Back for its seventh year, the Fort McMurray Marathon is a community-focused race open to people of all ages and skill levels. Get ready to lace up and test yourself on the course.

Join hundreds of other runners for a day of fitness and fun on Sunday, September 15th at MacDonald Island Park. The Fort McMurray Marathon is organized by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and the Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo and enjoys strong support from the local running community. Every year, it attracts more runners from all across Canada and continues to elevate Fort McMurray’s standing in the racing world.

The very first Fort McMurray Marathon was held in 2012 and was, for the first several years, known as the Fort McMurray Half Marathon. It quickly became a landmark event and, thanks to continued growth and popularity, a full, 42.2 km marathon race was added and held for the first time last year. This year marks only the second time that the event is known as the Fort McMurray Marathon and 2019 promises to be the best and biggest race yet.

Created for runners of all backgrounds and athletic abilities, the Fort McMurray Marathon continues to offer courses for everyone. There are six different race distances to choose from, allowing runners to pick a distance they are comfortable with and to challenge themselves to a longer distance year after year.

Shorter distances at the Fort McMurray Marathon include the Inter Pipeline 3 km run that goes through the Total Aboriginal Interpretive Trail, the Noral Toyota 5 km run that goes through the Total Aboriginal Interpretive Trail and onto MacDonald Island Drive, and the ATB Financial 10 km run that takes runners partly into the Thickwood Trail system.

The Fort McMurray Marathon also includes a children’s course for the little ones. Known as the Inter Pipeline Kid’s Fun Run, this course is free for children under eight and follows a 1 km route through the Total Aboriginal Interpretive Trail.

Once the longest race of the event, the ATB Financial Half Marathon follows a 21.1 km route through the city and the Thickwood Trail system. The ATB Financial full 42.2 km marathon likewise goes through the city and the Thickwood Trail system, before continuing on the Birchwood Trails.

The marathon course was very well received in 2018 and regarded highly for the scenic beauty of the trail systems it follows. Runners also noted that the course was no walk in the park, largely because it consists of long sections of rolling hills. For experienced runners that are looking to push their limits, this is the race to do it.

Though it may be a race, the Fort McMurray Marathon is ultimately all about having fun and encouraging people to get active. The day-long festivities also include food, music, family-friendly activities, prizes, and more. It is an important event for the Wood Buffalo community, attracting runners and spectators and helping to grow the tourism industry. Test your skills and endurance by taking part this year or come and show your support as a spectator.