Melissa's Road Race

05/20/2026

Official Race Shirt Unveiled!

Today, Melissa’s Road Race revealed the Official Race Shirt of the 2026 event.

And it is a beauty!

This long sleeve technical running shirt features the official artwork commissioned for the race from artist K. Neil Swanson who portrays some of the amazing sights participants enjoy along the north end of town with Mount Norquay, Mount Brewster, local wildlife, and many other landmarks. The shirt colour is “alexandrite” – a beautiful mix of green and blue representing the natural surroundings of the forest, water and skies of Banff National Park.

Since 1979, Melissa’s Road Race has been famous for their long sleeve race shirts that feature beautiful locally-connected art that many participants have worn proudly in the race, and collected for years!

We want you to have this shirt. Please register soon. Very few spots remain for the event on September 26th in beautiful Banff National Park.

The Tradition Continues - Melissa’s Road Race is one of Canada’s most historic and popular running events and takes place on September 26th, 2026. Melissa’s features a 5k, 10k and Half Marathon on sensationally scenic routes in and around Banff National Park and routinely sells out. Since 1979...

05/13/2026

NEED A GREAT PLACE TO STAY?

The Official Host Hotels of Melissa's Road Race is Basecamp Resorts!

Basecamp Resorts provides memorable accommodations in Western Canada’s most spectacular mountain destinations. Melissa's Road Race participants receive a special race rate.

Use promo code ROAD to make your reservation at any of the Canmore properties, as well as Basecamp Suites Banff.

Basecamp Resorts has one property in Banff and six in Canmore. Many Melissa’s participants stay in Canmore which is a short 15-20 minute beautiful drive to Banff. Local transit is also available between Canmore and Banff.

Book Now!
www.basecampresorts.com

05/12/2026

Less Than 500 Spots!

The countdown is on ⏳

As the running season moves into full gear, we are getting very excited for the legendary fall classic in Banff National Park. We are down to less than 500 total spots left for the event which means the sell-out is coming very soon. Please sign up soon if you plan to join all the fun this September - we hate turning people away when it sells out, it makes us sad.

Since 1979, Melissa’s has been described as a colourful display of sport and fun in Banff National Park - famous for its entertainment along the course, contagious spirit, post-run party and long-sleeved commemorative running shirt featuring local art.

Features include:
• Saturday Race – Enjoy Banff after your run!
• Post Race Festival and Beer Gardens
• Live music before the race, on course, and after your run!
• Other activities include shake-out runs, mass warm-up, yoga, entertainers, vendors, & more
• Amazing Cheer Stations along the route
• Famous Long Sleeved Technical Shirts
• Post Race Beverage Included
• Choose from spectacular 5K, 10K and Half Marathon Courses

And everything else that beautiful Banff has to offer!

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Don't Miss Out!

www.melissasroadrace.com

05/11/2026

Cannot Wait! 💜 🎉 🍻

Banff, consider this your teaser... A fresh brew is coming soon.

Any guesses?! 👀🍻

05/08/2026

Calgary Same-Day Shuttles Announced!

Take a load off! No driving, no parking issues and no worries.
Melissa’s Road Race is excited to announce a direct same-day shuttle system from Calgary for race participants, friends and family.

Melissa’s Road Race, in partnership with Vivo Green Calgary Shuttles, will offer a number of direct shuttles to/from Banff on race day with a 40% discount on already-low shuttle fares. This partnership will align with the event’s Sustainability and Responsibility Transportation Plans with the aim of lowering green house gas emissions and reducing traffic congestion in Banff. A special dedicated shuttle stop has been added for drop-off/pick-up at Central Park, just a short walk to the race site.

Here are the details:

- Shuttles depart/return from Calgary at Crowfoot LRT Station*
- Calgary Departure times of 6:00am and 7:00am available on race day
- Approximate travel time is 90 – 105 minutes
- Multiple Return times available from Banff from 12:30pm to 9:30pm
- Eligible Dates: September 25th- 27th, 2026
- How to Book:
- At Checkout, Use the 40% Discount Code: MRR2026
- For Travel to Banff, Select destination: “Banff Town - General Stop (Commercial…)”
- Book HERE: https://vivogreentravel.zaui.net/booking/web/ #/default/p2p

* For the Calgary Crowfoot LRT Station Pickup, please proceed to the Scenic Acres Parade Parking Lot #1, at the “On-It” or “Vivo Green” Bus signs.

05/04/2026

Medal Design Released!



A sneak peak of your 2026 Medal by Artist K. Neil Swanson 🎨

If you fancy this gorgeous medal, a mountain escape to Banff, and a fun run festival, join in now before it's too late ⏳️

Saturday, September 26th, 2026

www.melissasroadrace.ca

04/21/2026

Melissa's Road Race Celebrates Earth Day!

The theme this Earth Day is...

"Our Power, Our Planet" 🌎

Melissa’s sustainability programs require a high level of leadership, coordination, and financial resources - and could not be implemented without a high level of commitment, paid staff, contractors, suppliers, and volunteer efforts.

Learn how you can do your part:

www.melissasroadrace.com/sustainability

04/17/2026

Official 2026 Artwork Released!

We are excited to release the official artwork for the 2026 race – and it is amazing!

Melissa’s is famous for the beautiful artwork worn proudly by the runners on the famous long sleeve shirts. Each year an artist is selected with a connection to Banff and the artwork is commissioned for the race.

Artist K. Neil Swanson, a Banff Canada House Gallery featured artist, is known for his “talking trees”, and has brought a full-blown colour palette, honouring the beauty of fall in the Rockies for the 2026 Melissa’s Road Race. The artwork portrays some of the amazing sights participants enjoy along the north end of town with Mount Norquay and Mount Brewster and many other landmarks to take in. Wild roses in the foreground, along with elk frequently seen in the area, complete the vista.

The artwork will be featured on the long sleeve technical race shirt, race bib, and Finisher’s Medal.

Do you need this race shirt?

If so, register soon – there are less than 500 total spots remaining across all distances for the event!

www.melissasroadrace.ca

04/10/2026

Happy Siblings Day ✨️

Who's coming with their "built-in-best-friend" or chosen BFF?

If you've yet to secure your entry - the spots are nearly gone. ACT NOW.



www.melissasroadrace.ca

03/27/2026

There’s nothing better than running Melissa’s Road Race with friends!

Round up your crew and make it a weekend to remember ✨️

Spots are nearly full across the board ⏳️
Choose from stunning 5K, 10K and Half Marathon courses.

SATURDAY, September 26th

www.melissasroadrace.ca 🇨🇦