Calgary Marathon

Calgary is one of my favorite cities, with the lovely Bow River through town and views of the Rockies. This marathon sells out because it is well organized and responsive to participant needs, with more than 1,000 volunteers helping. For example, the full marathon has pacers from three hours down to 4:30 at five-minute increments. (I led the three-hour group.) Further, the Calgary Stampede grounds have a lot of room for hosting a good crowd. The course has a few rolling hills and a couple of hairpin turns, but it is not bad for speed. This year there was wind and rain, so that made it a bit tougher. There is a slight downward gradient for the second half of the course, which helps you come home strong. As far as crowds go, they were a touch light, at least when you consider there were 10,000 participants (1,000 in the full marathon). However, they might also have been low on account of the weather. I would love to run this one again, primarily for the location and positive atmosphere among the runners.

Calgary Marathon 2018 was a loop race with start and finish in the famous Calgary Stampede Park. There was a large crowd at the simultaneous start of 50 km, marathon, half and 10 km runners. The course was not very exciting in mostly residential areas and a nice flat section along Bow River. Organization was above average with one exception: on a hot May race day there was NO ice-cold water at the stations, especially at the final kilometres. Only after the finish line we could cool down.

This was my second marathon and the first in the city where I live. (My first marathon was in Paris in 2014.) First, the race is superbly organized in EVERY way. Advance communication, logistics, route marshals, water stations, medical support and volunteers were all amazing. These aspects are world class. The course is NOT AS FLAT as some people expected. There is bit of a climb from 10 to 15 km. It gutted a number of people I talked to after the race. Since I train here, it was not a surprise. The course is A LITTLE BORING and with only 900 or so runners in the marathon, it gets a bit lonely. (I train alone but loved the 42.2-km mob of the Paris marathon.) There are water and Gatorade stations every three kilometres but no calories. (Paris had oranges and bananas, which was delightful.) The Calgary crowds are light but growing. (I did the Calgary half marathon in 2014.) The T-shirt was odd: a new design with heavy, rubberized screening that seemed unlikely for a running shirt. The FINISHER MEDAL IS IMPRESSIVE. The website did not convey the size and weight of a medal that doubles as a belt buckle - an appropriate and iconic choice for a city known for its western hospitality and Stampede. Some people complained that the ultra marathon, marathon and half marathons all start together. It may be a fair comment but with fewer than 5,000 people in total and excellent signage and sorting, it is managed well. (I missed the half marathoners when the marathon takes a turn to add the extra 21.1 km; the running group thins by about 80 per cent.) Overall, it is a very fine event. (The half marathon is really excellent: 5-star course.)