photo Credit: Inge Johnson/Canada Running Series.

Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon — June 2 to July 5

With the same lineup of events as the Banque Scotia 21K, the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon will run for most of June and a few days in July. 

RELATED: Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon age group results

Oasis ZooRun — September 1 to October 12 (September 18 in-person race)

After months of virtual races, September will finally bring the chance to run an in-person event (hopefully). However you choose to race, whether virtually or in person, you can choose from the “CubRun,” a 5K or a 10K. If it goes ahead as planned, the in-person event will be held in Toronto. 

Natasha Wodak wins the 2018 Eastside 10K. Mark Bates/Canada Running Series

UA Eastside 10K — September 1 to October 12 (September 18 in-person race)

On the same day as the ZooRun, the UA Eastside 10K will be held in Vancouver. The virtual event will also match the ZooRun’s schedule, and as its name suggests, the race is a 10K. 

RELATED: How Mark Hanlon redefined his limits at the Under Armour Eastside 10K

STWM — October 1 to 31 (October 17 in-person race)

Like this year, the 2021 STWM will be offered virtually, but the CRS team is hopeful it can be held in person as well. Participants can choose from 5K, 10K, half and full marathon options or a marathon relay. 

To learn more about the 2021 CRS schedule, click here

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