More Important Updates
Athlete Update - June 12th, 2018

Dear Participant,

The Banff Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K is just a few days away!
We have added a number of new important updates about the event. Please scroll down and read through these items carefully as there are many important items you will need to know for race weekend. Please also check  Facebook  ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  for new updates and announcements.

In this Update you will find important information on: registration and the Health and Fitness Expo, course information, schedule of events, yoga, spectators, Athlete's Guide to Banff and more! The opportunity to change your distance has also been extended until 9:00pm today (Wednesday) and this is the last chance for the VIP Experience or Finish Line Lounge Pass. Please read on for valuable information and to be prepared for race weekend!
Banff Health & Fitness Expo

Race weekend kicks off with the free Health & Fitness Expo, where you will pick up your race package and find the latest in sport technologies, fitness apparel, health and nutrition information, and interactive displays. The Expo also includes Kids activities at the BMO Kids Zone, Cheer Card building station, lululemon yoga sessions along with the Parks World and Sustainability Village pavilions. The Expo is free and open to friends and family and takes place:

Location : Fenlands Recreation Centre, 100 Mount Norquay Road, Banff
Times:
  • Friday, June 14 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
  • Saturday, June 15 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Yoga at the Expo!
Join your fellow participants from around the world for free Pre Race Yoga at the Health and Fitness Expo hosted by lululemon!

Friday: 5:30pm-7:00pm (with DJ)
Saturday: 12noon - 1:00pm
Course Etiquette

Keeping to the Right on Trails
 
Runners should be aware that there are narrow sections on the Bow River Trails and the Paved Legacy trail. As you approach and pass other runners, please stay on the far right side of the path and don’t run two abreast in narrow sections. This is especially important on the 10K route with the 2-loop course and if you have headphones on you cannot hear other runners approaching from behind. Use caution when passing through the wildlife gates. You will stay on the right side of the trail/road unless otherwise directed.

Headphones on Course
 
Please note the Event prohibits the use of devices/headphones for the participant’s safety and the safety of those around them. There is no risk of disqualification for simple use, however, if a participant puts themselves or other participants at risk, directly or indirectly through the use of these items, the Event Organizers reserve the right to disqualify the participant. We highly recommend that you choose not to wear headphones due to the unique environment of a national park where being able to hear the natural environment around you and wildlife is important. Many participants have told us they were glad they did not wear their earphone so they could truly enjoy the peaceful beauty of the park and the mountain experience. 

Selfies and Other Photography/Video

You will be running on one of the most beautiful run courses on the planet so capturing the moment is very appealing. Taking "selfies", pictures or videos while running/moving is prohibited and could result in disqualification. If you would like to take a picture or video, please stop moving when safe (ie. no other runners or bike marshals/vehicles around you) and move to the side well out of the way of running path and other participants and support personnel.
Schedule of Events

FRIDAY JUNE 14: Afternoon/Evening

4:00pm-7:00pm - Health and Fitness Expo - Fenlands Recreation Centre
4:00pm-7:00pm - Race Package Pickup - Fenlands Recreation Centre
4:00pm-7:00pm - BMO Kids Run Registration - Fenlands Recreation Centre
5:30pm-7:00pm - lululemon Yoga with DJ - Fenlands Recreation Centre
 
SATURDAY JUNE 15: All Day

9 :00am-5:00pm - Health and Fitness Expo - Fenlands Recreation Centre
9:00am-5:00pm - Race Package Pickup - Fenlands Recreation Centre
9:00am-11:00am - BMO Kids Run Registration - Fenlands Recreation Centre
9:30am - Shake-Out Race Prep Run – lululemon Banff (121 Banff Ave)
10:30am-3:30pm - Touring Tin Car Show – Central Park
12:00noon - Race Prep Yoga Session by lululemon Banff - Fenlands Recreation Centre
12:00noon-1:15pm- BMO Kids Run Registration - Central Park
1:30pm - FREE BMO KIDS RUN - Central Park
 
SUNDAY JUNE 16: RACE DAY!

