The ongoing challenges of COVID-19 have altered summer plans for people across the city. For many in Calgary’s running community, it’s meant the cancellation or postponement of summer running races, walks and obstacle course races. Thankfully, several events will still take place virtually this summer.
What exactly is a virtual race? For the most part, runners are provided with a window of time to complete the designated distance, track it and submit it to the organizer. Many races are still providing swag and bibs that would usually be received on race day via delivery or curbside pickup. This virtual shift allows runners to still put their training to the test and compete with their community, while continuing to raise money and awareness for some great causes as well.
Here are some upcoming virtual races in and around Calgary this summer.
Spartan Race
Date: Starting May 30, 2020, the virtual race can be broken up into as many days or weekends as needed.
Distance: The Spartan is split into the sprint (5 km), super (10 km), beast (21 km) and ultra (50 km) races.
Cost: Passes range from $279 to $475.
What else you should know: All finishers will receive a personalized finisher’s certificate and a trifecta virtual medal will be available for those who complete the sprint, super and beast/ultra races.
Scotiabank Calgary Marathon
Date: May 31 to September 27, 2020.
Distance and Cost:
50 km ultra – $280
50 km ultra relay – $125
Scotiabank 42.2 km – $110
Centaur Subaru 21.2 km – $90
Jugo Juice 10 km – $55
GoodLife Fitness 5 km walk and run – $40
The Roundup 5km and 10 km – $119
The Roundup 5 km and half marathon – $139
The Roundup 5 km and marathon – $139
The Roundup 5 km and 50 km ultra – $139
What else you should know: There is tons of swag included. Participants receive commemorative race shirts, entrance to win tons of draw prizes, a commemorative finisher medal and bib, a finisher’s certificate and more.
Calgary Run For Water
Date: June 13 to 21, 2020.
Distance: 5 km and 10 km
Cost: Free with encouraged donations.
What else you should know: Both the 5 km and 10 km bibs can be printed online. Plus, all donations will be matched by the Calgary Run for Water team to help vulnerable communities in Ethiopia during the pandemic.
Banff Marathon
Date: June 20 to July 5, 2020
Distance and cost:
10 km – $65
21.1 km – $85
42.2 km – $105
What else you should know: Each participant receives a Banff Marathon running shirt, a special edition finisher’s medal, a personalized finisher’s certificate, chances to win draw prizes and more.
Calgary Virtual Brain Tumour Walk 2020
Date: June 27, 2020.
Distance: As far as you want.
Cost: Register for free as a team or as an individual.
What else you should know: On June 27, Canadian radio broadcaster and music writer Alan Cross will kick-off the walk online. Participants can then share their steps using #VirtualBrainTumourWalk.
2020 Betty’s Run for ALS
Date: June 21, 2020.
Distance: As far as you want.
Cost: Free with encouraged donations.
What else you should know: There is a whole event day schedule for the 2020 Betty’s Run for ALS with opening remarks being streamed online and a closing ceremony streamed on social media platforms. Participants are encouraged to share their experience using #bettysrun.
Flapjack 15
Date: July 3 to 19, 2020
Distance: 15 km
Cost: Free
What else you should know: Unfortunately, registration for the run with prizes and swag is sold out, but you can still donate and participate virtually for free if you want.
Beat Beethoven
Date: August 22 to 31, 2020
Distance: 8 km run and 4 km walk
Cost: Registration and cost coming in July
What else you should know: Participants are challenged to complete the eight km run or four km walk while listening to a Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra playlist of Beethoven’s music. To top it all off, the entry fee includes a voucher for a complimentary rosé from Vine Arts.
The Wild Run 2020
Date: September 20 to 30, 2020
Distance: 10 mile solo and team relay.
Cost: Registration and cost coming in August.
What else you should know: Entry fees include a lemur finisher’s bib, a finisher’s certificate and a post-race Zoom session with Calgary Zoo staff.