Next race
Sunday, 30 May 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 133 m gain
133 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Calgary Marathon draws approximately 3,200 finishers on an urban road in Calgary, Canada. The course starts and finishes at Fort Calgary. The route follows the Bow River pathway and passes Stampede Park. Mostly flat at altitude (1,050 m).
Calgary Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 3,200 finishers
- Weather
- Course records
- Men: 2:16:37 — Feyera Gemeda (2018)Women: 2:45:59 — Claire Kroshus (1990)
Course & terrain
Calgary Marathon course
Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.
The Calgary Marathon is a loop starting and finishing at Fort Calgary, following the Bow River pathway past Stampede Park through the inner city. The route is mostly flat but the roughly 1,050 m altitude can affect pacing, and spectators gather at Fort Calgary and along the riverside paths.
Calgary Marathon route map
The Calgary Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 133 metres of climbing and 133 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
- Elevation
Rolling · 133 m gain — approx. 1,048 m above sea level
↑ 133 m · ↓ 133 m · net 0 m
Registration
Calgary Marathon entry requirements
For the Calgary Marathon, yes. The mostly flat Bow River pathway course with only approximately 133 metres of total climbing, combined with cool Alberta spring temperatures, makes Calgary a solid BQ option for runners in western Canada. The race holds Athletics Canada certification.
Getting there
Calgary Marathon travel
Airports closest to Calgary for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
9 km / 6 mi
Race footage
Calgary Marathon videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
2026 Servus Calgary Marathon - Centaur Subaru 21.1 km Course Preview
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Calgary Marathon elevation profile?
- The Calgary Marathon has 133 metres of total climbing and 133 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- Where can I find the Calgary Marathon route map?
- This page includes a Calgary Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Follows the Bow River pathway and passes Stampede Park.
- How long is the Calgary Marathon?
- The Calgary Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Fort Calgary.
- What time does the Calgary Marathon start?
- The 2027 Calgary Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 30 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the Calgary Marathon route follow the Bow River pathway?
- Yes. The Bow River pathway system — Calgary's beloved multi-use trail network running along both banks of the Bow River — forms a central part of the marathon course. Runners travel through riverside parkland that offers a peaceful contrast to the surrounding urban environment.
- Can runners see the Rocky Mountains from the Calgary Marathon course?
- On clear days, yes. Calgary sits at the edge of the prairies with the Rocky Mountains visible to the west, and sections of the Bow River pathway offer unobstructed sightlines toward the peaks — a dramatic backdrop that runners from outside Alberta find remarkable.
- When is the Calgary Marathon held?
- The Calgary Marathon is held in late May, typically over the Victoria Day long weekend, when spring has arrived on the prairies and temperatures — usually 8–18 °C — are ideal for distance running.
- What is the weather like at the Calgary Marathon in May?
- May in Calgary can be variable — early May can bring cold snaps, while late May is generally warm and sunny. Race-morning temperatures typically range from 8 °C to 18 °C. Runners should check forecasts carefully and be prepared for anything from light frost to warm sunshine.
- Is the Calgary Marathon a good course for a Boston Qualifier?
- Yes. The mostly flat Bow River pathway course with only approximately 133 metres of total climbing, combined with cool Alberta spring temperatures, makes Calgary a solid BQ option for runners in western Canada. The race holds Athletics Canada certification.
Official resources
Calgary Marathon links
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Calgary.
WhitefishMontanaUnited States· 294 km away
Whitefish Marathon
The Whitefish Marathon draws approximately 257 finishers each May on a scenic road in Whitefish, United States. Montana's second-largest marathon field fills Whitefish each May with a hilly certified course in the Flathead Valley. The course loops through Whitefish neighborhoods, forest roads, and Flathead Valley scenery. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.
Next race: Saturday, 22 May 2027
HavreMontanaUnited States· 421 km away
Bear Paw Marathon
The Bear Paw Marathon draws approximately 31 finishers each June on a scenic road in Havre, United States. Northern Montana's Bear Paw Marathon serves the Hi-Line running community on a rolling prairie course. The course tours Hi-Line prairie roads and Bear Paw Mountain foothill scenery. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
MissoulaMontanaUnited States· 465 km away
Missoula Marathon
The Missoula Marathon draws approximately 2,200 finishers each June on a point-to-point valley road in Missoula, United States. Its small-city atmosphere and fast terrain give it an outsized reputation among experienced marathoners. The route passes ranch land, the Clark Fork valley, and a fast final approach into Missoula's core. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 27 June 2027
LivingstonMontanaUnited States· 653 km away
Wicked Fast (MT) Marathon
The Wicked Fast (MT) Marathon draws approximately 154 finishers each August on a point-to-point road in Livingston, United States. Montana's fastest net-downhill marathon drops 1,200 feet through Paradise Valley on a USATF-certified Boston qualifier. The net-downhill course glides through Paradise Valley roads with Yellowstone Country river views. The route is net downhill overall.
Next race: Sunday, 1 August 2027
ReginaSaskatchewanCanada· 669 km away
Queen City Marathon
The Queen City Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each September on an urban road in Regina, Canada. Prairie flatness makes it a naturally even-paced marathon. The route passes prairie-capital boulevards, Wascana-area roads, and long straight Saskatchewan sections. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 5 September 2027
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.