What you Need to Know Race Bib Pick-Up, COVID-19 Updates, Schedules, and More The Melissa's Road Race is this Saturday! Please scroll down and read through these items carefully as there are more 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 information on: Race Bib Pick-Up - UPDATED! COVID-19 Safety Updates - UPDATED! Need To Transfer To A Different Distance? - EXTENDED Virtual Event Bag - NEW! Strollers and Pets - NEW! Parking and Shuttles - NEW Shirts and Finisher Medals - NEW! Important Course Notes - NEW! Race Bib Visibility - NEW! Wildlife Protocol - NEW! Course Etiquette - NEW! Course Nutrition, Hydration and Waste - NEW! Parks Pass - NEW! Social Media Contest - NEW! Sustainability - NEW! Schedule of Events Volunteering Reminder: Race Bibs can Not be Sold or Transferred VIP Experience for you or your friend and family - only a few left! Wear a Race Shirt! Banff Ave Brewing Co Horseback Riding in Banff

Race Bib Pick-Up - Please pick up before Race Day We strongly recommend that you pick up your race bib in advance of the event to avoid having to show up early on race day and deal with long race day line-ups. We have expanded the choices and times to allow for more distancing. And, new this year - new pick up locations! *Virtual Racers - You do not pick up your race packages now - you will be contacted after the Virtual Race window closes on October 12th Race Bib Pick-Up Locations: *Reminder: Photo ID is required Friday, September 24th 10:00am-1:00pm - Race Bib Pick-Up – Canmore – Strides Canmore (108, 1240 Railway Ave) 3:00pm-8:00pm - Race Bib Pick-Up - Banff – Banff Recreation Grounds (1 Sundance Rd) *No parking at Recreation Grounds. We recommend that you don't arrive at 3pm when it is busiest, it usually calms down about 60 minutes after registration opens. Race shirt pick-up is available to all participants at this time. Please walk from downtown (5-10min). ***Free Parking on Bow Ave or at Train Station   Saturday, September 25th (Race Day!) 8:30am-9:45am – Emergency Race Bib Pick-Up* - Banff Recreation Grounds (1 Sundance Rd) *Not recommended Picking Up Race Bibs for Other Participants You are permitted to pick up Race Bibs for other participants provided you are in the event yourself and are picking up your race bib at the same time. You will be required to sign a proxy form stating that you have permission to pick up the race bib and that the race bib will be given only to the intended registrant. Giving or Selling a race bib to someone who is not officially registered is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification and the original registrant not being able to attend future races.

COVID-19 Safety Guidelines - Please Read   Distance - Distance - Distance! The recent Government of Alberta’s COVID-19 Public Health Actions announcement stated that outdoor events and outdoor adult sporting activities can continue with no restrictions. Regardless, the event has expanded its COVID-19 Safety Guidelines to further ensure the safety of the participants, staff and volunteers. The learning from the very successful COVID-19 safety program implemented at the Banff Marathon on September 12th will be built upon. Some of the measures for Melissa's will include: -Expanded Race Check-In Times and Locations -Increased distancing at the start and staging in the fields (please always keep 6' apart!) - Please see below for more information on race starts and spacing. -Masks are available on site and at the start (recycling boxes available to deposit when starting) -Hygiene and hand wash stations available -Staff and volunteers will wear masks while in athlete-facing areas -Post Race Ceremonies and Entertainment will not take place (live entertainment will be available along the course and podium medals and draw prizes will be mailed out to participants) -Beer Gardens will not take place (Virtual Beer being offered for Banff Ave Brew Co.) -Participant Gear Check will not be available More measures are listed here in the Melissa’s COVID-19 Safety Guidelines: https://www.melissasroadrace.com/covid-safety Some of these measures were very difficult decisions but we will still be able to run safely in a beautiful place with all of the spirit and tradition of Melissa's!

Need To Transfer To A Different Distance? Extended to Friday, September 24th Due to popular demand we have extended the period to transfer to a different distance until this Friday, September 24th. If you plan to run a different distance, you must do this or you will be disqualified (and even worse you will affect the results and placings of other participants). You can move up or down to a different distance for a small change fee of $5.00 (if you move up in distance you will also need to pay the difference in registration fee). To transfer, please reference the E-mail you were sent on September 20th and follow the simple instructions, or make the transfer at race bib pick-up in Canmore or Banff.

