Home > Runs & Races

Canada Day runs and races to celebrate all things Canadian

Canada Day is a celebration of all the things our great country has to offer. For many runners, lacing up for their local Canada Day run/race is the best way to commemorate the occasion.

20080525GR_Marathon1889

There are dozens of Canada Day-related running events that take place each year on July 1st. Here is a selection of some of the more notable ones from coast to coast:

EPIC Canadian, Dartmouth, N.S.

The EPIC Canadian Run is a family-friendly event that celebrates our country and all things Canadian. The course is a scenic 5K loop around Lake Banook that is both flat and fast. There’s also an option to do the “Double-in-a-Day” and race both the 10K and 5K. There are plenty of prizes as well as custom t-shirts, finisher’s medals, and post-run refreshments and entertainment for all participants.

Moose Jawg Charity Road Race, Moose Jaw, Sask.

The Moose Jawg Charity Road Race offers 10K and 5K races organized and hosted entirely by local volunteers. It is held every Canada Day in Moose Jaw’s beautiful Wakamow Valley. Plus, with a name like that, it just doesn’t get any more Canadian.

Scotiabank Canada Day Road Races, Kanata, Ont.

Now in it’s 28th year, the Canada Day Road Races give runners an opportunity to start off their holiday celebrations with a run through the streets of old Kanata. The event is family-friendly and includes 5K and 10K races as well as two children’s events.

scotiabank canada day road races ottawa

Great Canadian Trail Run, Brantford, Ont.

Celebrate Canada’s birthday with a 5K or 10K trail run. All proceeds from this event support the Canada Day Festival which has been a favourite community event every summer for many years.

Edmonton Canada Day Road Races, Alta.

Offering a 15K and 5K as well as 2.5K fun run/walk, this popular event runs along the river to and through Hawrelak Park and also raises money for the Alberta branch of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Subway Canada Day 10-Miler, Grand Bay-Westfield, N.B.

What better way to celebrate than “a little shake and bake, smooth sailing, shake and bake, gradual hill, rock’n’roll hoochie coo 10 Miler?” 5K and 10K races are also offered.

The Official Canada D’Eh 5K Run, Amherstburg, Ont.

Claiming to be the largest 5K in Canada (on Canada Day), this event definitely delivers on patriotism and fun. Starting outside the gates of Historic Fort Malden, the course is a flat, fast out-and-back that offers a historic tour of the waterfront. But perhaps best of all, the swag and after-race festivities that follow.

Canada Day Rock, White Rock, B.C.

A 5K and 10K plus kids run that takes place along the shores of Boundary Bay.

Peachland Beach Run, Peachland, B.C.

Situated on the west side of Lake Okanagan, this quaint town offers a fun and family-friendly 5K and 10K races as well as a 3K walk. There’s perhaps no better location to appreciate being Canadian.

Canada Day 5th Street Mile Fun Run, Courtenay, B.C.

People of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to take part in the run which starts at 9:30 a.m. The course is a metric mile (1,500m) on a slightly downhill course along the parade route on 5th Avenue.

Embro Highland Games Road Races, Embro, Ont.

Part of the 79th annual Embro Highland Games, the 5K and 10K road races leave the fairgrounds and run a loop on country roads. After the races, enjoy the truly unique (Scottish) take on Canada Day including sheep shearing, highland dance and the tug-of-war.

Canada Day Bash, Charlottetown, P.E.

Proceeds from the event support the PEI Humane Society and all participants receive a unique Canada Day medal.

For a complete listing of runs and races from across Canada, check out RaceGuide.

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

The best trainers in Canada under $150

We curated the best performance trainers under $150 to meet your 2024 running goals, while staying on budget