Canmore, Alberta. Canmore Nordic Centre. World‑class singletrack in the heart of Kananaskis. The 5 Peaks Trail Running Series returns on Saturday, June 6, 2026, starting at 8:30 AM MDT. Choose Sport (~7 km), Enduro (~16 km), or Grit (~22 km). Plus a 3 km kids timed event and a free 1 km kids event. Medals and finisher swag not included in registration — available for pre‑purchase at checkout. Proceeds support MitoCanada Foundation. Central Alberta's second event in the 5 Peaks series.
Grit Course (~22 km)
Saturday, June 6, 8:30 AM start • Longest distance • Challenging terrain
Enduro Course (~16 km)
Intermediate distance • Mix of single and double track
Sport Course (~7 km)
Shorter distance • Perfect for beginners
3 km Kids Timed Event
For young runners who want a timed race
1 km Kids Event (Free)
Untimed, fun run for children
Location — Canmore Nordic Centre, Canmore, Alberta:
- Canmore Nordic Centre is a world‑class cross‑country skiing and mountain biking venue, built for the 1988 Winter Olympics
- Located in the Rocky Mountains, about 15 minutes east of Banff, 1 hour west of Calgary
- The trail network features singletrack, doubletrack, and ski trails — dry, fast, and well‑drained in June
- Stunning views of the Three Sisters, Mount Rundle, and the Bow Valley
- Start/finish area at the Nordic Centre day lodge (Olympic Way, Canmore)
Course Details — Grit, Enduro, Sport:
- All courses use a mix of singletrack and doubletrack trails in the Canmore Nordic Centre trail system
- Grit (~22 km) — the longest and most challenging, with significant elevation gain (not specified — check event website)
- Enduro (~16 km) — intermediate, suitable for experienced trail runners
- Sport (~7 km) — shorter, good for beginners or those looking for a faster pace
- Well‑marked courses with aid stations, marshals, and medical support
Kids Events — 3 km Timed and 1 km Free:
- 3 km kids timed event — chip timed, for children who want a competitive experience
- 1 km kids event — free, untimed, fun run. Open to all children (parental accompaniment recommended for younger kids)
- All kids finishers receive a medal? Not specified — check event website
Medals and Swag — Not Included, Pre‑Purchase Available:
- Individual race registration does NOT include medals or 5 Peaks finisher swag
- Medals and swag can be pre‑purchased at an additional cost during registration (while supplies last)
- This is unusual for a trail series — check the website to see what's included (likely just a race bib and timing)
What's Included (Base Registration):
- Chip timing (net time)
- Race bib
- Aid stations on course (water, electrolyte, basic snacks)
- Medical support on course
- Post‑race refreshments (likely)
- Finisher medal? Only if pre‑purchased
- Event shirt? Only if pre‑purchased
Charity Partner — MitoCanada Foundation:
- MitoCanada raises awareness and funds for mitochondrial disease research and patient support
- Fundraising goal: CA$462 raised (90% of goal) — almost met
- Donations accepted during registration
Logistics — Registration Closes Soon:
- Online registration closes Wednesday, June 3, 2026 (last‑minute pricing)
- Race day registration available (cash only) — higher fees
- Parking at Canmore Nordic Centre (arrive early — limited spaces, pay parking may apply)
- Public transport: Roam Transit (Route 5) from Canmore town centre to the Nordic Centre
- Bib pickup: race morning at the Nordic Centre (check event website for exact times)
- No refunds? Check 5 Peaks cancellation policy
- No dogs allowed on the trails (Canmore Nordic Centre rules)
- Strollers not recommended on singletrack trails — but fine for the 1 km kids event
What to Bring:
- Trail running shoes (grippy soles recommended)
- Hydration pack or handheld bottle (aid stations are spaced out)
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (high altitude sun)
- Bear spray (recommended — Canmore is in bear country, though the Nordic Centre is heavily trafficked)
- Cash for race day registration (if needed)
- Warm layers (mountain weather can change quickly — even in June)
Nearby Attractions (post‑race — make a weekend of it):
- Canmore town centre — restaurants, breweries (Grizzly Paw), shops, and the Canmore Museum
- Banff National Park (15 minutes west) — Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, and the Banff townsite
- Grassi Lakes — short, family‑friendly hike with turquoise lakes and waterfall
- Ha Ling Peak — strenuous hike with panoramic views of Canmore and the Bow Valley
- Canmore Nordic Centre — stay after the race to mountain bike or hike the trails
Series Information — 5 Peaks Trail Running Series:
- 5 Peaks is a national trail running series with events in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario
- This is the second event in the Central Alberta series
- Other Central Alberta events: check the 5 Peaks website
- Join the 5 Peaks Central Alberta series Facebook group for up‑to‑date news and last‑minute race details
Contact: 5 Peaks Trail Running Series — website available.