Virtual Event Bag – Please read! Check out what's waiting for you inside the page! There is race information and amazing deals for the weekend, valuable coupons and fun activities for you and your family to check out! Click HERE for the Melissa's Virtual Event Bag

Friendly Reminder - No Strollers or Pets Banff National Park is a beautiful and unique location for a running event. However, this does present some challenges for the running course which is comprised of a combination of paved roads, paved and dirt trails, narrow sections, sharp turns and some curbs. For safety reasons, wheelchairs, baby joggers, strollers, Burleys, inline skates, bicycles, and pets can NOT be permitted on the course. Participants that bring any of the aforementioned items to the start line will not be permitted to start and will be disqualified. Thank you for understanding and respecting the safety of all participants in the event.

Parking and Shuttles   The Town of Banff is very limited with its parking opportunities and can get quite congested with traffic, especially with a large event such as Melissa’s so please read carefully below some options that will get you to the event on time and stress free.   ***DO NOT TRY TO DRIVE TO THE START AREA OR ACROSS THE BRIDGE – THERE IS NO PARKING OR DROP-OFF AREAS HERE*** All participants will need to walk or jog across the bridge to the start/finish area. Please allow yourself an extra 10-15 minutes to do this. Please use the following methods to get to the start line: -Walk or Jog for a warm-up -Carpool and park in designated Town of Banff Parking Areas: HERE RECOMMENDED PARKING: TRAIN STATION - FREE FENLANDS RECREATION CENTRE - 12 HOUR -Use the green powered ROAM Transit System: HERE -Use the “Melissa’s Express” Shuttle Bus (see below for schedule and locations)   “Melissa’s Express” Shuttles*: *Masks are mandatory to ride the "Melissa's Express" Route #1 Start: 8:10am and rotate every 10 minutes (until 10:15am) Locations: Voyageur Inn (555 Banff Ave) *Or close as there is currently construction Caribou Lodge (521 Banff Ave) Royal Canadian Lodge (459 Banff Ave) High Country Inn (419 Banff Ave) Elk and Avenue (449 Banff Ave) Central Park (Buffalo/Bear Street) Route #2 Start: 8:10am and rotate every 10 minutes (until 10:15am) Location/Stops: Train Station Parking Lot (327 Railway Avenue) Central Park/Town Hall (Buffalo/Bear Street) *Please note that once you are dropped off at Central Park, to proceed across the Banff Ave Bridge, then turn right on the Cave Ave sidewalk/trail toward the Banff Recreation Grounds

Shirts and Finisher Medals   Shirt Pick Up - This can only be done at the "Shirt Tent" on the race site. You can pick up your shirt on Friday from 3pm - 7pm, before the race start on Saturday if you would like to wear it for the run, or after if you would like to keep it fresh and clean for post-race relaxing. There is a ticket on your race bib to claim your race shirt.   Finisher Medals - Many of you purchased a Finisher's Medal. These will be available after the race at a tent designated specifically for medals. If you ordered a medal, there will be a tag on your race bib that you will redeem for your medal. Didn't order a medal? We ordered a few extra so there will be a limited number of medals for sale ($10) after the race. Check at the tent!

Important Course Notes There have been some small changes to the race routes for 2021. Please see below for the route updates and important considerations for your route. The race start will be well-announced, and the course will be well marked but it is ultimately your responsibility to know when and where you start, and the directions of your run route. The information below will assist you with this. Course Changes   The race routes will all start and finish in the same location as previous years (Banff Recreation Grounds). The starts of each distance are also the same with the 5K/10K routes heading out over Banff Ave Bridge and the 21K route heading out Glen Ave to the Golf Course Road. The 10K route will have a small change with both 5k and 10k runners turning right on Muskrat St. (in previous years, the 10k runners continued straight). When the runners reach Caribou St., the 10k runners will turn left and the 5k runners will continue straight. Confused? Check out the MAP. Still confused? Don't worry - it will be well marked and clear. The finish area will be different this year with runners turning off of Sundance Rd on to the ball diamond outfields where they will complete a loop of the field (old school!) and finish through the arch with beautiful Rundle Mountain as the backdrop. Race Starts - Distancing - IMPORTANT!   The 5K and 10K races will start together at 10:30am. There will be pace signs so please line up near your estimated pace and leave yourself lots of space for the rolling start. This year there will be a lot more space as the runners can spread out down the entire length of Sundance Road and around the corner on the gravel road. The Half Marathon runners will stay on the west ball field until called to the starting area. Once the 5k/10k runners have left there will be a few minutes until the start of the Half at about 10:45am or shortly before. ***Please note it is important that everyone move briskly to get over the Banff Ave Bridge (5k/10k) and past Glen Ave (Half) because these roads are closed and need to reopen very quickly. 5K and 10K Turns As noted above, the 5k and 10k runs will start together and split at approximately 1.8km in to the course. 5k Runners - remember if you follow the 10k runners, you will be running up Tunnel Mountain on the 10k course! The 5k and 10k runners will come back together on the pathway to the Pedestrian bridge (approx. 2km in to the run for the 5k runners, and at the 7km mark for the 10k runners). All runners will travel across the Pedestrian Bridge. Half Marathon Loops Half Marathon runners! Once you reach the end of the golf course road (at approx. 5km in to the run) you will need to complete two x 5km loops before you return back along the golf course road toward the finish. Don't forget to run your second loop! Timing mats will be in place to keep track of everyone.

