Join us at 7:00 PM on Saturday, November 1st, 2025

Running through the Canadian Rockies at night with just a headlamp sounds impossible, but 36 years proves otherwise. The Banff Winterstart 5-Miler transforms darkness into magic as hundreds of runners light up mountain trails under starlit skies. Families, competitive athletes, and costume-wearing adventurers unite for this legendary November night run!

Early Bird:

To show our appreciation for your early commitment, the first 500 runners to complete their registration will be treated to an exclusive commemorative gift - a special keepsake designed for this year’s Winterstart event.

Accommodations:

Welcome Banff Winterstart Race athletes and spectators. The Banff Lodging Co. is proud to support the Banff Winterstart Race and offers preferred rates to all athletes and spectators. Use promo code "winterun" to book discounted rates!

Race Kits:

Pickup your race kit at The Tech Shop Thursday October 30th, 2025 from 12PM to 6PM or Friday October 31st, 2025 from 12PM to 6PM.

Night Run Support:

The Banff Quikies Ski Club was formed in 1978 to provide basic ski instruction for children in the Banff area. The Banff Alpine Racers Ski Club was formed shortly thereafter to create a competitive skiing program for graduates of the Quikies program.

Race Details

Where We Are Going:

The race starts out from the front of the Rundlestone Lodge, 537 Banff Avenue, running an out and back course along Banff Avenue and Tunnel Mountain Road. The Winterstart 5 Miler Night Run race starts at 7:00pm on Saturday November 1st, 2025. Participants enjoy refreshments, awards and draw prizes in the Lodge parkade following the race. You must be present to win the draw prizes.

Road Rules:

Racers must stay on the south portion of the road. While the Legacy Pathway is inviting, we do not have permission to use it for this race. Remember THE ROAD IS STILL OPEN TO TRAFFIC and some are traveling at highway speeds. Do not cut the corners and run on any other part of the road.

Flashers:

Various reflective and flashing traffic control equipment is set up the entire length of the course. Along Banff Avenue, it is important to stay to the RIGHT of the equipment and lights on the way out and to the LEFT of the traffic control equipment and lights on the return. The problem with flashing signs is that they flash on and off. Timing is everything. Watch out for the dark times in between flashes. Those dark signs can hurt. Head lamps are highly recommended.

Timing Devices:

We are using the single use ChronoTrack B-Tag™ as a timing device for this race.

  1. Race Bib is clearly visible on the FRONT of the of the torso.
  2. Race Bib is unaltered and unmodified (do not fold or wrinkle the bib).
  3. Race Bib is pinned in all four corners.
  4. Race Bib is not covered (eg: jackets, costumes, runner belts, water bottles, etc).
  5. You must cross the mats at the start and finish lines. No Bib = No Time. Only athletes wearing a B-Tag will be timed.
  6. B-Tag is already attached to your race bib.

Pickup Your Race Kit:

We strongly recommend picking up your race kit early at Tech Shop Calgary on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 12 PM to 6 PM. If you’re unable to make it, kits will also be available at the Rundlestone Lodge in Banff on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 2 PM to 6:30 PM. To avoid long lines and guarantee your requested T-shirt size, please plan to collect your kit in Calgary as sizes may be limited if you wait until race day in Banff.

Get Your Glow On:

This is a Night Run and there are no street lights once outside the Banff town site. We encourage you to be as visible as possible but we will not be handing out glow sticks this year to help lessen our impact on the environment. Head lamps are recommended. Over the years we’ve seen some outstanding fashion statements of reflective, florescent attire including body wraps using battery operated Christmas lights.

Marshall, Marshall:

The course Marshall's (wearing red reflective vests and carrying flash lights) along the course will have radio contact to other Marshall's along the route. Should you have a problem or a medical issue and need assistance, contact the closest course Marshall. Trained medical staff is at points along the course and at the finish line. The RCMP and EMS are aware and may also be on the race route depending on their call load. RCMP, EMS and Hospital Officials have been notified of the race, but sincerely hope their assistance is not needed.

And The Winner Is:

Overall winners (first, second, and third) in both the men’s and women’s divisions will receive awards, as will the top three finishers in each age category for both genders. In addition, there will be random draw prizes. All awards and prizes will be presented at the post-race ceremony in the parkade of the Rundlestone Lodge.

Our National Park:

The National Parks were created for our enjoyment and the protection of the environment and wildlife. We have been granted a permit to run this event as long as we follow the rules set out in the conditions of the permit. We must not interfere with other’s enjoyment of the park and minimize our intrusion on the local wildlife. Remember ALL participants are required to have a park pass. Go to https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/tarifs-fees for more information.

The Town of Banff:

We all must be on good behavior and adhere to the Town of Banff bylaws. For example no liquor is to be consumed in places outside of the designated licensed premises. Any violations will not be tolerated. This event takes place in Banff National Park, the heart of the Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Banff National Park has much more to offer than just fresh air and world-class scenery – we hope you will enjoy the park’s cultural treasures and discover its natural wonders too. The Town of Banff has on street parking and off street lots with 1 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, and 8 hour time limits. Visit banffparking.ca to help you find available parking spaces in the Town of Banff - in real time.

Wildlife Safety:

Remember, wildlife are extremely sensitive to the stress of human activity. As per Parks Canada request there will be no dogs allowed at the race. Please go to https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/brochures.

Race Results

Calgary Race Kit Pickup

The Tech Shop
3855 - 19 Street NW
Calgary AB T2L 2B3
When: Thu Oct 30 & Fri Oct 31, 12 to 6 PM
Phone: (403) 229-2348
E-mail: info@banffwinterstart.ca

Banff Race Kit Pickup

The Rundlestone Lodge
537 Banff Ave
Banff AB T1L 1H8
When: Sat Nov 1, 2 to 6:30 PM
Phone: (403) 762-2201
E-mail: reservations@banfflodgingco.com