My friend and I originally signed up to run the Banff Half Marathon in June of 2020. As we are all well aware, the world shut down a few months prior and the Banff Marathon did not happen in-person in 2020. After some back and forth communication with event organizers, my friend and I were able to defer our registrations. I mean, this was definitely the right thing to do because we were not even permitted in the country and, as another reviewer has already posted, running around my neighborhood for a virtual race was simply not the same as running around beautiful, gorgeous Banff. Go forward two years and my friend and I finally got to participate in this event, in person and in Banff! Yes, we originally signed up for the Banff Half Marathon but ended up dropping down to the 10K which was a wise choice considering our training levels. We stayed at a hotel very close to both packet pick up and the start line so there were no worries there. I was a little disappointed by the "Race Expo," as it was basically nonexistent. The morning of the race, however, I was so surprised at how many people were participating in this event! I loved it! The energy was great and the views were spectacular. I actually enjoyed every minute of the run - shocking for me!!! When we crossed the finish line, there was so definite confusion with our medals because we had dropped down to the shorter race and, well, I'm not entirely sure why. We were able to get a medal after some explaining. The post-race area was crowded and there was one woman who left a very sour taste in my mouth as she screamed at my friend and I to keep walking - completely unnecessary. The event wasn't perfect and came with several hiccups but what a perfect "excuse" to get up to Banff. I would love to run this race again, perhaps a longer option, for the views and another opportunity to visit beautiful Banff! I am aware organizing races is no easy feat so thank you to the organizers for many, many years of hard work and organizing! read more

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I honestly had zero doubt in my mind I'd be leaving a 5 star review for this marathon, unfortunately covid hit and everything changed. Being a US registered runner I can't even get into Canada if I tried. I wanted so badly to participate in this marathon this summer but it was canceled and turned into a virtual, which I deeply despised. Being a runner from Los Angeles and having just run the LA Marathon taking to my regular neighborhood streets for 26.2 miles is not an easy task without street closures. I knew this was totally out of the question when it occurred. I had also just recently broken my foot so I was somewhat less concerned with the race being canceled and more concerned with we weren't going to be refunded at all. By race day (or race week I think it turned into) I was healed up enough to get out and run the 10K portion, I probably could have even done the half mary but didn't push it in June since I was just healing up from the broken foot. My t-shirt and medal arrived which I will not display with my others because I really don't see the point in a Banff marathon shirt or medal when I literally ran around my neighbohood and uploaded those results on my freshly healed broken foot. As a recreational marathoner I'm really trying to come around to the idea of these virtual races but they just aren't exactly my style. Banff says they will offer a 50% off promo code to put towards next years marathon, but I feel the keeping our full payment without a deferral for a t-shirt and medal that is literally garbage to me, to run around my own neighborhood is just not at all cool. Parts of this area near the National Park are now opening and they continue to promote and encourage coming out to run the course and even gifted prizes for the area but they really aren't thinking as a global buisness/organization. That's all peachy for their local runners but if registration was open to those outside of Canada who can't cross their borders it's all pointless to me. Obviously I was able to cancel my hotel, but like most runners who have out of state/city/country marathons we are dealing with the loss of our flights with airlines, car rentals, hotels and more. Hoping this all clears up in time for 2021's race and as much as I was upset with not receiving a refund and only a promised 50% off of next years race I will probably register with it and pay again to run this marathon because it looks absolutely right up my alley and gorgeous. Congrats to all who participated in the virtual, hope to see you at the start line in 2021! read more

This race takes place in mid June. Besides the marathon, they also offer shorter distances, a 10k and half marathon. The race is well organized and offers a lot for your eyes to see during the foot race. The race expo takes place at The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. It was a small expo. There were some vendors as well as booths offering information about where to visit and important tips when visiting the national parks. The course started near Central Park in Banff and took us past the Vermilion Lakes over to the Bow Valley Parkway (1A) where we ran a long out-and-back. A lot of the scenery was incredible and awesome to see. I definitely had to resist stopping to take more pictures. The final race instructions even cautioned against stopping for photos during narrow spots on the course or risk disqualification. Part of the race entry fee was complimentary admission into the Banff Park Museum after the race. Some of the displays were pretty neat to look at as some of them were hundreds of years old! read more

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