2026 Banff Jasper Relay

The 2026 Banff Jasper Relay takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM MDT from Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada – running the most beautiful relay in the world from Castle Mountain Junction to Jasper through Banff and Jasper National Parks along the world-famous Bow Valley and Icefields Parkways. Teams of 6, 9, or 15 runners can choose from relay distances of 105km (6-person "South 6"), 155km (9-person "North 9"), or 260km (15-person relay).

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• Team Registration Process: Team captains create a team during registration and complete their own payment. Team members then join the existing team and register individually under the same sub-event. Each runner must complete their own registration and waiver.
• Team Ultra Option – Smaller Teams Welcome: Teams registered in the 15-person, 9-person, or 6-person divisions may complete the relay with fewer runners, as participants are welcome to run more than one leg. For example, 3 runners can cover the 6-person division, or 5 runners can cover the 9-person team. Teams are scored within their registered division; no separate categories are created based on number of runners.
• Captain's Meeting: All team captains must attend the mandatory meeting on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Locations: South 6 & Original 15 teams at Lake Louise Inn (Wilson Room); North 9 teams at Vicious Cycle (614C Connaught Drive, Jasper). Gear, race bibs, and last-minute course and wildlife updates are provided at this meeting.
• Inclusions: Finisher medals for all runners, event T-shirts (guaranteed if registered by team deadline), post-race banquet and celebration in Jasper, official race support and logistics (including bus transportation for designated stages), and access to Captain's Manual and Volunteer Guide.
• Post-Race Celebration: A post-race party in Jasper includes dinner, awards ceremony, music, and fun. Dinner is served from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Tickets for non-runners (friends and family of participants) are available at the door. Children under 12 eat at no cost. The event is not open to the public. Jasper Brewing Co. donates beer for the event.
• Cancellation Policy: All payments are non-refundable, regardless of withdrawal, injury, or cancellation.
• Parks Canada & Wildlife Protocol: Due to the natural environment of Banff and Jasper National Parks, wildlife activity may occur. Organizers reserve the right to delay the start, hold participants on course, alter or shorten the route, or cancel stages/event under the Event Wildlife Interaction Response Plan. No refunds are issued in these circumstances.
• Air Quality & Wildfire Smoke Protocol: Conditions are monitored using the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and Parks Canada advisories. If air quality poses a safety risk (AQHI 7 or above), organizers may delay, shorten, suspend, or cancel the event. No refunds or deferrals are issued; participant merchandise is mailed to team captains in case of full cancellation.
• Fundraising: The event supports the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, Girls Forward, and Jasper Community Team Society, with CA$2,670.24 raised toward a CA$50,000 goal.
• Roster Management: Team rosters must be completed three weeks before the race to guarantee participant merchandise. Changes to rosters or distances can be made until the posted registration deadline.

Route and Atmosphere:

• Scenic Highlights: Spectacular mountain scenery through Banff and Jasper National Parks along the world-famous Bow Valley Parkway and Icefields Parkway – described as the most beautiful relay in the world.
• Course Features: One-of-a-kind relays winding through two Canadian Rocky Mountain national parks, with fully supported stages and bus transportation for designated legs.
• Team Adventure: A full-day team adventure that brings together runners of all abilities for an unforgettable relay experience.
• Team Categories: Awards are presented by team category, celebrating the achievements of teams across all divisions.
• Post-Race Atmosphere: An epic party in Jasper with dinner, awards, music, and celebration – included with registration.
• Community & Charity: Participants can also register as fundraisers only (free registration) to support the event's charity partners without running.
• Spectator & Crew Experience: The point-to-point relay format offers multiple exchange zones along the Icefields Parkway, with the finish line celebration in Jasper as a gathering point for all teams.

The 2026 Banff Jasper Relay invites teams of 6, 9, or 15 runners to experience the most beautiful relay in the world – from Lake Louise to Jasper through Banff and Jasper National Parks – a full-day mountain adventure with finish line celebration included.