(Fort McMurray, AB, June 14 2021) – The Fort McMurray Marathon Organizing Committee is pleased to announce that the 2021 Fort McMurray Marathon will be presented as a hybrid event this year, with options for virtual or in-person participation.

Since 2012, runners from Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo and beyond have participated in the annual Fort McMurray Marathon at the end of September. In 2020, the event was cancelled due to COVID-19 provincial restrictions; in 2021, the race will be presented as a hybrid event with an in-person race day on September 26, 2021 or an opportunity to participate in a virtual run from September 11-24, 2021.

“This change is similar to many other Canadian marathons, which have also moved to a hybrid format to provide runners with options for participation and ensure their needs and comfort levels are met, while still providing the opportunity to enjoy the marathon experience and push for personal achievement goals,” said Alexis Tallon, Fort McMurray Marathon Organizing Committee Chair. She added: “While the 2021 Fort McMurray Marathon experience might be different from past years, it honours the history and legacy of a local race that has continued to grow and push for improvement, much like the many participants who have embraced the event on an annual basis.”

Participants will have the opportunity to register and participate in the full marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k and 3k distances. At the current time, the Organizing Committee is also planning to host the ever-popular and fan favourite Kid’s Fun Run as an in-person event on race day (September 26).

“The Fort McMurray Marathon has a proud history of encouraging participants to strive for their goals and push for excellence. The Marathon also recognizes the important link between physical and mental well-being, and particularly how physical activity has allowed individuals to cope with the challenges we have faced during the past two years,” said Tallon. “We hope both past and new race participants will join us for the run in 2021!” The Fort McMurray Marathon is presented through a partnership between the Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo (RRCWB) and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB).

Registration for the 2021 Fort McMurray Marathon will open on June 18, 2021.