
Calgary, Canada · Sunday 24 May 2026
The Calgary Marathon is recognized as the longest running marathon in Canada, first established in 1963. It originated when Doug Kyle, Canada's fastest runner at the time and an Olympian, decided to create the event to bring the 1964 Olympic marathon trials to Calgary, shifting the typical location from Ontario to Western Canada. The inaugural race, held on August 10, 1963, saw 19 male participants start at Glenmore Stadium, with only 12 finishing the challenging course, emphasizing the difficul
Adjusted Time
3:58:24
Time difference: -1.6 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Calgary Marathon is a full marathon held in Calgary, Canada, scheduled for Sunday 24 May 2026. The course is run on road surface with 133m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 1071m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Calgary Marathon website.
With 133m of elevation gain, this is a moderately undulating course. The route ranges from 1037m to 1071m above sea level (34m total range). While not completely flat, the elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't significantly impact pacing strategy.
Based on historical weather data for May, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Moderate temperatures between 10°C and 22°C are expected. While comfortable for most runners, those targeting fast times should pay attention to hydration, as these temperatures can impact performance over the full distance. There is a low chance of rain (4%), so dry conditions are likely.
Calgary Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
Our difficulty rating for Calgary Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Calgary Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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