Several thousand runners — recreational and competitive — will be hitting the downtown pavement this weekend for various events for the 25th anniversary of the Servus Edmonton Marathon.
The weekend begins with a free three-kilometre friendship run Saturday and ends race day Sunday with the marathon, 10 km, half marathon and 5 km runs and walks. Organizers say this is a great event for runners of all levels to come out and enjoy a flat and fast course.
“The runners get to have the views and experience of the river valley without having the task of having to go up and down it,” Running Room’s Jason Stanton said.
Participants will begin and end at the Shaw Conference Centre with nearly 10,000 fans sprinkled throughout the route with many at the end cheering on the finishers.
It was only a few years ago the race had no permanent home, no title sponsor and participation was dropping, but now it has turned into one of the biggest athletic events in the city.
Nicole Poirer, with the City of Edmonton, says the addition of a title sponsor has made a huge difference.
“It helps grow the event, it helps grow the popularity and increases the spectator viewership.”
Watch below: Tom McGrath, 2015 Edmonton Marathon winner, talks about race weekend
The men’s marathon elite-athlete field is highlighted by several local runners, including 2015 champ Tom McGrath and Chris Stone, who finished second last year.
“These are world-class athletes and we are able to see them in our neighbourhoods,” said Brian Torrance, elite athlete coordinator.
As for the women’s side, it will be wide open on the marathon, as last year’s winner will not be returning.
The festival of events also includes a sports expo, free friendship run, a Kids ABC 1 km run and awards program.
You can register online until 6 p.m. Thursday or in person Saturday at the Shaw Conference Centre for any of the races. Check the site here for more details.
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