Race Bib Must Be Visible and Yours   At the beginning of the race start, please make sure your race bib can be seen. The race officials must be able to see your race bib otherwise you will be stopped. Anyone running without a race bib will be removed from the race immediately. You must also run in the distance you have registered for unless you have officially transferred. And, please remember, you can only run with your bib, and in the distance you registered for, or everyone is affected. Thanks!

Wildlife Protocol   Due to the unique character of Banff National Park, a wildlife interaction, although unlikely, could occur on the race route. The following are some resources you should review and may find helpful.   The Wildlife Response Flagging System is used as a means to manage participant movement and safety along the event route. The flagging system is modeled on universal traffic control colours, green, yellow, red which will be present at each aid station and potentially other locations along the run route. Please be aware what each flag colour represents in order to proceed through the run with proper precaution.    “Green” or No Flag Assessment:  No wildlife concerns currently along the event route, or any sections of that area. Wildlife are not present in the area or species of special concern have passed through the area and are greater than 100 m away, or other wildlife is greater than 30m and are moving further away. Response: Continue along route as planned.   “Yellow Flag” Assessment: Wildlife are present in the area (species of special concern ≥100m, or other wildlife ≥30m from the course route) but there is a low risk of direct conflict between the wildlife and the event participants/staff/volunteers. Response: The participants may continue along the planned route, but are to be warned of the wildlife sighting and to use caution in the area, potentially having to slow down, stop, or turn around. Examples: Code yellow scenarios include (but are not limited to):  ·       Ungulates feeding >30m from the course in an area that is not typically managed by Parks wildlife staff.  ·       A bear, or other carnivore that is >100m, but known to be present in the area of the course route.    “Red Flag” Assessment: Wildlife are present in the event area and the risk of human-wildlife conflict is deemed by the RMO(s) as being high if the participant continues along the planned route or in that location. Response: The participant is not permitted to proceed and all people must remain at a safe distance as designated by the RMO(S). Participants may be held at the start line, aid station or along the route. Participants may also be rerouted or turned-around early on the route. Examples: Code red scenarios include (but are not limited to):  ·       A bear or wolf <100 m to the event route and staying in the area (persistent). ·       An aggressive female elk during calving season within 100 m of the race route, or an aggressive Male elk ≤100m of the course during the rutting season. ·       A bear, or other carnivore feeding on a kill (e.g. an elk calf) in the area at any distance from the event with a line of sight to the race route (maybe >100m); Animals will defend their kill with aggression and could charge participants even if they are outside of the 100 m buffer.   *Please follow all instructions as directed by Melissa's Road Race Staff, Volunteers, and Parks Canada Employees

Course Etiquette   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 earphones so they could truly enjoy the peaceful beauty of the park and the mountain experience.    Keeping to the Right on Trails and the Roads  Runners should be aware that there are narrow sections of the course on the Bow River Trails and at some other points on the course. Please stay on the far right side of the path/road and don’t run two abreast in narrow sections. This is especially important on the last 2 kilometers of the course with the 10K and Half Marathon runners approaching from behind. Be extra careful to stay to the right if you have headphones on as you will not hear other runners approaching from behind. You should always stay to the far right side of the trail/road unless otherwise directed. And please note that Glenn Ave will have 2-way runner traffic (divided by delineators) so please always stay to the right and do not run on the left side of the delineators (especially at the start of the Half Marathon and the end of the 5K on Glen Ave).

Course Nutrition, Hydration and Waste As per the direction of Parks Canada, the Melissa's Road Race does not offer any sport drink on the course. This is to reduce the potential of a wildlife interaction because sport drink, with its high sugar content, is an attractant to wildlife. If you feel you need calories on the course, please carry these with you responsibly and please DO NOT dump or discard any nutritional products or waste on the ground, it must be dumped into the waste bins. GARBAGE 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, 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, 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 6 aid stations along the route and volunteers are happy to assist with refilling bottles. It is one of the ways athletes can take an active role in being responsible and implementing the new sustainability programs in the event!

