Canmore Rocky Mountain Half Marathon
The Lowdown
The Canmore Rocky Mountain Half Marathon, 10K & 5K is an annual multi-distance run held every September in Canmore, Alberta, a mountain town in the Bow Valley just east of Banff National Park. The 2026 edition marks the race's 30th anniversary. All distances start and finish at Centennial Park in downtown Canmore. The half marathon follows a mix of asphalt, gravel, and wide trail through woodlands, alongside mountain streams, and past a historic mine site, with roughly 70 meters of gradual elevation gain and loss and sweeping views toward the Three Sisters and Ha Ling Peak; walkers are asked to finish within three hours. The flatter 10K loops through historic Canmore and along the Bow River, and the 5K stays within downtown Canmore, both suitable for beginners. A free kids race for ages 3-8 follows the main events. The race is organized by Ascent Events, with the Embrace International Foundation as charity partner. Registration for the September 13, 2026 edition sold out ahead of race day; a waitlist is open through the official site, and registration for the following year's race typically opens in early January.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Centennial Park - start and finish for all races
Bow River - the 10K route runs along its banks
Three Sisters - mountain peaks visible along the half marathon course
Ha Ling Peak - mountain landmark visible from the 10K and half marathon routes
Historic mine site - passed along the half marathon route
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Canmore, Alberta, Canada
CA
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- No strollers, burley trailers, or dogs permitted in the Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K
- Half Marathon walkers should be able to finish within 3 hours
Required Documents
- No photo ID or medical documents specified by the organizer; package pickup is by registration confirmation
Entry Methods
- Online via Race Roster (canmorehalfmarathon.ca/register)
- Wait-list signup on the official site for the sold-out 2026 edition
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Registration is handled through Race Roster; the 2026 event is sold out, and entries are managed via an official wait-list rather than direct purchase
2026 is the 30th running of the event.
Organized by Ascent Events; official charity partner is the Embrace International Foundation.
Five aid/water stations on the Half Marathon course, three on the 10K.
Course is a mix of asphalt, gravel, and wide trail; no formal road-race certification found for record purposes.
Registration for the following year's edition typically opens in early January.
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