The return to in-person running events is imminent. And it is hard to imagine a more gorgeous and fun race with which to celebrate than the Canmore Rocky Mountain Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. 

This well-organized and family-friendly race is celebrating 25 years of racing along the Bow River with a full day of racing scheduled for Sept. 12. 

“It feels great to be back in person this year! Last year was supposed to be our 25th-annual race, and having to postpone that celebration was obviously disappointing,” says race director Jamie Carrick. “We have certainly missed our runners, and this year is sure to be a blast as we mark a big anniversary for the race. We can't wait until race day on Sept. 12.” 

New this year to celebrate the 25 annual event is a Kids Race, which will be free to enter. 

The Half Marathon course is a combination of asphalt and high-quality gravel with several short climbs and winding paths and features a gradual incline and then decline of roughly 45m through the last half of the course. 

The beautiful 10k course is appropriate for both beginners and expert runners/walkers. Beginning in the middle of historic Canmore the10km loop will bring runners through town and out along the Bow River, revealing stunning views of Ha Ling Peak and the Three Sisters. 

“Canmore is a beautiful place! Everyone loves running in the mountains, and runners visit from far and wide to run our course along the Bow River, through downtown, and in the beautiful woodlands of the Bow Valley,” he says. “The 10K and 5K distances, in particular, are favourites as they are fast and flat, encouraging many runners to push for a personal best finish.”

This year will mark the 25th year of the Canmore Rocky Mountain Half Marathon. The race has grown significantly since the inaugural year of the event, but it has kept its community feel, and its charitable focus. This year the race will introduce a new charitable partner in the Embrace International Foundation, a Canmore-based non-profit that strives to help children living with disabilities thrive in a more just, loving, and accessible world. 

Although Carrick says it’s been a challenging year-plus for everyone, including those who organize these races, he is predicting a strong bounceback. 

“I think runners will come out in full force to participate in person once again,” he says. “As this will be an outdoor event, and with vaccination rates in Canada growing every day, we anticipate a quick return to our usual levels of participation. I think many people are starved for events and fun.”

If a race with stunning views, minimal elevation, great support, and fun, with an outstanding charity attached is what you are ready to tackle this September, be sure to register online.