Next race
Sunday, 22 August 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 153 m gain
153 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Edmonton Marathon draws approximately 3,200 finishers on an urban road in Edmonton, Canada. The course starts and finishes at the Alberta Legislature. The route follows the North Saskatchewan River valley trails. Mostly flat along the river, with gentle undulations.
Edmonton 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: 2:20:07 — David Mutai (2019)Women: 2:42:56 — Emily Potter (2015)
Course & terrain
Edmonton Marathon course
The Edmonton Marathon is a loop that starts and finishes at the Alberta Legislature and follows the North Saskatchewan River valley trails through the city. It is mostly flat with gentle undulations on the valley paths, and spectators gather at the Legislature grounds and along the river trails.
Edmonton Marathon route map
The Edmonton Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 153 metres of climbing and 153 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
- Elevation
Rolling · 153 m gain — approx. 668 m above sea level
↑ 153 m · ↓ 153 m · net 0 m
Registration
Edmonton Marathon entry requirements
Yes. The Edmonton Marathon is held on a certified road course and times run here are accepted for Boston Marathon qualification by the BAA, making it a convenient option for Canadian runners in the Prairie provinces.
Getting there
Edmonton Marathon travel
- Closest airport
Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
28 km / 17 mi
Race footage
Edmonton Marathon videos
Servus Edmonton Marathon 2024 Highlights
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Edmonton Marathon elevation profile?
- The Edmonton Marathon has 153 metres of total climbing and 153 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 Edmonton Marathon route map?
- This page includes a Edmonton Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Follows the North Saskatchewan River valley trails.
- How long is the Edmonton Marathon?
- The Edmonton Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the Alberta Legislature.
- What time does the Edmonton Marathon start?
- The 2027 Edmonton Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 22 August 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the Edmonton Marathon run through the North Saskatchewan River Valley?
- Yes. Edmonton's North Saskatchewan River Valley — one of the largest stretches of urban parkland in North America — is a centrepiece of the marathon course. Runners descend into the valley and travel along its scenic paved pathways, enjoying lush green riverbanks that feel remote despite being in the heart of the city.
- Is the Edmonton Marathon a flat course?
- The river valley pathway sections are pleasantly flat, and the overall course elevation gain of approximately 153 metres is modest. The main vertical challenge comes from descending into and climbing out of the valley rather than any sustained steep hills.
- What is the weather like at the Edmonton Marathon in August?
- August in Edmonton is typically warm and dry with long daylight hours — temperatures usually range from 14 °C to 22 °C on race morning. The low humidity of the Alberta climate makes conditions more comfortable than similar temperatures in more humid regions of Canada.
- When is the Edmonton Marathon held?
- The Edmonton Marathon is held in late August, typically the fourth Sunday of the month, at the peak of Alberta's summer. The timing means runners can take advantage of Edmonton's nearly 16 hours of daylight and reliably dry weather.
- Is the Edmonton Marathon an accepted Boston Qualifier race?
- Yes. The Edmonton Marathon is held on a certified road course and times run here are accepted for Boston Marathon qualification by the BAA, making it a convenient option for Canadian runners in the Prairie provinces.
Official resources
Edmonton Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Edmonton.
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
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
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
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
Vancouver Marathon
The Vancouver Marathon attracts approximately 4,500 finishers each May through one of the world's most scenic city courses. Runners pass Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge approach, Kitsilano Beach, and the UBC campus with mountain-and-ocean views throughout. May's mild Pacific Northwest spring makes it Canada's premier destination marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 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.






