More than 8,500 people run in Edmonton Marathon

Servus Edmonton marathon organizers say it was the largest in its 35-year history. More than 8,500 people ran this year.

Downtown Edmonton was bustling Sunday morning with more than 8,500 people running in the Servus Edmonton Marathon, breaking the event’s record.

Last year’s marathon saw around 6,500 runners.

“This was a huge success. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, energy and community participation,” said race director Tim Keogh.

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The race raised more than $77,000 for local charities, also breaking a record for the event.

“The event has grown substantially every year for the last few years. The next milestone is to hit 10,000 participants and donate more than $100,000 to local charities,” said Keogh.

This is the second time Kip Kangogo of Lethbridge took first place in the men’s race with a time of 2:29:16. He won the race in 2022.

“The Edmonton Marathon has been a good friend and I’ve been coming here many years,” said Kangogo. “Alberta is home. It’s always good to win at home.”

Kristen Spady of Red Deer took the gold for the women’s race with a time of 2:53:25.

“It was very unexpected to win,” said Spady. “Running is my quiet time. I have four boys at home and they were texting me, giving me encouragement along the way.”

Arizona resident Rory Linkletter and Lauren McNeil of Kelowna won the half marathon.

The Servus Edmonton Marathon features five race distances, the marathon, half marathon, Army 10K, 5K family run and the kids 1K.

It’s known as the “friendly marathon” for its flat, fast course and community spirit and is a Boston Marathon qualifier.