Record-breaking 17,280 runners lace up for Calgary Marathon

A record number of participants laced up their sneakers, pinned on race bibs and sped through the city during the Calgary Marathon weekend.

Approximately 17,280 runners hit the streets for the races — about 17 per cent more than the previous record of 14,750 from 2014.

"The energy from the city and the number of participants, I've never seen anything like it," said Kirsten Fleming, executive director of the Calgary Marathon Society.

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"People are seemingly embracing running and all that comes with it more than I've ever seen in my 12 years of doing this."

This year's event also marked the first time races were held over two days, with 5K and 10K races held on Saturday. The full 42.2-kilometre marathon and 21.1-kilometre half marathon followed on Sunday. Kids' races took place on both days. 

Fleming also said turnout from supporters reached an "unprecedented" high, with fans lined up "five deep" on some parts of the course to cheer on passing runners.

Kip Kangogo from Lethbridge ran the fastest time in the men's full marathon, clocking in a chip time of 2:28:42.

In the women's event, Kelly Challinor from Kelowna placed first with a chip time of 2:52:05. 

Jessica Van Schothorst, a runner and right leg amputee, missed the time goal she set for herself in the half marathon, but still managed a personal best.

"I was put in the position where I couldn't run for many years," she said. "To be able to step foot on the 21-kilometre [finish line] this morning was incredible. I cried probably a good percentage of that race."

"Even despite all the complications that I do face over the years, I get to do this."

Approximately 3,200 first-time full and half marathon runners signed up to race on Sunday. 

Kristen Harder ran the Calgary Marathon's 21.1-kilometre race for the second time.

"I can tell there were a lot more runners this year, which was awesome. It was always good energy, love the music and everybody shows out to cheer you on," she said.

Harder said she finished the half marathon with a chip time of 2:20:48.

"Probably gonna go lay on the couch and watch TV all day," she said when asked how she would celebrate.

Some road closures and parking bans were in effect Sunday to accommodate the races, including on Memorial Drive N.W. between 10th Street N.W. and Kensington Road N.W. 

More runners will hit the streets and trails in the coming weeks. The Calgary Marathon has also organized a virtual race, where runners can take on any distance, anywhere at any time over the next 30 days to raise money for the participant's charity of choice. 

The virtual race window runs from May 26 to June 22.