Edmonton Marathon: A Rainy Day of Success for Over 8,500 Participants

The Edmonton Marathon: A Rainy Day of Success for Over 8,500 Participants

Trivia Question❓

In 2017, Edmonton was named the "Most Romantic City in Canada" by Amazon Canada, based on the sales data of what item?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Happy Monday Edmonton!

First things first... you asked for it, and we've delivered.

Many of you have requested that we expand the 'What's happening' section to more categories. We've listened, and based on requests, here are the eight (8) categories you will see going forward:

1. Outdoor & Nature

2. Food & Drink

3. Shows and Entertainment

4. Arts, Crafts & Culture

5. Family Activities and Kid-Friendly Attractions

6. Night life

7. Sports

8. Meet ups

Phew!! Thats a lot of fun work to add to our schedule, but the community called and we've happily answered!

This is actually very good as there's a handful of things for everyone to do, whatever your interest may be...

Ok.. now onto this week's stuff....:)

Lets look first about the Marathon that just happened! By all accounts, it was a fun day out and brought in some nice cha ching!!

Catching up with the winners of the Edmontonon Marathon

More than 8,500 runners took part in the 34th annual Edmonton Marathon on August 17, 2025, shattering previous participation records. Organized by the Edmonton Road Runners Club and supported by the City of Edmonton, the event featured three race distances - full marathon, half marathon and 10K - catering to a wide range of athletes from elite competitors to recreational participants.

Bolstered by ideal late-summer weather and enthusiastic community turnout, runners traversed a scenic course that wound through the city’s River Valley parks, past iconic landmarks such as the High Level Bridge and Fort Edmonton Park. Aid stations staffed by over 300 volunteers provided hydration, medical assistance and encouragement at regular intervals.

In the full marathon, top male and female finishers clocked times of approximately 2 hours 25 minutes and 2 hours 50 minutes, respectively, though official results are pending final certification. The half-marathon saw particularly strong competition, with more than 2,000 entrants, marking a 15% increase over last year’s field. The 10K attracted over 1,500 participants, many running to raise funds for local charities.

City officials celebrated the marathon’s economic and cultural impact, estimating that the influx of athletes and spectators injected over $1 million into Edmonton’s hospitality and retail sectors. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi lauded the event as “a testament to our city’s spirit and our growing reputation as a destination for major sporting events.”

Looking ahead, organizers plan to enhance the runner experience with expanded entertainment zones and live music along the route. They aim to continue building on this momentum for the 2026 edition, targeting 10,000 participants and further solidifying Edmonton’s place on Canada’s marathon map.

Are you looking forward to the 2026 marathon? I am.

Get familiar...
Did You Know?

Test your Edmonton IQ!

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Edmonton?

A: Hiking in the River Valley, exploring the Edmonton Botanic Garden, and visiting Elk Island National Park.

Q: What are some must-visit attractions in Edmonton?

A: West Edmonton Mall, Fort Edmonton Park, and the Royal Alberta Museum.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Edmonton?

A: Many people enjoy visiting in the summer months for festivals and outdoor activities, but winter is also popular for winter festivals and activities like ice skating and skiing.

Interesting Facts

Edmonton is nicknamed “Canada’s Festival City” and hosts more festivals than any other Canadian city - including the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, which is the largest and oldest fringe theatre festival in North America, featuring over 1,000 performances each year.

Lots of things to do... Check them out!
What's happening this week?

1. Outdoor & Nature 🎶

Sunset Yoga in the Park
A gentle, all-levels yoga class overlooking the river valley. Bring your own mat and water bottle—no registration required.
Date: Monday, August 18, 2025 · 7 p.m.–8 p.m.
Location: William Hawrelak Park (Lake Stage)
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://exploreedmonton.com/event/sunset-yoga-hawrelak

River Valley Clean-Up & Picnic
Join a community effort to pick up litter along the trails, then unwind with a BYO-lunch potluck. All supplies provided.
Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 · 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Kinsmen Park Shelter #3
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://edmonton.ca/event/river-valley-cleanup

Guided Bike Tour: Hawrelak Loop
Pedal the scenic Hawrelak Park loop with an experienced guide. Stops include the rose garden and planetarium lookout.
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 · 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Location: Meet at Hawrelak Park Main Entrance
Cost: Free (own bike required)
Click for details: https://exploreedmonton.com/event/bike-tour-hawrelak

