Canadian Race Guide – 31 May & 01 June

The busy race season continues this spring weekend as we see the end of May and the beginning of June. Here from the Canadian Race Guide are some significant events from coast to coast that will keep Canadian runners active and outdoors.

Canada’s oldest and longest running marathon is set to celebrate it’s 50th year anniversary in 2014. The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon takes place Sunday and expects to host nearly 10,000 participants. In honour of the occasion, the event will include a one-time only 50K ultra in addition to the marathon, half, 10K and 5K races. The courses provide a mostly flat and scenic tour of the city with plenty of aid and on-course support and entertainment. Finishers receive a signature 50th anniversary belt-buckle (those in the 50K get a beer stein!) to compliment what is sure to be an excellent all-round experience.

On Sunday, Langford, B.C. hosts the largest women’s run in the province. The Victoria Goddess Run features three race options (a half marathon, 10K and 5K) that some 3,000 participants are expected to complete. Voted one of the top themed events in the entire county, participants enjoy a designer pendant necklace, Brooks tech tee, on-course entertainment and chocolate.

Just outside Quebec City and returning after a hiatus in 2013, the Descente Royale is a unique and super speedy 10K and 5K race which can almost guarantee a new PB. The point-to-point course is almost 90 percent downhill and features 120 metres of drop over the 10K distance. Participants are transported to the start near Boischatel and run a scenic course that finishes near the Centre sportif Marcel Bédard. In total, over 2,000 participants are expected. The event goes Sunday June 1st.

Also Sunday and only in it’s second year, the Marathon Baie-des-Chaleurs takes place in Carleton-sur-Mer, Q.C. Featuring a marathon, half, 10K and 5K races, the courses start and finish in Parc Germain-Deslauriers and run out-and-back along the shores of the bay affording sensational and scenic views. All in all, about 1,000 participants take part.

Out on the east coast, the 320th edition of Demi-marathon de l’Acadie takes place Sunday in Tracadie-Sheila, N.B. This half marathon is held the first Sunday of EVERY month and dates back to November of 1987. The event draws anywhere from 20 to 200 participants who complete the net downhill point-to-point course that costs only $10 to enter.

Other events of note this weekend include:

Saturday 31 May

Centre 48’s Perogy Run – Montmartre, S.K.
Penguin Run 5K – Enfield, N.S.
Fly PEI Runway Run – Charlottetown, P.E.

Sunday 01 June

Family Y” Half Marathon – Prince George, B.C.
MEC Winnipeg Race TWO – Winnipeg, M.B.
Beat Beethoven (8K) Run – Kingston, O.N.
Pelee Island Winery Half Marathon – Pelee Island, O.N.
Niagara Falls Womens Half Marathon – Niagara Falls, O.N.
Giv’er on the River 3K – Manuels River, Conception Bay South, N.L.

For a complete listing of running events from across the country, be sure to use RaceGuide for complete event details as well as helpful ratings and reviews.