Canadian Race Guide – 3-4 May

Here we are, the first weekend of May, and warmer weather and longer days continue to make running, training and racing more enjoyable from coast to coast.

Here, from the Canadian Race Guide, are the largest and most popular events that Canadians will be lacing up for this weekend.

For a truly premium and immensely picturesque experience, look no further than the BMO Vancouver Marathon. Taking place on Sunday, the scenic point-to-point course takes participants from the start in Queen Elizabeth Park through Pacific Spirit Park, the sprawling UBC campus and along the famed Seawall of Stanley Park to the downtown finish. A half marathon and 8K race are also offered and in total some 15,000 runners and walkers are expected to compete.

In Alberta, the RunWild Marathon starts in downtown St. Albert (just outside Edmonton) and finishes in nearby Lions Park. Other options include a half, 10K and 5K, all which help raise money for several charities.

The Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon also takes place Sunday and will be celebrating its 10th year running in 2014. The scenic and fast course starts and finished in the central Assiniboine Park and hosts some 2,000 participants.

In Ontario, two major marathons takes place in and around the Greater Toronto area.

The Mississauga Marathon is a point-to-point, net downhill course that is ideal for setting a new PB or perhaps qualifying for Boston. Participants pass some of Mississauga’s historic neighbourhoods and along the scenic Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail before finishing at Lakefront Promenade Park in Port Credit. A half marathon goes at the same time Sunday, and on Saturday there are 10K, 5K and 3K races.

Another fast option is the GoodLife Toronto Marathon which also takes place Sunday. The course starts at Mel Lastman Square in Toronto’s north end and the first half offers a scenic tour of the city including a downhill portion along iconic Yonge Street and through the downtown. The second half is a flat out-and-back along the Lakeshore Trail and ends at the sprawling Ontario Place Park. The half marathon option is also one of the fastest in the country, and there’s a 5K race as well. In total, some 8,000 participants are expected.

For a smaller event organized entirely by volunteers, the Downtown Mudpuppy Chase takes place Sunday in Kitchener, ON. This event often sells out early and offers fast 10K, 5K and 3K races that all start and finish near City Hall.

In Quebec, the largest event taking place is definitely the Demi-marathon Intenational Oasis de Lévis. The half marathon, 10K and 5K event runs Sunday in Lévis, part of the greater region of Quebec City, on the south shores of the St. Lawrence. The half is a fast point-to-point course that offers scenic views of the city and finishes at the beautiful Juvénat Notre-Dame. Over 3,000 runners and walkers are expected to take part.

Also Sunday is the Défi course et marche Desjardins which features 10K and 5K races in Sainte-Thérèse. This event is part of the popular and well-organized Greater Montreal Running Circuit and expects over 1,000 participants.

For a complete and detailed listing of races and running events taking place across the country including participant ratings, photos and reviews, check out the RaceGuide app. RaceGuide can help you plan and prepare for your upcoming runs and races by providing you with all you need to know.