More Important Updates
Athlete Update - Sept 10th, 2021
Dear Participant - these are your final updates!
There are a few more important updates about the event below and it is worth checking out some of the important previous updates further down. Please also check Facebook , Instagram and Twitter for new updates and announcements.
In this Update you will find important information on:
- Race Bibs
- Shake Out Run and Yoga!
- Virtual Event Bag - check it out
- #banffmarathon contests!
- Commemorative Gear
- Interpretive Contests!
- Wildlife Protocols
- Aid Station #3 - Legacy Trail
- Course Etiquette
- Schedule of Events
- Potential Route Hazards
- Spectators
- Parks Pass
- Station #2 - Vermilion Lakes
- Alternate Route
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COVID-19 Safety Guidelines ***UPDATED***
- Volunteering
- VIP Upgrades
-
Changing Your Race Distance - *** EXTENDED***
- Transferring Your Bib to Someone Else - Prohibited
- Official Charity Pledge Program - Join Team YWCA
- Wildlife Safety and Bear Spray
- Green Initiatives – Info on Gatorade, Waste, Water & Free Transport
- Free Kids Run!
- Aid Station #1 – Sulphur Mountain
Thanks and we will see you soon!
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Race Bib Must Be Yours, Visible and Correct Colour
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 be wearing the correct coloured bib for the distance you are running or you will not be permitted to start. Thanks!
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"Shake Out" Warm-Up Run and Yoga - Saturday
The Rockies Run Collective at Banff lululemon is inviting all participants to join together for a short "shakeout" warm-up run on Saturday morning at 9:30am at the lululemon Banff store just a block away from the race start (121 Banff Ave). Come out and soak up some great energy the day before the race and meet some great people that will be running beside you on race day! lululemon Banff will also be hosting Yoga in the Park at Banff Central Park Gazebo at 12:00noon. Join in on these great pre-race activities!
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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 Banff Marathon Virtual Event Bag
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#BANFFMARATHON Contest
Share your AMAZING BANFF MARATHON photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for a chance to win amazing prizes!
How to enter:
1. Post a photo on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter from the Banff Marathon race weekend
2. Use the #banffmarathon or tag @banffmarathon
Enter by September 17th, 2021!
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Banff Marathon Commemorative Gear
Don’t forget to visit the Banff Marathon Retail Store at the Expo in Central Park. There will be popular limited-edition shirts, new campfire blankets, toques, gloves, glasses, campfire mugs, sport packs, luggage tags and much more at great prices!
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Interpretive Station Contest!
Join the Banff Marathon Interpretive Station contest! Each aid station on the course is themed after wildlife, natural or historical significance of Banff National Park. At each station you can learn valuable information from Certified Interpretive Guides or information boards about Banff National Park. After the event, contests will be held to test your new knowledge of the Park. You can win some amazing valuable prizes!
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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:
Wildlife Response Plan:
There are three different scenario responses, “Green”, “Yellow” and “Red”: Flags will be present at each aid station located 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” – No wildlife concerns currently along the marathon route, or section of that route. Code green means wildlife are not present or wildlife have passed through the area and are greater than 100 m away and moving further away.
“Yellow” – Wildlife are present in the area but there is a low risk of direct conflict between the wildlife and the event participants/staff. The marathon may continue along the planned route, but the participants are to be warned of wildlife sighting and to use caution in the area, potentially having to slow down, stop or turn around. The participants will be re-warned that they must keep 100 m from all carnivores and (if in spring calving season) female elk, and 30 m from all other ungulates at all times. Code yellow means wildlife are within the area, >100 m from the road but not moving out of the area, and are a species of higher potential for concern – i.e. a grizzly bear, wolf, or female elk who may be hiding a calf nearby.
“Red” – Wildlife are present in the event area and the risk of human-wildlife conflict is deemed by the Parks Canada RMO as being high if the marathon continues along the planned route. Participants may be rerouted, turned-around, or proceed on Plan B route depending on the timing of the code "red". Prior to race start, the maximum wait time for a code red scenario is one hour.
