YMCA River Run

Medicine Hat, Alberta. 42 years of community running. The YMCA River Run returns on Saturday, June 20, 2026, starting at 150 Ash Ave SE. Choose 21.1 km half marathon (7:30 AM start, 3 hour limit), 10 km (8:00 AM, 2 hour limit), 5 km (8:20 AM), or 3 km (8:30 AM). All routes use city pathway systems with limited road crossings. Prize medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Youth (17 & under), Adult (18‑59), and Senior (60+). Presented by Cancarb. Supports the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign and Connect Campaign — ensuring no one is turned away due to financial difficulty.

Location — Medicine Hat, Alberta:

• Medicine Hat is a city in southeastern Alberta, known as "The Hat" and "The Gas City" (for its natural gas reserves)
• Start/Finish at 150 Ash Ave SE — near the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta and the South Saskatchewan River
• Courses utilize the city's extensive pathway system along the river valley, with limited road crossings
• Scenic views of the South Saskatchewan River, treed parks, and the Medicine Hat skyline

42nd Annual — A Long‑Standing Community Tradition:

• First held in 1985 (assuming 2026 is the 42nd edition)
• Presented by Cancarb (title sponsor for many years)
• Proceeds support YMCA of Southeastern Alberta programs and services, including the Connect Campaign and Strong Kids Campaign

YMCA Strong Kids Campaign — No One Turned Away:

• The YMCA is committed to ensuring equitable access to programs regardless of financial situation
• Strong Kids Campaign raises funds to eliminate financial barriers for families who cannot afford YMCA memberships, childcare, summer camps, swimming lessons, and leadership programs
• Donations accepted year‑round; charitable tax receipts for contributions of $20 and up
• Your registration supports summer camps, youth leadership programs, swimming lessons, senior memberships, and more

What's Included:

• Chip timing
• Prize medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each distance/age category
• Participant package (bib, shirt, etc. — shirt guaranteed for early registrations)
• Aid stations along the course (water, electrolyte)
• Medical support on course
• Post‑race refreshments
• Family‑friendly atmosphere (open to all ages and abilities)

Awards — Prize Medals per Category:

• Youth (17 & under) — 1st, 2nd, 3rd for each distance (half, 10k, 5k, 3k)
• Adult (18‑59) — 1st, 2nd, 3rd for each distance
• Senior (60+) — 1st, 2nd, 3rd for each distance
• Placement medals awarded immediately following verification of results

Schedule — Saturday, June 20, 2026:

• 7:30 AM — Half Marathon start
• 8:00 AM — 10 km start
• 8:20 AM — 5 km start
• 8:30 AM — 3 km start
• Bib pickup: Friday, June 19, 4:00 PM (location TBD — check event website)
• Registration deadline: Wednesday, June 17 at 8:00 PM (no refunds after June 13)

Pricing — Extra Early Bird Available (until April 5):

• Youth (17 & under): $20 extra early bird, $25 early bird, $30 regular
• Adult (18‑59): $35 / $40 / $45
• Senior (60+): $25 / $30 / $35
• Plus processing fees

Logistics:

• Parking available near the YMCA and surrounding streets (arrive early — limited spaces)
• Public transport: Medicine Hat Transit serves the area
• No refunds after June 13 (rain or shine event)
• No dogs allowed on course (likely — check with organizer)
• Strollers allowed in 3 km and 5 km (start at the back)

Sponsors: Cancarb (Presenting), Scotia Wealth, WILD 94.5, My 96, Stringam Law, Waste Connections, Pritchard & Co, IGA, Nutters.

Contact: YMCA Events Committee via Race Roster.