Race Guide presents – Where to run/race, September 6-7

The first official weekend of September is upon us and there are no shortage of running events to kick off the fall racing season. Here from the Canadian Race Guide are but a select few events taking place this weekend, Sept. 6-7.

Saturday September 6th – Kelowna Wine Country Half, Kelowna, B.C. The newest and only Canadian edition of the Destination Race Series, Kelowna is a stunningly scenic and picturesque course in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. The point-to-point course begins at a winery and takes runners past vineyards, orchards, farms and fields before descending down towards the city of Kelowna and running on a tree-lined trail along the lake towards the finish at Waterfront Park where participants enjoy the post-race wine and music festival.

Sunday September 7th – Canmore Rocky Mountain Half, Canmore, Alta. A clear contender for one of Canada’s most beautiful running events. The half marathon course follows a scenic route through woodlands, beside mountain streams, and through a historic mine site, with stunning views of Rocky Mountain scenery. The route is a combination of asphalt and hardened gravel with several short climbs and winding paths. The half marathon features a gradual incline and then decline through the last half of the course. The event also features 10K and 5K races. Carpooling from Calgary, one hour away, is encouraged.

Sunday September 7th – Credit Union Queen City Marathon, Regina, Sask. Queen City is Saskatchewan’s largest and most popular running event that takes place in the provincial capital. As well as the feature marathon, the event also offers a half-marathon option as well as five-person relay which often sells out early. The marathon begins with a 3K loop of Wascana Park, one of Canada’s largest urban parks. The rest of the flat, scenic and well-supported course then cover most of Regina’s pedestrian pathway system that is mostly paved with a few residential streets and crushed stoned paths. There is also a popular pre-race health expo and pasta dinner, as well as excellent pre- and post-race amenities.

Sunday September 7th – Winnipeg 10 and 10 + 5, Winnipeg, Man. The Winnipeg 10 [miles] and 10 [kilometres] + [K] is a popular end of summer event that takes place at Memorial Park in the heart of the city. All routes are run as out-and-back courses along the serene Assiniboine River to the turnaround point in the park of the same name. There a few very minor hills on the otherwise flat and fast course. A relay option is also available for the 10-mile event. There is post-race food provided by Subway, free tech tees, a finisher’s medal, massages and random draw prizes.

Sunday September 7th – Bang & Olufsen Yorkville Run, Toronto, Ont. A newer boutique event to hit the Toronto racing scene, the B & O 5K in the swanky Yorkville neighbourhood has had immediate popularity and has sold out in past years. In 2014, the event will also host the inaugural Canadian 5K Championships with a fast and professional field. The route begins in the upscale Toronto shopping district at Bay and Yorkville. It proceeds south along Bay before turning west onto Dundas and then north onto University which continues around Queen’s Park and up Avenue before a final turn, east onto Davenport and to the finish. Participants can expect lots of swag both in their race kits as well as at the post-race reception including unique hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants.

Sunday September 7th – Longboat Toronto Island Run, Toronto, Ont. A popular late summer event run on the Toronto Islands, the Island Run features a scenic course, a fun and family-oriented atmosphere, and a great post-race barbecue. Participants must take the ferry from the mainland – tickets are free if you pick-up your race kit in advance – where all races and festivities take place. The flat and fast courses are run on roads, trails and the lakeside boardwalk and take runners on a scenic tour of the islands. Participants also enjoy a race shirt inspired by native artworks, a finisher’s medal and popular post-race barbecue lunch.

Sunday September 7th – Hampton 5 Miler, Hampton, N.B. The 14th annual Hampton River Runners 5 Miler is a family friendly event that takes place in late summer in Hampton, N.B. about 45 minutes from Saint John. The 5 Miler is part of Run NB’s Super Series and is the provincial championship for the 5 mile distance, which is just a few metres more than 8K. The event also features a Kid’s Kilometre for children 12 and under, and the Three for Me 3K for those aged 16 and under. The course is fast and provides a scenic tour of the surrounding areas. Post-race refreshments and awards follow the races.