Calgary

Scotiabank Calgary Marathon sees thousands of runners lace up

Thousands of runners laced up for the 52nd Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Sunday morning, as the city's core was lined with spectators, friends and supporters of those running.

More than $750,000 was raised for 85 local charities

Jonathan Kipchirchir wins the 52nd Calgary Marathon at Stampede Park with a time of 2:21:55. (Dave Holland)

Thousands of runners laced up for the 52nd Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Sunday morning, as the city's core was lined with spectators, friends and supporters of those running.

​The event attracted more than 10,000 runners for the marathon, 50K, half marathon, 10K and 5K races.

Jonathan Kipchirchir from Kenya won the men's full marathon with a time of 2:21:55 — Andrea Glover from Nanton was the fastest woman in the same distance at 3:02:14.

Brad Hay and other friends didn't hold back cheering on their buddy Adam for going the distance.

"Great, it was his first marathon so it's exciting and it was a time he wanted to get done with. We are very happy for him. It's exciting."

A racer himself, Brad Hay headed to the sidelines after his race to cheer on his friend taking on the marathon distance. (Stephanie Wiebe/CBC)

But before Hay got to the sidelines, he'd already completed his own 21 kilometre half marathon.

"It was hot today, wasn't the best running conditions but it got done and that's the most important thing."

Hay says he and his friends may celebrate finishing by going for a beer.

Tracy Townsend hoped she would beat her personal goal of 3:40 the Calgary Marathon. (Stephanie Wiebe/CBC)

Tracy Townsend — an experience marathon racer — hoped to achieve a new personal best at the Calgary marathon.

"I tried to get under 3:40 and I think I did it."

She and Hay have a similar ideas about spending the rest of the day.

"Have a few beer and celebrate with friends."

The CBC Do Crew's hydration-cheering station is ready to go for the 52nd Scotiabank Calgary Marathon. (Emily Denooij/CBC)

All money raised through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge goes to local charities.

CBC Calgary is a proud sponsor of the Calgary Marathon. 

More than 20 Do Crew members came out to cheer and hydrate the half-marathon and ultra-marathon runners outside the CBC building.

They were joined by volunteers from the Ronald McDonald House.

The CBC's Do Crew were joined by volunteers from Ronald McDonald House as they cheered on the runners. (CBC)

With files from Ayesha Clough