Coast Hotels' Guide to nearby Marathons
Are you ready to put your running shoes to the test and conquer a marathon, half marathon or other running events? Or, are you ready to get out there and cheer on friends and family as they tackle the race? Whether you're a seasoned runner, gearing up for your first race, or out there supporting others, there's nothing quite like the energy you feel when surrounded by the running community. Coast Hotels has many hotels located near popular marathons or running events, making sure you can rest easy knowing that comfortable accommodations are close by.
Marathons & Races in Canada
With its vast landscapes stretching from Coast to Coast, Canada offers a variety of opportunities for running enthusiasts to test their endurance, experience stunning scenery and embrace the togetherness of the running community. From urban streets to rugged trails, marathons in Canada cater to every preference and skill level.
Alberta Marathons
In Calgary, The Calgary Marathon Race Weekend is Canada’s longest-running marathon and Alberta’s Best Road Race. You can choose from a variety of distances from a 60km ultra race to a 42.2km marathon, 21.1km half marathon, 10km race or a five km walk/run. They even have a kid's marathon for those with a need for speed. It takes place in May each year and is a certified Boston Marathon Qualifier. If you plan on being in town for the race and you’re looking for a place to stay for the weekend, Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA is less than five km from the start line, making your race weekend seamless.
In Edmonton, the Edmonton Marathon takes place in August. You can choose from a five km fun run and walk, army 10km, half marathon or marathon events. They also have a one km kids fun run/walk so the whole family can enjoy together. This is also a Boston Marathon qualifier event. The start and finish line is just down the road from Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA. It’s less than a five-minute drive and less than a 20-minute walk making your Edmonton marathon weekend a breeze.
If trail running and pushing your limits is what you’re after, you should check out Hinton’s Run in the Rockies, Canmore’s Rocky Mountain Half Marathon or Lethbridge’s Lost Soul Ultra. Hinton’s Run in the Rockies is a challenging autumn trail race with beautiful scenery and features a five km, 10km or half marathon. Taking place in September, the start and finish line is less than a 20-minute drive from Coast Hinton Hotel. Canmore’s Rocky Mountain Half Marathon event also takes place in September and features stunning views of mountain scenery, following a beautiful route through woodlands, beside mountain streams and through a historic mine site. The start and finish line is only a five-minute drive from Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre making your race weekend as stress-free as possible. Lethbridge’s Lost Soul Ultra is a race weekend for the extreme and is not for the faint of heart. The Lost Soul Ultra spans two days on the weekend following Labour Day in September, featuring three events: a 100-mile (33 hours), 100km (21 hours), and 50km (11 hours) race. Coast Lethbridge Hotel & Conference Centre is located less than a 10-minute drive from Lost Soul Ultra’s start and finish line which you’ll be thankful for after pushing your body to the extreme.
British Columbia Marathons
If you missed BMO’s Vancouver Marathon in early May, there is always Vancouver Historic Half, which takes place each November. Starting and finishing in Vancouver’s stunning Stanley Park, makes this running event one for the books. With views of the city, northern mountains and Lion’s Gate Bridge, it is an undeniably beautiful course. What makes the location of this event even better is its proximity to Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA. Our downtown Vancouver hotel is within walking distance or less than a five-minute drive to the race, making it an ideal place to stay.
Similar to Lethbridge’s Lost Soul Ultra, Revelstoke’s Transelkirks Run is an epic race weekend for those extreme athletes who like to push their bodies to the limits. The Transelkirks Run, held over two days in August, offers stunning alpine views and extreme elevation gain across multi-day races of 25km, 50km, 55km or 100km. Coast Hillcrest Hotel is located just a 15-minute drive from the Gondola that takes you to the start line for the Transelkirks Run. After running this event, you’ll want to make sure your cozy and relaxing accommodations are close by!
Kelowna and Oliver/Osoyoos’ marathons will leave you “wining” for more. Kelowna’s Wine Country Half Marathon features five km, 10km, and half marathon events in June 15. The running trail has scenic views among vineyards and picturesque Kelowna. It finishes beside the lake at the beautiful downtown waterfront where the Wine, Beer, Cider & Music Festival is located creating the best finish line a person can ask for. Coast Capri Hotel, located only 10 minutes from the starting point of the half marathon, provides the perfect accommodations for your race weekend. Oliver and Osoyoos’ Half Corked Marathon in late May entails exactly what you might think it would. While weaving through vineyards, valleys and along sections of the Okanagan River, you’ll be met with winery stations dotting the route with the opportunity to enjoy samples during your run. Coast Oliver Hotel or Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel are both offer great proximity to this unique and fun-filled half-marathon event.
British Columbia’s stunning coastal areas make for beautiful marathon events. The Royal Victoria Marathon on Vancouver Island in Victoria and The Coaster Marathon on the Sunshine Coast in Sechelt are epic running weekends you don’t want to miss.The Royal Victoria Marathon, held on Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in October, features a full weekend of activities including a Race Expo, a 5km race, Thrifty Foods Kids Run, as well as the marathon, half marathon, and 8km races. This event is also a certified Boston Marathon qualifier.The Coaster Marathon takes place in June and explores the beautiful trails of West Sechelt winding through epic coastal forests and across creeks. With Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA’s and The Oceanside, a Coast Hotel’s cozy accommodations close by to each of these marathon events, you’ll thoroughly enjoy your race weekend.
Marathons & Races in the U.S.
The United States offers a diverse selection of marathons, each unique in its terrain, scenery and atmosphere. From the rugged coastline of California to the vibrant cities of Washington and the remoteness of Alaska, runners can find a variety of races that cater to all skill levels.
California and Washington
On the West Coast of the United States, runners can enjoy the Santa Barbara Half Marathon in November. and the Seattle Marathon in June. The Santa Barbara Half Marathon course highlights two world-renowned roads on the American Riviera - Cabrillo Blvd and State Street. As a bonus, The West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel is located less than a mile from the half marathon’s start and finish line, making it the perfect and most convenient place to stay for Santa Barbara’s half marathon. The Seattle Marathon offers 5km, 10km, combo, and half marathon events with iconic views of Lake Washington and Mt. Rainier. If your running buddy is your furry friend, dogs are also welcome! The start and finish line are only a 20-minute drive from Coast Gateway Hotel, conveniently located at SeaTac airport. We offer pet-friendly accommodations, ensuring a stress-free weekend so you can focus on your run.
Alaska Marathon
Looking at the northernmost State in the United States, you can find a longstanding marathon event featuring rugged terrain. Alaska's Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon celebrates over 50 years in June, attracting runners from all over the world as a summer solstice tradition. Coast Inn at Lake Hood is perfectly located in the middle of the marathon’s start and finish line. Only a 12-minute drive from the start line and less than a 10-minute drive from its finish line, making your life as stress-free as possible during race weekend.
After spending a weekend away running in, or spectating at marathon events, you’ll want to ensure your accommodations are close by, comfortable, welcoming and relaxing. Unwind in the welcoming embrace of Coast Hotels, where your comfort, relaxation and exceptional travel experiences are our top priorities, allowing you to focus on your race weekend.