One of Alberta’s top road races ran today for the final time

Almost ready to go #MelissasRoadRace pic.twitter.com/Ywa3DofTwT

— Lifer Knifer (@liferknifer) September 23, 2017

Just another another great Saturday… #melissasroadrace #banff pic.twitter.com/hXmJrvNITe

— wpgBeris (@wpgBeris) September 23, 2017

The Melissa’s Road Race took place today in Banff, Alta. for the 38th time. Sadly, it will also be the final time.

Final Melissa's Road Race in Banff is about to start! pic.twitter.com/wF1PTUAdjv

— John Stanton (@JohnStantonRR) September 23, 2017

The event hosts a half marathon as well as 10K and 5K races, all of which routinely sell out (the event is capped at 4,500 participants). All courses start and end at the Banff Recreation Grounds and feature sensationally scenic routes in and around Banff National Park.

In the event’s signature half marathon, Duncan Marsden was the first finisher in 1:10:10, ahead of Benard Onsare (1:12:23) and Daniel Habteyes (1:15:40). The women’s race was won by Chelsey Phillips in 1:31:16, ahead of Desiree Jordaan (1:35:03) and Carmen Fenrich (1:35:06).

The 10K was won by Devon Kershaw in a time of 33:32. Roman Justinen (35:12) and Michael Kondro (35:53), were second and third respectively. Shari Boyle was the top female finisher in 39:09. Natasha Martin was second (39:25) followed by Erin Cahoon (39:38).

In the 5K, Karl Augsten was the first finisher in 16:14, followed by Dana Riederer (17:01) and Ryan Cormier (18:11). On the women’s side, Julie Riederer was the first to cross the line in 20:56, ahead of Maya Fish (21:22) and Andrea Beres (22:18).

Go runners!! #MelissasRoadRace @Banff_Town pic.twitter.com/ZpshAQWHtH

— Jill Silver (@swingingsilver) September 23, 2017

The event has consistently been voted as one of Alberta’s top road races by Athletics Alberta and was named the Grand Champion Road Race in 2016. But despite its overwhelming popularity and success, organizers announced earlier this year that the 2017 event would be the final edition of the event, a move which was greeted with sadness by many of its loyal and long-time participants.

Buddy Julius, the event’s founder and main organizer told Global News that “changes and restrictions by the Town of Banff and Parks Canada have created major headaches.” He no longer sees a future for the event in Banff but still hopes that the legacy of the storied race will live on and continue to exist in some form.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZXa487DPu5/

https://twitter.com/RSobchyshyn/status/911601169947963392

So many people love this race… so sad it's the last one! It was my first ever 10k and now for one last time… #melissasroadrace #banff pic.twitter.com/GmMieVucIp

— Julie Bailey (@juliealitia) September 23, 2017

Editor’s note: results have been updated.