Parks Pass Your passport to adventure! Explore soaring peaks, turquoise lakes, delicious cuisine, and endless activities, across more than 6,000 square km of wilderness in Banff National Park alone, with your Parks Canada 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. GET YOUR PASS HERE

Share Your Pictures on Social Media We want you to see your pictures and experiences - please share! We will have great prizes for the best shares and tags. Tag us on one of our event social media pages and also include the feed:  #melissasroadrace @melissasroadrace

Sustainability at Melissa’s    A priority of the 2021 Melissa’s Road Race is to implement some of the world-leading programs that the Banff Marathon currently utilizes to be the “Greenest Marathon on the Planet”. The strategy in 2021 is to reduce the environmental footprint and mitigate where we can’t. This year’s programs include: Toward Zero Waste (TZW) – to lower the amount of waste and divert as much as possible from landfill. The goal is 90% ! Please do your part. Melissa’s will eliminate the use of 10,000 single serve plastic water bottles. Elimination of plastic participant bags by adding the electronic Virtual Event Bag Sustainability Education and Awareness to Participants, Suppliers, Sponsors and others by education, electronic and other. The best example we can give of this is at every TZW station we encourage the runners and guests to self sort the waste into 5 to 7 different bags. While this process is happening we discuss where each stream of waste ends up and how it is managed.  Adding bio-digestible cups that are corn based and degrade very quickly back in to the earth is an example of how easy it is to make a change. Encouraging participants and volunteers to bring their own water bottles Encouraging athletes to transit, carpool, bike and run to the event And more!

Schedule of Events   Saturday, September 25th (Race Day!) 8:15am - "Melissa's Express" Shuttle Bus begins - Voyager Inn, 555 Banff Ave 8:30am - Race Site Opens - Banff Recreation Grounds *No parking available at the race site 8:30am - 9:45am – Emergency Race Bib Pick-Up - Banff Recreation Grounds (1 Sundance Rd) 10:00am - Pre Race Warm-Up 10:30am - Races Start! - Banff Recreation Grounds 1:00pm - 3:00pm – Meet the Artist! The artist of this year’s Melissa’s artwork, Christa Rijneveld, will have an exhibit at Canada House Gallery (201 Bear St)  **Timing subject to change. Please check back

Reminder: Race Bibs can Not be Sold or Transferred Selling your race bib, or having another person use your bib in the event is strictly prohibited. This act may seem well intentioned but has many negative implications to the organizers and participants including liability, timing, results, awards and many other factors. Race bibs will only be given out to those who have registered for the event. If a registrant sells or gives away their race bib to another participant, they will not be allowed to participate in future events.

Treat Yourself or Friends and Family to the VIP Experience Do it right and treat yourself to the VIP Experience at Melissa's for you or your friends and family! There are only a few of these packages left. The VIP package includes all of the following benefits: Express Race Package Pickup Service VIP Lounge in the Start/Finish Area (heated) with Complimentary Food and Beverages (yes, coffee too for race morning!) Exclusive Bathroom Area Dedicated Event Day Bag Check A Post Race Massage by certified massage therapists (with priority check-in – no waiting) Commemorative VIP Lanyard A VIP Gift Bag with exclusive sponsor gifts *Proof of Vaccination will be required VIP Experience Package: $75.00 GET YOUR VIP PACKAGES HERE

Melissa's Race Shirts Melissa's Road Race is famous for it's race shirts! In fact it may be one of the most famous collection of race shirts in the world. Do you still have some of your Melissa's Road Race shirts? We encourage you to wear your favourite Mel's shirt or wear the new beautiful 2021 race shirt!

Virtual Beer Banff Ave Brewing Co Due to COVID we will not be able to offer the on-site beer gardens. Banff Ave Brewing Company is the Official Brewery of Melissa's Park Road Race and will offer each participant a Virtual Beer that can be used this weekend or anytime up until March 1, 2022. Please click below to claim your virtual beer voucher. Need a great meal and a beer while in Banff? Check out Banff Ave Brew Company HERE: CLAIM YOUR VIRTUAL BEER

Horseback Riding while in Banff Include incredible horseback riding with your trip to Banff. Check out this great offer from Banff Trail Riders! If you are coming to Banff for Melissa’s or at another time for training, Banff Trail Riders is offering you a special 20% discount on any of their rides in Banff National Park. Take a guided 1, 2, 3 or 4 hour horseback ride that’s suitable for all experience levels, or a horse-drawn carriage ride with the whole family. And for the ultimate western experience, ride deep into the backcountry and stay in comfortable log cabin lodges on a multi-day pack trip. Use discount code “Marathon” when booking online to save 20% on your next horseback adventure. Check out all the rides HERE

www.MelissasRoadRace.ca

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