Runners head west to celebrate Calgary’s Stampede

It’s one of Canada’s most iconic festivals. Today, runners laced up their shoes to join in in the Stampede festivities.

Today in Calgary, runners set out to run the seventh annual Stampede Road Race– an event which is increasing in popularity during Cow Town’s infamous outdoor festival.

The race features a 5K, 10K half-marathon and kid’s race for children 12 and under. Runners start and finish on Glenmore track in all races but the kid’s event.

Jody Draude was the winner of today’s half-marathon. he ran a 1:15:35 for his first place finish. In second place was Roberto Martin Rioja who clocked a 1:18:42. Following him was Daryl Ross. Ross ran 1:21:10.

The female winner was Courtney Brohart winning the women’s event 1:28:16. Alexandra Stratton finished second in 1:32:56. In third place was Stephana Cherak with a time of 1:33:04.

This year, the Calgary Stampede is on from July 3 to the 12th. The races features traditional stampede events like a stampede breakfast and line dancing at the finish.

For full results, see here. To get a sense of the action in Calgary, check out some shots and comments below.

GREAT breakfast at the Stampede Road Race this morning. Fun event and a blast to see the young’ns run their distances as well.

— PatHanlon (@PatHanlon) July 5, 2015

Great run today with my stepdad! Thanks @StampedRoadRace pic.twitter.com/zNtAb8uaCu

— Erin Storey (@ErinStorey) July 5, 2015

Great run today at Stampede Road Race! Nice breezy weather and beautiful people! Thanks to organizers, volunteers and sponsors! #RaceDay

— Michael Maltsev (@Michael_Maltsev) July 5, 2015

Thanks @StampedRoadRace for another awesome day! A new Half Mara PR and a great race for my daughter!❤️ these medals! pic.twitter.com/SIlVnZsnnu

— Andrea Robinson (@AnRobinson22) July 5, 2015

Up early to emcee the Stampede Road Race out at Glenmore Athletic Park. Chilly one this year. #yyc #Stampede2015 pic.twitter.com/IR76xUpCLM

— Buzz Bishop (@buzzbishop) July 5, 2015

Stampede Road Race has started!! #yyc #runyyc pic.twitter.com/69pFdSc8pb

— Neil Zeller (@Neil_Zee) July 5, 2015