Banff Marathon

The Banff Marathon returns to Banff June 18, 2023, with a Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10km distances. There will also be a free Kids Run.

Banff welcomes participants from over 25 countries, 10 provinces, 45 U.S. states and 100 Alberta communities – and many from right here in the Bow Valley.  

For more information about the race, visit banffmarathon.com

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SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 2023
6:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The Banff Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K will take place on Sunday, June 18 and include runners of all abilities. The focus of the event will be on community, Park stewardship and sustainability. The Banff Marathon is partnering with the YWCA Banff, where all fundraising efforts will be put towards valuable services in the community. Participants will begin on Bow Ave and complete a loop out past Vermilion Lakes, along the Legacy Trail (west), and up the Bow Valley Parkway to a designated turn-around point that loops back and finishes in Central Park. The courses have been designed to have limited impacts on traffic in and around Banff. Please use alternative routes as signed or allow time for delays during these periods. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated. 

FULL ROAD/TRAIL CLOSURES
Date: Sunday, June 18 
 Time: 7 - 10:30 a.m.

• Bow Ave from Buffalo St to Wolf St
• Buffalo St from Bear St to Bow Ave 

Time: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

• Vermilion Lakes Road and Legacy Trail (west) from Lynx Street west to the Bow Valley Parkway
• Bow Valley Parkway from Trans-Canada Highway (easterly access) to Johnston Canyon Campground (Access to Johnston Canyon from Castle Junction)

LANE / TRAIL RESTRICTIONS
Date: Sunday, June 18 
Time: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Legacy Trail Connector from Bow Ave to Vermilion Lakes Rd
• Bow River Trail (north side) from Wolf St to Nancy Pauw Pedestrian Bridge

ACCESS TO BRIDGE / SOUTH SIDE OF RIVER
With the updated race route, no streets or trails will be affected on the south side of the bridge. 

CONTINGENCY RACE ROUTE
The Marathon organizers have also planned a contingency race route in the case of heavy wildlife activity – please also familiarize yourself with this route. This route would affect Muskrat Street (single lane traffic) and result in the closure of the Legacy Trail (from Banff to the eastern Park Gates).

GET INVOLVED!
We invite all local residents to visit the free Health and Fitness Expo and free Kid’s Run on Saturday, June 17 (Kids Run is at 1:30 p.m. at Banff Central Park - Registration starts at 12 p.m.). The Kids Run is free and there will be goodies and finisher’s medals for the kids! We also invite you to cheer on the racers on race day (the athletes love it!) or become a volunteer to help make this event a success – it is very inspiring!

NOTICE OF POTENTIAL ROUTE CHANGE
In the event of a route change due to wildlife activity on the course, an alternate route has been planned that will affect businesses and residents along Buffalo, Muskrat, and Fox, Banff Ave and a full closure of the Legacy Trail (east) from Banff to the eastern Park Gates. Please check for route updates and route changes at banffmarathon.com under “Route” up to and including June 18. Please note that changes could be made up until the morning of Sunday, June 18.

Thank you in advance for working with us to make this a safe and enjoyable experience for local and visitors alike, and for helping to protect the wildlife in Banff National Park.