A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of sharing some of my favourite Spring races, as well as the favourite races of some community members on the blog of iRun Magazine. View the original post here, or scroll down and see some races that have caught my eye this Spring.
Spring has officially sprung and whether you’re looking for a place to test our your legs and take on your first 10km or to venture across the country with your crew, here are a few Spring races that have caught my eye and hopefully yours too!
Date: April 23, 2017
Race: Banque Scotia 21K de Montréal
City: Montréal, Québec
Why this race? The Banque Scotia 21k really is the race that gives back. In 2016, the fundraising tally for the 66 Official Charities was a whopping $1,227,802.52. Now if that’s not reason enough, the first 250 people who sign up to race both Saturday and Sunday (5k +21k or 10k+ 21k) will receive a bonus long-sleeve Asics technical shirt. Double the fun all for social good.
Date: April 30, 2017
Race: Rotary Classic Run
City: Brantford, Ontario
Why this race? Sue Spence on Facebook shares “One of my fave runs to participate in is the Rotary Brantford Classic Run in Brantford Ontario. I have completed this race so many times (at least 12). It was the race that I ran my first 5 km and 10 km. I continue to support this race because the atmosphere is friendly and supportive. The community really comes out to support this great cause and ALL proceeds go back into our community.”
Date: May 6, 2017
Race: MEC Calgary Race Three
City: Calgary Alberta
Why this race? For the super low price of $15 MEC Calgary Race Three includes a 5km or 10km race with chip-timed results, bananas, finish-line massages, plus unlimited high-fives. For an extra $5 up your distance to the half marathon. Kids 1km race also available.
Date: May 6, 2017
Race: Fort Town Night Run
City: Prescott, Ontario
Why this race? Nicole Hartley on Facebook shares “I am looking forward to the Fort Town night run. Starts at Fort Wellington and goes through town hitting multiple historical points. It is in my home town of Prescott Ontario. It is a night run so swag is finisher medal shirt and headlamp.”
Date: May 7, 2017
Race: GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon
City: Toronto, Ontario
Why this race? The Marathon course is fast, downhill, scenic, and a Boston Qualifier. Starting at Mel Lastman Square in North York and finishing at Ontario Place, the Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon winds through many of the City’s great neighbourhoods.
Date: May 7, 2017
Race: BMO Vancouver Marathon
City: Vancouver, B.C.
Why this race? From the 5K to the full marathon, every distance of the BMO Vancouver Marathon offers an impressive view. The marathon is a Boston Qualifier that travels across beaches, parks and the Seawall winding through the longest shoreline views of any race course world-wide. The half marathon is a separate course from the marathon, and weaves through distinct cultural neighbourhoods including Chinatown and Yaletown. No matter which distance you choose, the race day atmosphere in this vibrant, youthful city is one of the most energetic with positive vibes that will see you through to a fast finish.
Date: May 7, 2017
Race: Mississauga Marathon
City: Mississauga, Ontario
Why this race? The Mississauga Marathon is a point to point course that takes runners through many of the areas that encompass much of Mississauga’s beauty including racing across the Credit River, along the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club, and through some of Mississauga’s most beautiful residential neighbourhoods. The course does feature small inclines at 10km and 24km, but the ‘net’ downhill aspect of this race includes a 250′ (or 80m) drop from start to finish.
Date: May 14, 2017
Race: Sporting Life 10K
City: Toronto, Ontario
Why this race? The Sporting Life 10K runs right down the middle of Canada’s most iconic street — Yonge Street! Whether you are a novice looking for an easy 10k course, or a seasoned veteran looking to set a PB, this event is downhill, fast, and proceeds go to Camp Oochigeas (Ooch), a residential camp for kids with cancer.
Date: May 21, 2017
Race: Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon
City: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Why this race? The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon is a “little hilly” as it takes participants on a marathon adventure through the vibrant streets of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This double looped course allows you to experience several of Halifax’s main attractions including Citadel Hill, Point Pleasant Park and the beautiful downtown core, as well as the experience of the whole city cheering you on – twice!
Date: May 28, 2017
Race: Saskatchewan Marathon
City: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Why this race? The 39th Saskatchewan Marathon is a Boston Qualifying race that runs along the beautiful South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon. If a full marathon distance is too far, consider checking out the 5km kids run, 5km, 10km, or half marathon distances.
Date: May 28, 2017
Race: Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon
City: Ottawa, Ontario
Why this race? David Dazé on Facebook shares “My number one spring race is the Ottawa Marathon. It’s always very well organized and you get to run past many Ottawa landmarks like the National War Memorial, Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, and the Governor General’s Residence just to name a few. There’s great crowd support along many places of the route, as evidenced by the number of spectators who used their garden hoses to spray the runners during last year’s heat wave. The crowd is at its largest and loudest when you need it the most….during the last several kilometres of the race from the Chateau Laurier Hotel to along both sides of the Rideau Canal. The entire Race Weekend is a fantastic event. This year will be my 17th consecutive Ottawa Marathon and I can’t wait!”
Date: May 28, 2017
Race: Scotiabank Calgary Marathon
City: Calgary, AB
Why this race? In celebration of Canada’s 150 anniversary the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon teamed up with Canadian artist David Crighton on the design of the commemorative race shirts and medals. While the ultra distance is for a select crew, the Confederation 150-KM ultra-marathon is one of the first urban ultra courses of its kind. With a team relay option for the 150KM, you may want to grab you your run crew and go the distance on this challenging urban adventure. Race weekend also includes the marathon, half marathon, 10K and a family fun run and kids marathon, keeping the whole family active all weekend long.
Date: May 28, 2017
Race: Royal Canadian Air Force Run
City: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Why this race? Winnipeg is the home of the Royal Canadian Air Force and each year they invite members of the public to join them on a run along the 17 Wing Flight Line and through the base. Proceeds from the run will go to support ill and injured RCAF troops and families. Course options include a half-marathon, half-marathon relay, 10k, 5k, or 3k family fun run/walk.
Date: June 3, 2017
Race: Whistler Half Marathon
City: Whistler, British Columbia
Why this race? With towering glacier capped mountains as the backdrop, this scenic half marathon showcases all that Whistler is – an amazing town nestled in the coast mountains of BC. Looking for extra training motivation? Check out the Whistler Half Marathon playlist on Spotify.
Date: June 17, 2017
Race: Niagara Ultra
City: Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario
Why this race? The 25th Niagara Ultra follows the Niagara River Parkway from Niagara-on-the-Lake past Fort George and on to Niagara Falls and back. The route is very scenic as you run in continuous view of the Great River and turn around at Niagara Falls. Martin Miksovsy on Facebook shares “Niagara on the Lake Ultra/Half Marathon, simply for its scenic route and the generosity of racers that donate to the Bruce Trail conservatory.”
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