Canada's oldest marathon attracts record number of runners

ctvcalgary.ca

A record number of runners laced up their shoes and ran in the 44th annual HSBC Calgary Marathon Sunday morning.

At 7 a.m. runners took their mark at Millennium Park in downtown Calgary to take part in Canada's oldest marathon.

6-thousand runners ran or walked the flat scenic course that meanders along the Bow River and features an elevation change of only three metres throughout the course.

The flat course, and great reputation, has attracted many former Olympians and many elite athletes.

However, organizers announced this is the last year the marathon will be held in July during Stampede.

In 2009 the marathon will take place in May and the course will change.

There have been a lot of complaints over the years about the race tying up traffic: the route takes runners through the Stampede grounds.

Organizers say having the race take place during Stampede makes it difficult to wrangle up volunteers and it makes it difficult for out of town participants to find accommodations

But some things won't be changing: the belt buckle medals will still be given out.