2026 Red Deer Marathon
The Woody’s RV World Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. This 26th edition of the event features a mixed-terrain course that weaves through the city's urban road segments, paved pathways, and scenic river trails. Participants can expect typical mid-May weather in Red Deer, which often includes mild temperatures but can be variable, making preparation for changing conditions essential. The race offers a unique running experience centered around the Red Deer River, characterized by winding paths, rolling terrain, and a blend of park and road environments.
What race distances are available?
- →Full Marathon (42.2 km)
- →Half Marathon (21.1 km)
- →10K
What is the course profile and terrain like?
The event is a mixed-terrain race rather than a pure road race. It features a combination of paved roads, park pathways, and river trails. Runners should expect:
- →Winding paths and frequent turns
- →Rolling elevation changes
- →A hybrid feel between road running and trail running
- →Scenic sections including the 67th Street Bridge, Three Mile Bend Park, Discovery Canyon, Kerrywood Nature Reserve, and the Waskasoo Trail system
Can I use this race to qualify for the Boston Marathon?
No, this event is not a Boston Qualifier due to recent course changes.
What can runners expect from the Full Marathon course?
The Full Marathon utilizes a two-loop format with extended river trail sections. The route includes:
- →A start via 55th St and 45th Ave, crossing the 67th St Bridge to the North Bank Trail.
- →Segments through Three Mile Bend, Discovery Canyon, and the Riverbend Loop.
- →A crossing at the 49th Ave Bridge to the South Bank Trail, passing through the Parkland area and Kerrywood.
- →A north loop via Mackenzie Trails before returning over the 67th St Bridge.
- →A final stretch via the Waskasoo Trail and a climb up Michener (Ash) Hill to the finish.
The course is considered long and mentally demanding due to the repetition and rolling elevation, specifically a hill near the finish.
What is the layout of the Half Marathon?
The Half Marathon is a single-loop version of the marathon route. It follows the same opening path through the North Bank Trail, Three Mile Bend, Discovery Canyon, and the Riverbend Loop. After crossing the 49th Ave Bridge to the South Bank Trail, runners finish via the Waskasoo Trail and must navigate the incline of Ash Hill.
How is the 10K course structured?
The 10K is a shorter loop that mixes roads and river trails. The route includes:
- →55th St and 45th Ave
- →The Mackenzie Ponds loop
- →The 67th St Bridge and North Bank Trail
- →A crossing at the 49th Ave Bridge to the South Bank Trail
- →A finish via the Waskasoo Trail and Ash Hill
Who is this event best suited for?
This event is ideal for:
- →Runners seeking a scenic experience
- →Participants looking for a training race
- →Runners who prefer variety and changing terrain over flat, fast courses
This event may be less ideal for:
- →Runners aiming for Personal Bests (PB) or Personal Records (PR) due to the technical turns, terrain changes, and elevation.