*Please follow all instructions as directed by Banff Marathon Staff, Volunteers, and Parks Canada Employees
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STATION #3 - Legacy Trail
Experience Banff National Park’s geographical, wilderness and historical treasures along your Banff Marathon trek. Each Aid Station also serves as an interpretive station! Make sure you remember what you have learned about these stations - there will be contests with great prizes! The Banff Legacy Trail was built in honour of Banff National Park’s 125th Anniversary. The trail is a testament to, and celebration, of the values of the national park, encouraging visitors and Bow Valley residents to explore the landscape in a new and environmentally friendly way. The Trail is represented here by the Grizzly – a keystone species of Banff National Park that requires large expanses of wilderness. Learn more about the interpretive/aid stations and Banff National Park by clicking here:
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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 trails. 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.
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Schedule of Events
FRIDAY SEPT 10: Afternoon/Evening
2:00pm - 7:00pm - Race Package Pickup – Banff Central Park
2:00pm - 7:00pm - Health and Fitness Expo - Banff Central Park
2:00pm - 7:00pm - Free Kids Run Registration - Banff Central Park
SATURDAY SEPT 11: All Day
9:00am - 5:00pm - Race Package Pickup - Banff Central Park
9:00am - 5:00pm - Health and Fitness Expo - Banff Central Park
9:00am - 11:00am - Free Kids Run Registration - Banff Central Park
9:30am - Shake-Out Race Prep Run - Hosted by the Rockies Run Collective at Banff lululemon
12:00pm - lululemon Yoga in the Park – Banff Central Park Gazebo
1:30pm - KIDS RUN (FREE!) - Banff Central Park
Registration from 12:00noon-1:15pm; Warm-Up by lululemon at 1:15pm
5:00pm – 9:00pm – Optional Pre-Race Carbo Load Dinner at the Meatball Restaurant (337 Banff Ave) - 10% Off for Race Participants (show race bib).
SUNDAY SEPT 12: RACE DAY!
7:00am - Race Site Opens - Banff Central Park
7:30am – 9:00am lululemon Stretch Station - Banff Central Park Gazebo
8:00-8:03am - 10K Race Start - Central Park (staggered rolling starts - fastest to slowest)
9:00-9:02am - Full Marathon Race Start - Central Park (staggered rolling starts - fastest to slowest)
9:30-9:35am - Half Marathon Race Start - Central Park(staggered rolling starts - fastest to slowest)
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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 and provide ample social distancing. Thanks!
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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!)
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Trail Narrowing at Start and Legacy Trail Connector
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. Here runners will keep left and stay on the Legacy Trail connector parallel to Norquay Road where the trail is still relatively narrow. Please be mindful of this narrowing onto the Bow Valley Path during the start of the race.
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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 volunteers@banffmarathon.com to register as a course marshal!
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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.
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STATION #2 - Vermilion Lakes
Experience Banff National Park’s geographical, wilderness and historical treasures along your Banff Marathon trek. Each Aid Station also serves as an interpretive station! Make sure you remember what you have learned about these stations - there will be contests with great prizes! The Vermilion Lakes are a large wetland area of sedge and willow flats, rich woodlands and shallow water bodies connected by many small channels. Stands of mature white spruce blanket wet moist areas in low mountain valleys bordering the three lakes. At the third lake (furthest from the Town of Banff), see if you can smell the sulphur and see a small hot spring. The Lakes are a serene and tranquil area – the participants will be allowed to enjoy this special place alone at the beginning and end of their journey. Learn more about the interpretive/aid stations and Banff National Park by clicking here:
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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
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COVID-19 Safety Guidelines - New Updates!
Important - Please Review
The health and safety of all individuals in the event is a priority. We are working hard to implement modifications and new procedures to reduce the risks to all individuals involved with the event and provide a safe return to racing. The event has developed strong COVID-19 safety guidelines and operating principles in alignment with sport/industry standards, provincial health recommendations, and other events that have safely relaunched. We need you to do your part as well. The COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for the event include the following measures:
EDUCATION
1. COVID-19 Safety Guidelines available on event website, point of registration, volunteer information
2. Participants, staff and volunteers are encouraged to be fully vaccinated
3. A COVID Safety Officer with extensive event experience is appointed for the event
SCREENING AND CONTACT TRACING
1. All athletes, staff and volunteers agree to complete the screening questionnaire before attending the event
2. Participants agree that if they, or someone who is with them, is feeling unwell, they will not attend the event
3. All participants, staff and volunteers are electronically registered for contact tracing and available immediately via phone/text/e-mail in the case immediate contact is required
