Rita's Run 2026

About the Event

The Rita's Run 2026 is a dedicated community athletic event scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the scenic river valley of Lethbridge, Alberta. Presented by Kinetic Indoor Cycle and Fitness, the run serves as a significant fundraiser for mental health initiatives, with all registration fees treated as donations in the event of a cancellation or non-attendance. The race is inclusive of all ages and abilities, offering professionally timed 5KM and 10KM courses that accommodate both competitive runners and casual walkers. Participants gather at the Elks Compound to navigate the riverside trails, contributing to an atmosphere of wellness and community support.

Race Distance	Start Time	Participant Notes
10KM Run/Walk	9:00 AM MDT	Timed by Sprint Line Events; all ages
5KM Run/Walk	9:05 AM MDT	Stroller-friendly; walkers keep to the back

Lethbridge is the largest city in southern Alberta, situated on the banks of the Oldman River, with a population of approximately 106,500 residents. The city is a major regional hub for agriculture, education, and retail, famously known for the High Level Bridge and its extensive "coulee" river valley system. The demographic profile is approximately 76% White, 7% Indigenous, 4% South Asian, and 4% Filipino, reflecting a diverse and growing population. With a median household income of roughly $82,000 CAD, Lethbridge maintains a high quality of life and a strong focus on community mental health resources. The Elks Compound, where the race starts, provides direct access to the Oldman River valley park system, which features over 200 kilometers of trails through unique badland-like topography.

Registration for Rita’s Run includes a finisher medal and an optional event T-shirt, provided the registration is completed by the April 15 deadline. While the event is stroller-friendly, organizers have a strict "no dogs allowed" policy to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. Race packages can be picked up at Kinetic Indoor Cycle & Fitness on Friday, May 8, or at the race start area on Saturday morning. The event is limited to 300 participants, ensuring a well-managed experience on the trails. Under the leadership of event contact Trisha Perverseff, Rita’s Run continues to be a vital fixture in the Lethbridge social calendar, turning athletic effort into meaningful support for mental health programs.

Races Offered

10KM (NO shirt)

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 10K

terrain

Type — Running

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09:00

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$45.03

10KM (WITH shirt)

May 09, 2026

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Distance — 10K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

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$64.34

5KM (NO shirt)

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

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$34.29

5KM (WITH shirt)

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

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$53.62

5KM Child 12 & Under (NO shirt)

May 09, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

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$23.56

5KM Child 12 & Under (WITH shirt)

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

sell

$42.88

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Lethbridge.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 6.5° / 20.8°

wb_sunny 3.1° / 16.9°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 11.2 /

water_drop 56.0%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 6.5° / 20.8°

wb_sunny 3.1° / 16.9°

air 11.2 km/h

water_drop 56.0%

About Lethbridge

Learn more about the host city, Lethbridge.

Lethbridge is a city in southern Alberta. It is a commercial hub for the many smaller farming and ranching communities in the surrounding area. It is quiet and on the small side, but has a friendly population. The natural beauty of the area is in its starkness. The "coulees" are a valley formed by erosion. The Oldman River runs through this interesting landscape. This valley provides some shelter from the wind, which can be quite strong at almost any time of the year.