Community run kicks off ‘the Friendly Marathon’ in August

The 2025 Servus Edmonton Marathon medal was unveiled at the community run on July 29, 2025. (Darcy Seaton/CTV News Edmonton)

Eager runners took to Ice District’s streets to get the blood flowing in anticipation for a 34-year-old Edmonton marathon’s largest event to date.

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The Servus Edmonton Marathon’s unique structure offers Edmontonians the chance to celebrate athleticism and community in what’s been dubbed the “friendly marathon” on Aug. 17.

In preparation, organizers created a 5 km community run, held on Tuesday, to help participants and volunteers get in the know about the main event.

“The marathons become much more of a year-long conversation … people register as early as January,” said Brian Torrance, who’s with growth and marketing for the marathon.

He said there are more than 8,500 people registered this year. Last year, 6,500 signed up.

“We’re thrilled … it’s our largest ever,” Torrance said.

They’re always looking for volunteers, though, which is partially where the community run comes in.

A medal and t-shirt reveal on Tuesday, Torrance said, is meant to generate interest and excitement in getting involved with the races.

They anticipate over 15,000 downtown spectators on the day of the races.

“There’s a global popularity around marathons,” he said.

The Servus marathon is known for its approachability: a fast, flat course that features five race distances: a marathon, half marathon, 10, 5 and 1 km race.

This year, the Servus marathon is hosting the 2025 and 2026 Athletics Canadian Half Marathon championship, which will bring even more athletes into the city of champions.

So far, Servus has raised more than $50,000 for local charities this year. Online registration closes at midnight on Aug. 11.