Athletics Canada has announced the selection of host cities for a series of prestigious Canadian Championship events spanning the years leading up to 2026. Six municipalities have been chosen to stage national championship competitions in Road, Mountain, and Trail Running, showcasing the diverse landscape and vibrant running culture across the country.

“It takes a lot of dedication, perseverance and specialized skill to compete for a national championship in these disciplines,” said Mathieu Gentès, Chief Executive Officer of Athletics Canada. “Those are the same qualities that these race organizers all share, leveraging those skills to create world-class events for the athletes, coaches, officials and fans who take part in these events.”

Montreal is set to host the Canadian 5K Championships for three consecutive years, from 2024 to 2026, as part of the Montreal Marathon. Ottawa, in addition to its previously announced role as the 2024 host city, will now also stage the Canadian 10K Championships in 2025 and 2026, forming part of the Ottawa Race Weekend.

Edmonton will welcome competitors for the Canadian Half Marathon Championships in 2025 and 2026, as part of the Edmonton Marathon. Toronto’s esteemed tradition of hosting the Canadian Marathon Championships will continue through 2025 and 2026, with the event forming part of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

“We are thrilled to continue hosting the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships through 2025 and 2026,” Brookes remarked. “It’s a huge part of the big weekend in the big city,” said Alan Brookes, president and race director of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

Mont Ste-Anne, Quebec, will be the venue for the Canadian Mountain Running Championships for three consecutive years, hosting both the Vertical Uphill and Classic Up & Down races as part of the Défi des Couleurs event. Meanwhile, Quebec City will take over hosting duties for the Canadian Trail Running Championships in 2025 and 2026, offering challenging courses for both the 50km Short Trail Race and the 80km Long Trail Race as part of the Quebec Mega Trail event.

“Trail running is very popular here and we wanted to hold a Canadian championship for our local athletes – not only to compete but also to share with Canadians from every part of the country,” said Jean Fortier, race director of Quebec Mega Trail. “Our event has a wide variety of very talented people and a phenomenal volunteer crew who have driven this event to be a leader, not only in Canada but also in the world.”

These host city selections promise to deliver exhilarating competition and celebrate the spirit of running across Canada, showcasing the nation’s top athletes and attracting participants from all corners of the country.