7:00am - Race Site Opens - Central Park
8:00am - 10K Race Start - Central Park
9:00am - Full Marathon Race Start - Central Park
9:30am - Half Marathon Race Start - Central Park
on the right side of the trail/road unless otherwise directed.
Can I Transfer to a Different Distance?
***Extended until 9pm on Wednesday, June 12th***

You can transfer online to a different race distance until 9:00pm on Wednesday, June 12 th . Please click on the button below. Please note that you will need the correct race bib to start in the event you registered for unless you complete the transfer to receive a new bib. You will not be permitted to start in a different distance at the start line if you do not have the race bib that matches that event distance (ie. if you registered for the Half Marathon and decide to run the 10K you must officially change your distance to start the 10k on race day). In summary, if you want to transfer to a different distance you must officially transfer via the transfer link below.

Potential Route Hazards

Race Start – Do Not Enter Staging Until Directed

On Race morning, it is important to listen to the announcer and wait for him to announce your race distance to start staging for your race start. We ask that you please wait in Central Park until your race is called up, to avoid collision with other distances starting/looping through the starting area. Thanks!
Railway Tracks

Our scenic running course takes you through some of the most scenic land in the world…and also across some active railway tracks. We will know when trains are approaching and we will have race marshals on both sides of the track to halt the race accordingly. In order to ensure your timing does not get disrupted by train activity, we will place timing mats on either side of the tracks. The time needed to close the course at railway crossings will be deleted off of the final time of any patiently waiting athletes. (Don’t worry – this is not our race and no one was injured where this photo was taken!)


Trail Narrowing at Start

The course will start along Bow Ave, a closed road in the town of Banff, but it narrows and becomes a path where Bow Avenue intersects with Wolf Street. Please be mindful of this narrowing onto the Bow Valley Path during the start of the race. 





Curb Caution

When you exit the Bow Valley Path onto Mt Norquay Rd, there is a natural ramp at the crossing although it is a bit rough. However, because there may be a width of runners wider than the natural ramp, some runners will need to use the curb. Please use caution stepping from the curb to road.
Spectators

During the race, only participants with a race bib will be allowed on Vermilion Lakes Road, the Legacy Trail and the Bow Valley Parkway . Please tell your friends and family not to drive, cycle or walk to these areas. These areas can be narrow and environmentally sensitive so for the safety of everyone please let everyone know not to travel to these sections of the course as they will be denied entry (tell them to sign up for the run next year to gain access!). The runners are best viewed in town as they start the run and complete the final in-town loop before the finish. There are many great cheering spots here and also many fun things to do in Banff for your family members while they await your return.

If you want the best cheering spot on course, register as a course marshal volunteer and you’ll be right on course to cheer your family and friends on! Email  [email protected]  to register as a course marshal!
Banff Marathon
STATION #6- Prescribed Burn !

Experience Banff National Park’s geographical, wilderness and historical treasures along your Banff Marathon trek. Each Aid Station also serves as an interpretive station! Station #6 is Prescribed Burn - The "Flames of Life". Fire has played a leading role for thousands of years in shaping national park landscapes through lightning and aboriginal-set fires. Like avalanches or floods, this natural process stimulates new plant growth and contributes to a mixture of habitats that supports a variety of animal species. During much of the 20th century, fires were seen as a dangerous element that destroyed wildlife and detracted from scenic beauty. To restore the important role of fire, Parks Canada now uses prescribed burns, which was first used in Banff National Park in 1983. This helps ensure the ecological sustainability of ecosystems. Learn more about the interpretive/aid stations and Banff National Park by clicking here:

Banff Marathon:
A Destination Guide

June is the perfect time to experience everything Banff National Park has to offer. Spring is just about to give way to the glory that is summer, when the mountains seem to stand just a little bit taller, inviting you to bask in their majesty. With so much to do, it’s hard not to think of it as a sprint to take it all in. But we prefer to think of it as a marathon. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the amazing activities you can get up to while you’re here for the  big race .  Read More...

Do you have your Parks Pass?

If you’re entering Banff National Park by personal vehicle, a park pass is required. We suggest purchasing your National Park Pass online prior to arrival for express entry into the park.

Alternate Route

The safety of our athletes and minimizing impact on the Banff wildlife and wilderness is our paramount priority. In the event of wildlife activity along our primary course, we have an alternate route prepared for the Half and Full Marathon event (see below). The 10K Route would remain the same. We encourage everyone to check the website (and Facebook and Twitter) frequently as the race day approaches. Route updates and announcements will be posted  HERE  
Participant Family and Friends
Not Running? We need your help!

Participants, we are in need of some help for volunteers at the event. Banff is a very small community (only 7500 people) so drawing volunteers for the many events held here is very challenging – we could use the help of your friends and family if they would like to pitch in! This is a great opportunity for them to be part of the event while you are on your running journey. They will be helping participants from 30 countries achieve their goals!

