Organizers of a new marathon planned for Banff National Park are advertising registration opens on Jan. 24 – but Parks Canada has not yet approved the event.
Parks Canada officials say they have not received all of the necessary information from LifeSport Coaching and Events. The new marathon is scheduled for June 23.
“In addition to a full wildlife response plan, Parks Canada is awaiting an environmental assessment from the proponent,” said Michelle Macullo, a Parks Canada spokesperson. “A decision on the marathon has not been made.”
LifeSport Coaching and Events has put forward a proposal to run a 42-kilometre marathon, and half-marathon, along Bow Valley Parkway and eventually into Banff’s Central Park.
The preliminary proposal involved capping the event at 1,500 runners, with room to grow in subsequent years if all concerns can be appropriately addressed, including wildlife concerns and effects on other park visitors.
According to LifeSport’s website, the marathon will start east of Baker Creek, follow the Bow Valley Parkway to the Legacy Trail, along Vermilion Lakes and into Banff’s downtown. The event aims to accommodate all abilities.
LifeSport Coaching and events also runs the Subaru western triathlon series, including the Banff triathlon on Sept. 7.
