Race Guide presents – Where to run/race, Oct. 18-19th.

The fall race season is now in full swing and this is one of the busiest weekends of the year. Here, from Canadian Race Guide, is a summary of a few upcoming running events taking place this weekend from coast to coast.

Saturday Oct. 18 – Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra, B.C. This popular relay event comprises an eight-person format, with alternating legs of approximately 13 and 7K, all centered around Whistler Village and the picturesque valley trail system. The 50-mile (80K) ultra is an ambitious, yet achievable option for both novice and veteran ultra-marathoners, while the relay option is preferred by those seeking more camaraderie. Participants can also attend the pre-race social on Friday night and the Saturday night post-race party making the event an ultra-memorable experience.

Saturday Oct. 18 – Banff Ekiden Relay, Alta. Ekiden is a Japanese-style relay race where runners complete various distances, often amounting to the length of a marathon. The Banff Ekiden is a scenic, fun and memorable event in beautiful Banff National Park. Teams of five complete legs ranging from 4.3K (expect a lot of hills and climbing) to 13K (flatter and faster), and in the end, each team will have covered 42.2K. In addition to an incredible individual and team experience, all participants receive a long-sleeved shirt and post-race lunch at the Banff Centre.

Saturday Oct. 18 – 9 Run Run, Stittsville, Ont. Ottawa’s emergency services run is the 9 Run Run in nearby Stittsville. All events start and finish from Sacred Heart High School. The half-marathon course begins on Abbott St. and the route features a large rectangular loop with a short out-and-back extension in the second half. A 10K and 3K race are also offered. Participants enjoy a well-marked course, stocked aid stations, chip timing and finisher’s medals for all. Following the races, participants are treated to refreshments including “The Chief’s Chili Cook-off.”

Saturday Oct. 18 – Xtrail Mont Orford, Que. Considered one of the top trail races in the country, Mont Orford is a scenic yet extremely challenging course that offers a number of race distances — 23K, 20K, 11.5K and 5K — to suit every runner. The impressive slopes and climbs threaten to reduce every runners pace down to a walk and so this may not be the time to chase PBs, but is a true test of mind and muscle. Be prepared to face technical trails, unsure footing and wet, muddy conditions. Following the races, a meal is served to all participants. Note: no shower facilities are available so plan ahead.

Sunday Oct. 19 – Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Half-Marathon, Man. Despite being a newer event, WFPS Half has sold out both years and will likely do so again. All races start and finish at the Canadian Mennonite University North Campus. The half course runs north, past the zoo and into the beautiful Assiniboine Park. It then follows the river, crossing twice at approximately 8K and again at 12K, before turning around and heading back to the finish. Note: the half course is only marked in miles (not kilometres) but still expect an abundance of aid stations, crowd support and an excellent post-race celebration.

Sunday Oct. 19 – Oktoberfest Run, Waterloo, Ont. The Oktoberfest Run is also the Waterloo region’s largest running race with 18 years of history and plenty of spirit to celebrate the occasion. The course starts at Conestoga Mall and follows King Street toward the finish. Runners in the 5K race head directly there, while those in the 10K complete an additional loop to make up the distance. All participants are treated to an exciting finish on the arena floor at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. Participants enjoy barbecued hot dogs and sausages, fresh fruit and bagels after the race. There is also live music, massages and draw prizes.

Sunday Oct. 19 – Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Ont. Toronto’s largest and the signature event from the Canada Running Series, the Waterfront Marathon is flat, fast and festive. The revamped course for both the marathon and half starts and finishes in downtown Toronto near city hall and tours some of Toronto’s most iconic attractions and neighbourhoods. A large part of the race runs right along the lakeshore and hosts a number of loud and community cheering stations. Participants enjoy the benefits of supportive crowds, on-course entertainment and excellent aid-stations and volunteers along the way. The running, health and fitness expo is also popular and worth attending for its exhibitors and speaker series. Race day is well organized and accessible, with all amenities located within Nathan Phillips Square and includes the post-race festivities which are enjoyed by runners, friends and family alike.

Sunday Oct. 19 – Classique du Parc La Fontaine, Montreal, Que. A classic event with over 65 years of running experience and part of the Greater Montreal Running Circuit. The 5 and 10K courses are run entirely within the central Montreal Park and require runners to complete a number of loops and out-and-backs around the picturesque park. The races are fast, fun and family-friendly and the overall event organization is top-notch. Post-race refreshments and entertainment are also provided making this event an all-round exceptional experience.

Sunday Oct. 19 – Cape Breton Fiddlers Run, Sydney, N.S. A smaller event based in Cape Breton’s largest city, which includes a race for everyone. The marathon course begins in Victoria Park and includes two short loops of the downtown before proceeding on an extensive out-and-back to the turnaround point at the former South Bar School. When runners return to the start, they’ll have done approximately 23K and have completed the first of two loops. For the second loop, runners do not repeat the downtown loops and so finish back in the park at 42.2K.

Sunday Oct. 19 – Cape to Cabot, St. John’s N.L. Described by organizers as “the toughest race in Eastern North America”, Cape to Cabot is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier road racing events. The race sells out, often within hours, so register early for your chance to take part in this unique and special event. The 20K course is one of the most challenging around with four major climbs (some of more than 10 percent grade) and only 3K of flat running. It also covers some beautiful and historic ground along the way including two national historic parks and St. John’s waterfront. The post-race reception is also top-notch with a brunch, beer, health expo, draw prizes and awards.

Sunday Oct. 19 – Prince Edward Island Marathon, Charlottetown, P.E.I. The largest and only event of its kind on the small Maritime province is a destination race for many. The marathon course is a scenic point-to-point starting on the north shores of Prince Edward Island National Park (transportation is provided for marathon runners) and follows the coast west before turning south over rolling hills towards the finish in downtown Charlottetown at the Province House National Historic Site. A popular expo, pre-race pasta dinner and Kids Spud Run make for an entire weekend of celebrations at this most unique Maritime event.