Volunteer and receive the following:
·      A commemorative Banff Marathon technical “RACE CREW” shirt
·      Lunch and snacks and a volunteer Bowling Party!
·      $2000 in draw prizes!
·      Satisfaction of helping many people achieve their goals

If any of your friends or family are available to help us out, we would greatly appreciate that. Please contact:   [email protected]
Or click here to sign up for a shift: VOLUNTEER
Treat Yourself to the VIP Experience

Do it right and treat yourself to the VIP Experience at the Banff Marathon! The packages and passes are limited and will be sold out soon so please reserve yours now.

The VIP Experience Package includes all of the following benefits:

- Express race package pickup service
- Exclusive Finish Line Lounge adjacent to finish line with food and beverage
- Exclusive Bathroom Area Access at the Start/Finish Area
- Dedicated Event Day Bag Check
- Post Race Massage by certified massage therapists (with priority check-in)
- Gift Certificate for additional Banff Marathon Technical Shirt at the Banff Marathon Shop
- Banff Marathon Commemorative Sport Bag with exclusive sponsor gifts
- Commemorative VIP Pass and Lanyard
Only $95.00 for all of this! (does not include entry fee)

Don’t need all of the VIP Benefits?  VIP Lounge Passes are also available for participants, friends and family members. The VIP Lounge is the perfect place for you to relax after your race or for friends and family to enjoy the race. The VIP Lounge will be directly adjacent to the finish line with the best seats in the house. The pass will also include complimentary food and beverage and exclusive bathroom area access.
VIP Lounge Pass: $49.00

Click below to get yours make your experience even more memorable...


Reminder: Race Bibs Not Transferable to Another Person
Selling or Giving Your Race Bib to Others is Strictly Prohibited

Due to the popularity of the event there is a demand for race bibs/registrations. A reminder to all that due to legal, logistical, timing, and safety requirements that race registrations are NOT transferable to another participant under any circumstances. Registration personnel will be asking for ID during race check in, and only registered runners are authorized to run the 10K, half marathon, or full marathon courses. Running with someone else’s bib can cause many problems (timing, safety, confusion, etc) that can affect many other participants in the event negatively so please do not do this. For example running with some else's race bib affects the race results and finishing places of everyone in the event (and can also affect award placings). Anyone who gives their bib to another runner is subject to penalties and/or future ban from competition. This policy is very commonplace among running events and your understanding is appreciated in this matter. 
Wildlife Safety
Do you need Bear Spray?

Some participants have inquired about carrying bear spray during the event. Due to the unique setting of the run taking place in a National Park setting, wildlife activity is abundant. The course is well monitored by Parks Canada, race officials, EMS and volunteers however interaction with wildlife is always possible. Carrying bear spray is permitted while running but please educate yourself regarding the instructions and proper care of the bear spray canisters. Carrying bear spray is not mandatory in this event however if you feel uncomfortable in the natural park setting it is recommended that you consider running with bear spray. In the essence of safety, our recommendations are as follows:

Marathon Participants: Highly Recommend
Half Marathon Participant: Recommend
10K Participants: Optional (risk of incident in town site where 10K takes place is very low)

Runners carrying bear spray in the mountains is very common and many of the bear spray canisters are smaller and designed with clips and belts for active people. Strides Running Store will have these available at the Health and Fitness Expo. They can also be purchased at many local stores in Banff but if you are going to carry one, you may want to acquire a canister and holster before you arrive in Banff.

Here are some good resources:
Green Initiatives - Do Your Part
Banff Marathon Wins Prestigious Environmental Award
 
The Banff Marathon has just received the "Environmental Innovators of the Year Award" from the Green Sport Alliance. These annual awards celebrate environmental innovation and sustainability achievements in sports. Congrats to everyone that did their part to make this happen! Read more about it HERE .

