How do I register for the Calgary Marathon?

Registration is open entry through Race Roster, available now until the race fills or the race date arrives. No lottery, no qualifying time required to enter.

Is the Calgary Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, it is a certified Boston qualifier. The BQ rate among finishers is relatively low, so come with a solid training base and a realistic target time, especially accounting for the altitude.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course is a loop starting at Stampede Park with around 377 feet of total gain. There are no major climbs, but the rolling profile and the city's elevation above sea level mean you shouldn't treat it like a flat road race.

What can I expect from race-day weather?

Late May typically brings a cool start in the mid-40s and a midday high around the upper 60s. Dress in layers you can shed early and be ready for prairie wind, which can show up unpredictably.

Can I run for a charity at the Calgary Marathon?

Yes. The Charity Challenge program lets you fundraise for one of more than 100 registered charities as part of your registration.

How large is the Calgary Marathon field?

Recent editions have seen close to 2,000 marathon finishers. It's a focused, manageable field without the overwhelming scale of the largest city marathons.

May 2027 · est.CalgarySince 1963

Calgary Marathon

The Calgary Marathon loops through one of Canada's most distinct cities, mixing river pathways with city streets on a course that rewards patient, controlled running. It's a legitimate Boston qualifier if you come prepared.

FlatOpen

Visit race website

CALGARY · CA

Calgary

MAY 2027

estimated

UNLOCK YOUR FIT SCORE

How does Calgary stack up for you?

Answer 6 questions, and we’ll score this race honestly and compare it against every other marathon in our directory.

Take the 2-min quiz

Race Overview

EST. 1963

The Calgary Marathon starts at Stampede Park and sends you out through the city on a loop that mixes river pathways with downtown streets. The Bow River sections are smooth and fast-feeling, which is a nice stretch to settle into a rhythm. What you need to know coming in is the altitude. Calgary sits well above sea level, and if you're traveling from the coast or anywhere lower, you'll feel it in the second half. Don't chase the pace in the first few miles just because your legs feel fresh.

This is a genuine Boston qualifier, and plenty of runners come here specifically for that. The field is focused and the atmosphere at Stampede Park is a proper send-off. Registration is open entry through Race Roster, so there's no lottery stress or time qualifier to get to the start line. If you want to combine racing with purpose, the charity program connects you with over a hundred local causes. Come ready for the altitude, run the first half honestly, and the back half will take care of itself.

Field size

~1.9k

1,937 finishers

BQ rate

5%

Below national average

Time limit

6:30

Standard cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:16:37

Feyera Dadi

2018

Women

2:42:48

Caroline Kiptoo

2017

The Course

377 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑377 ft

Total descent

—

Net elevation

—

Highest point

3,513 ft

Lowest point

3,403 ft

Course shape

Loop

Start and finish in one place

The course is a loop starting at Stampede Park, sitting at roughly 3,400 feet elevation. That altitude is worth factoring into your pacing, especially if you're coming from lower ground. Total gain and net gain are the same figure, meaning what goes up doesn't come back down as a gift later. At 377 feet of gain distributed across the loop, there are no crushing climbs, but the course doesn't hand you free miles either. Expect a gradually rolling profile rather than a flat road race. The pathway sections along the Bow River tend to be smooth and predictable. Late-race miles on a loop mean fewer crowd distractions, so bank your focus early and resist going out too fast off Stampede Park.

DIFFICULTYFLATPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE

View official course map Download GPX Past results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

45°F

High

69°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

Late May in Calgary means cool mornings and mild afternoons, which is generally good news for racing. You'll start in the low-to-mid 40s, so bring a throwaway layer for the corral. By the time the back half of the loop comes around, temperatures can climb into the upper 60s. That gap between start and finish is the thing to plan around. Don't overdress for the gun and end up carrying it through the warm miles. Calgary can also throw in wind off the prairies, so check the forecast in the days before.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration available via Race Roster. Runners can also participate in the Charity Challenge to fundraise for one of 100+ registered charities.

Register on race site

Frequently Asked

7 questions

Compare your options

Related races

Browse all races