Melissa’s Road Race

Melissa's Road Race is one of Canada’s most iconic mountain running events and has been a staple of the Canadian road racing calendar since 1979. Held in the spectacular mountain town of Banff inside Banff National Park, the race is famous for its postcard-worthy scenery, energetic atmosphere, live entertainment, and strong community feel. The event offers 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon distances that wind through Banff’s roads and trails with dramatic Rocky Mountain backdrops, river crossings, forest sections, and sweeping alpine views.

Melissa’s has built a reputation as more than just a race. It is known for its festive race-weekend experience, including live music, post-race celebrations, commemorative long-sleeve race shirts featuring local artwork, and a lively downtown Banff atmosphere after the finish. The race routinely sells out months in advance and has received multiple awards as Alberta’s Best Road Race.

The race is organized by the Melissa’s Road Race event organizers based in Banff, working with local Banff partners and Parks Canada approvals for the event routes within the national park.