DENSITY REDUCTION / DISTANCING
1. All venues will now be located outdoors for maximum ventilation
2. Race Check-in/Bib pick-up times have been expanded
3. Event infrastructure will allow for more spacing, one-way traffic flows (ie. tents, porta-potties)
4. More space will be available in the Start Area (with increased space and rolling starts)
5. More space will be available in the Finish Area – participants will be asked to exit immediately
6. Award Ceremonies will not take place in person
7. Participant Gear Check will not be available – please make other arrangements for your gear
ENHANCED HYGIENE
1. Face masks are recommended for all venues outside of competition.
*Face masks are required in all indoor venues including public bathrooms and portable toilets. Participants are encouraged to have a mask with them at all times. If participants wish to wear a mask in the starting area, there will be mask recycling bins available at the starting line where masks can be discarded as they start the race.
2. Self-serve sanitizing stations have been added
3. Hand washing stations have been added
4. Surfaces will be continuously cleaned and sanitized
5. Staff and volunteers will be provided masks and gloves to be used while in athlete-facing areas
6. Touchpoints have been reduced or removed at aid stations and other activities between participants, staff and volunteers
PARTICIPANT SELF-RELIANCE
1. Participants are encouraged to carry hydration and nutrition with them
2. Post race food will include pre-packaged/prepared foods that do not require preparation
For more information on the Banff Marathon COVID-19 Safety Guidelines and COVID-19 SCREENING CHECKLIST please click HERE
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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 all of the participants achieve their goals!
Volunteer and receive the following:
· A commemorative Banff Marathon technical shirt
· Lunch and snacks and a volunteer Bowling Party!
· $3000 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: volunteers@banffmarathon.com
Or click here to sign up for a shift: VOLUNTEER
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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)
- Sport Bag with exclusive sponsor gifts
- Commemorative Banff Marathon 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 make your experience even more memorable...
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Can I Transfer to a Different Distance?
Yes, extended until Saturday, September 11th either by the links below or at race package pick-up!
You can transfer to a different race distance. 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 link below. The transfer fee is $10 (to cover admin costs). By clicking below, you will be directed to a Paypal link - once you have completed the payment, your name will be sent to the registration team who will manually make the transfer to your new distance.
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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.
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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. You will also be rewarded with some great prizes as you reach different fundraising levels. Join Team YWCA - check it out HERE.
The official charity partner of the Banff Marathon is the YWCA Banff. 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:
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First navigate to your participant dashboard via this LINK
- 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
- Once on the registration information for the Banff Marathon, in the lower-right hand portion of the dashboard will be an "Edit Page" option.
- 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.
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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:
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Green Initiatives - Do Your Part
Banff Marathon - The Greenest Marathon on the Planet
Did you know that the Banff Marathon is the world-leader in Sustainability? Each year we divert nearly all waste from the landfill, offset all greenhouse gasses and use green power - grid energy that is certified from renewable sources! We want to keep these and our other sustainability programs thriving. 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…
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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!
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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.
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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!
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FREE TRANSPORTATION!
ROAM AROUND BANFF FOR FREE
The Bow Valley Regional Transit Service is providing free public transit for race participants and their families on Friday to Sunday on race weekend. 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
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FREE Kids Run – Bring your Family to Run!
Saturday, September 11th
Banff Central Park
Registration: Health and Fitness Expo: Friday 2pm-7pm, Saturday 9am-11am
Banff Central Park Registration: 12noon-1:15pm, Run Start: 1:30pm
The Banff Marathon is pleased to offer the free 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
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STATION #1 - Sulphur Mountain!
Experience Banff National Park’s geographical, wilderness and historical treasures along your Banff Marathon trek. Each Aid Station also serves as an interpretive station! If you look to the south from Station #1 you will see Sulphur Mountain! This famous mountain was named in 1916 for the hot springs on its lower slopes, including an area now known as the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, birthplace of Banff National Park and the entire Parks Canada System. One of the earliest pioneers to ascend the heights of Sulphur Mountain was park meteorologist and museum curator Norman Bethune Sanson. Sanson first climbed the mountain on shoeshoes in 1896 in order to record weather observations for the Banff area. In 1903, a meteorological observatory building was completed atop Sanson Peak. This building still exists and visitors can look through a window to see its interior complete will rustic furnishings. On Saturday, July 18, 1959 the Sulphur Mountain Gondola officially opened. It was the first bi-cable gondola in North America and the first gondola of any kind in Canada. Learn more about the interpretive/aid stations and Banff National Park by clicking here:
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