Did you know that the Banff Marathon is the world-leader in Sustainability Programs at a Marathon? In 2018, we diverted 100% of all waste from the landfill! We want to match that this year. Please help! We encourage you to participate in as many of the Sustainability Programs as possible – a great start is to travel to the Banff Marathon with only items that can be recycled easily and reduce your waste. Please read below for a few more…
GATORADE
Please drink all of the Gatorade in your cup. If you have any leftover Gatorade in your cup that you cannot drink, please DO NOT dump it on the ground, it must be dumped into the waste bins. Bears love sweet sticky stuff so this is an attractant and we want to keep our Aid Station Volunteers safe!
WASTE ON COURSE
***Important, please read…
 
During the run , ALL waste must be deposited at the nearest Aid Station. Participants CANNOT drop any waste (cups, gels, sponges, wrappers etc.) anywhere along the course (including KM markers or any other spots – even if you believe it will be found by organizers or see that others have done it). Aid Stations are located at least every 2-3km, and disposal bins will be located for you to drop your garbage.  Any participant leaving waste along the course other than at the designated aid stations will be immediately disqualified and asked to leave the course.   This is very important for wildlife protection and the safety of the participants and will be patrolled by monitors on bicycles and vehicles. Please remember that Littering in a National Park is an offence and can be fined under the National Parks Act , but more importantly lets all respect the environment and opportunity to run in this special place. Thank you.
BYOB:
BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE
 
Rather than just using the cups we will provide along the route, athletes are encouraged to bring their own water bottles on race day. There will be 10 aid stations along the marathon route and volunteers are happy to assist with refilling bottles. It is one of the ways athletes can take an active role in helping make the Banff Marathon the Greenest Marathon on the planet!
Banff Marathon
FREE TRANSPORTATION! 
ROAM AROUND BANFF FOR FREE
 
Th e Bow Valley Regional Transit Service is providing free public transit for race participants and their families on Friday June 14, Saturday June 16 and Sunday, June 16. We invite all of our athletes and their families to take advantage of this great offer to help reduce parking congestion in Banff and to keep our event as green as possible. Just be sure to show the bus driver your race bib to take advantage of this special offer.

Roam buses will take you to Banff must-sees such as the Banff Springs Hotel, the Cave and Basin, the Banff Gondola, Tunnel Mountain, and many stops throughout the town of Banff – and even Canmore! You can see the bus routes and schedules  HERE
Raise and Run: Support the Banff YWCA

It’s not too late! Join the pledge program for the official charity of the Banff Marathon and give back to the communities of Banff and the Bow Valley – even a few pledges will make a big difference.

The official charity partner of the Banff Marathon is the  YWCA Banff .  This year, support will be targeted at the  Harmony Project  a multi-stakeholder initiative led by the YWCA Banff that seeks to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. Its committee is made up of local organizations and service providers including; Banff and Canmore RCMP, Bow Valley Victims Services, local hospitals, youth organizations, among several others. Recent initiatives of the Harmony Project include their successful “Got Consent?” awareness campaign, as well as their recent sponsorship of a local hockey team in an effort to engage young men to help raise awareness of and generate action to prevent sexual violence in the Bow Valley. By supporting the Harmony Project, you are investing in a community response to sexual violence, and the journey towards a safe and healthy society for everyone.  

The YWCA of Banff is the Bow Valley's provider of domestic violence prevention programs and services, and the leading provider of affordable housing in Banff. The mission of YWCA Banff is to shape a safe, inclusive community that empowers women and girls.

Create or share your pledge page with your Family and Friends!
Steps to creating and/or sharing your page:
  1. First navigate to your participant dashboard via this LINK
  2. From here, ensure that you are on the Banff Marathon registration (as it will pull up the most recent active registration). This can be done from the top-menu bar on your participant dashboard
  3. Once on the registration information for the Banff Marathon, in the lower-right hand portion of the dashboard will be an "Edit Page" option.
  4. Once on your personal fundraising page, all of its details can be updated by selecting "Edit Fundraising Page" from the right-side menu if not prompted to do so immediately.
FREE BMO Kids Run – Bring your Family to Run!

Saturday, June 15 th
Banff Central Park
Registration: Health and Fitness Expo: Friday 4pm-7pm, Saturday 9am-11am
Banff Central Park Registration: 12noon-1:15pm, Run Start: 1:30pm

The Banff Marathon is pleased to offer the BMO Kids Run to all kids between the ages of 3 and 12 years old. The run will take place in beautiful Banff Central Park with different distances for different age groups. The kids all finish under the same Banff Marathon arch where the adult participants finish their races the next day! Each participant will receive a Goodie Bag and a commemorative Finishers Medal. This family-friendly fun run is being offered for free to all kids as part of the Banff Marathon festivities! 
 
3 Categories:
500m - ages 3-5
750m - ages 6-8
1km - ages 9-12