Alberta’s trail running clubs
If you're a trail runner in Alberta, you're in luck. There's a group for everyone.
Calgary Trail Culture
For just over two years, Calgary Trail Culture (an offshoot of Canmore Trail Culture) has been getting together for casually-paced trail runs in northwest and southwest Calgary. “We run strictly on trails and some snow-covered pavement. If any runners fall behind the group’s pace we always stop and wait so nobody is lost or too far behind. Runs involve a little adventure and a lot of talking. Runners share training strategy, gear reviews and running stories during our run breaks. Group members often plan weekend excursions and get-togethers. It’s amazing how some of these urban trails can make you feel like you aren’t in the city. Runs are usually followed by a trip to a local pub,” explains founder and organizer Matt McDonald.
When: Wednesdays at 6p.m.
Where: Location posted on their Facebook group
More information: Check out their Facebook group
Fun fact: McDonald didn’t intentionally pick Wednesday nights because it’s wing night, but so far no one is complaining.
Calgary Trail Runners
Calgary Trail Runners (CTR) are an inclusive and supportive group uniting trail runners of all levels and abilities. Whether you’re “comfortable with leisurely one-hour escapades on gentle rolling trails [or] contemplating and needing to train for 100-mile plus gnarly and steep ultras on the far edges of civilization,” you are welcome. Members are regulars of the Alberta Ultra Series Circuit, and known to partake in 5Peaks and Powderface races.
When: Tuesday evenings and weekends
Where: Bragg Creek, Kananaskis Country, Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, and Yoho areas
More information: Check out their Meetup or Facebook group
Fun fact: Founded by Caroline Toppazzini as a Meetup group in 2008. Nowadays, Leo Fung and Tony Gordon organize the masses and fuel off of candy and Oreos. $5 voluntary donation to join, which is cheaper than therapy.
Canmore Trail Culture
Organized by Michael Fitzpatrick, Canmore Trail Culture unites trail running enthusiasts to run and explore the Bow Valley area.
When: Tuesdays at 6:30p.m.
Where: See Facebook group for locations
More information: Check out their Facebook group
Fun fact: The group is part of the Canmore Trail Alliance, which fosters community engagement, volunteer participation, and education in Kananaskis Country.
Dirtbag Runners Bow Valley
In 2015, Canmore trail and ultrarunner Andy Reed felt like he needed some motivation to get out for some speedwork. He decided to create a trail running group, which has grown from eight to over 30 runners. The format involves a structured one-hour interval session, allowing everyone to run at their own level and pace. Everyone is welcome, no matter their ability.
When: Thursday at 6 p.m.
Where: Various locations around the Canmore area, posted on their Facebook group
More information: Check out their Facebook Group
Fun fact:Â The group meets year round, regardless of the weather. After the workout, the group often has a beer and food in downtown Canmore.
Edmonton Trail Runners
When: A variety of options most days of the week. For example, Tuesday Campfire Runs at 6:30 p.m. Saturday Snakes and Ladders (looped run) at 8:30 a.m..
Where: Mostly on the Edmonton River Valley Trails, maintained by the Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance. See Facebook group or website for specific locations
More information: Check out their Facebook group or website
Fun fact: The group also organizes special events. Last year, 100 people embarked on the Triple Crown Challenge (three mountains in one day).
Lethbridge Trail Runners
When: Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Where: Throughout the hundreds of kilometres in Lethbridge’s river valley, sometimes from the Runner’s Soul store. See Facebook group for specific locations
More information: Check out their Facebook group
Fun fact: Organizer Dean Johnson is also the co-race director of the Lost Soul Ultra in September, which fills up within an hour. This year, the race is introducing a new 200K event, in addition to their 100-mile, 100K, and 50K race distances. Johnson says runners who have attempted the Barkley Marathons say that the Lost Soul is very tough.
Hinton Runners
Where: Throughout the single- and doubletrack trail network in Hinton, often from the Maxwell parking lot. See Facebook group for specific locations
More information: Check out their Facebook group
Fun fact: Hayashi was inspired by a similar trail running group in Edson, Alta. created by Chantel Rivard.
Edson Trail Runners
Where: Wilmore Park, south of Edson
More information: Check out their Facebook group
Spry Running
Susan Lowe-Wylde, a kinesiologist and exercise physiologist has been running for over 47 years. She has created two seasonal trail running groups in 2015 out of Spry Running store in Crowsnest Pass.
When: Groups begin either September (Learn to Trail Run) or January (Experience Winter Trail Running)
Where: In and around Crowsnest Pass, Alta.
More information: Check out Spry Store website
Fun fact:Â Lowe-Wylde is unconditionally supportive and embodies what the trail running community is all about. Come experience this group for yourself!
Triple Terrain Trekkers
Created by Krista Mitchell, “The Triple Terrain Trail Trekkers (TTT) is a diverse group of Rockstar athletes, striving for personal success and accomplishment! Each athlete has their own story, their own challenge and their own goal.” TTT believes that people are better together, and they support each other to overcome challenges and accomplish goals.
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Where: Different trailheads in and around Grande Prairie
More information: Check out their Facebook group
Fun fact: In addition to the weekly run groups, TTT offers organized fun runs three to four times per year. Fun Run themes include an ice cream run or reindeer romp. The group also organizes special events. Last year, 100 people embarked on the Triple Crown Challenge (three mountains in one day).
Minotaur Mondays
For something a bit different and off the single track grid, check this out.
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