Full Moon Night Hike
Explore the ravine trails by moonlight, learn nocturnal nature facts, and spot owls in their natural habitat. Flashlights provided.
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 · 9 p.m.–11 p.m.
Location: Terwillegar Park (West Park Entrance)
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://familyfun.edmonton.ca/event/full-moon-hike

Birdwatching Walk at Gold Bar Park
Identify songbirds and waterfowl on a leisurely morning stroll led by an Audubon Society naturalist.
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 · 8 a.m.–10 a.m.
Location: Gold Bar Park (Main Picnic Area)
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://audubonedmonton.org/event/birdwatching-goldbar

2. Food and Drink 🍺

Pop-Up Patio Nights on 104 Street
An open-air patio featuring rotating local breweries, food trucks and lawn games—no cover, pay as you sip.
Dates: Mon–Fri, Aug 18–22, 2025 · 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
Location: 104 Street NW (between 102 Ave & Jasper Ave)
Cost: Free admission
Click for details: https://exploreedmonton.com/event/popup-patio-104

U of A Farmers’ Market
Browse local produce, artisanal breads, free samples and chef demos every Wednesday.
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 · 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: University of Alberta Main Mall
Cost: Free admission
Click for details: https://uafarmersmarket.ca

Food Truck Fridays at Churchill Square
A curated lineup of Edmonton’s best food trucks, with free live music and lawn seating.
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 · 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: Churchill Square, Downtown
Cost: Free admission
Click for details: https://churchillsquareedm.ca/truck-fridays

Free Coffee Friday at City Hall Plaza
Pick up a complimentary small coffee from local roaster RAVE and chat with city councillors.
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 · 8 a.m.–10 a.m.
Location: City Hall Plaza
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://edmonton.ca/event/coffee-friday

Whyte Avenue Snack Crawl
Self-guided tasting tour: free bite samples at participating cafés and bakeries (limit: first 100 guests).
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 · 12 p.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Whyte Avenue (82 Ave)
Cost: Free (registration required)
Click for details: https://exploreedmonton.com/event/snack-crawl-yeg

3. Shows & Entertainment 📺

Fringe Street Performances
Catch free busker acts, improv troupes and pop-up dance shows as part of the Edmonton Fringe Festival.
Dates: Mon–Fri, Aug 18–22, 2025 · various times
Location: Old Strathcona (Whyte Ave 82 Ave to 89 Ave)
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://exploreedmonton.com/fringe-street

Tuesdays on the Plaza: Lunchtime Concert
Enjoy a free jazz trio on the outdoor stage of the Alberta Legislature.
Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 · 12 p.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Legislature Grounds (West Plaza)
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://albertalegislature.ca/event/tuesdays-plaza

Pop-Up Comedy Night
Unscripted improv and stand-up from local talent at Last Chance Comedy Club.
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 · 8 p.m.–10 p.m.
Location: 10050 112 Street NW
Cost: Free admission (first-come basis)
Click for details: https://edmontoncomedy.com/event/popup-improv

Shakespeare in the Park: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
A free outdoor staging by Edmonton’s River City Shakespeare—bring blankets.
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 · 7 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Location: Coronation Park
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://rivercityshakespeare.ca/events

Movies on the Green: “The Princess Bride”
Classic family film projected on a giant inflatable screen—don’t forget snacks & chairs.
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 · 9 p.m.–11 p.m.
Location: Londonderry Pool Green Space
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://cityofedmonton.event/movies-green

4. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

Public Art Walking Tour
Discover murals, sculptures and hidden gems on this docent-led stroll through the Arts District.
Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 · 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m.
Location: Meet at 124 Street & 102 Avenue NW
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://exploreedmonton.com/event/public-art-tour

Open Gallery Night: Whyte Ave
After-hours gallery access, artist talks, live demos and refreshments at multiple Old Strathcona venues.
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 · 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
Location: Whyte Avenue Galleries
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://oldstrathcona.ca/event/gallery-night

Artist Talk Series at Wonderwell
Local painters and sculptors discuss process, inspiration and answer audience questions.
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 · 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Location: Wonderwell (8472 112 Street NW)
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://pixelgallery.ca/event/artist-talk

Pop-Up Craft Workshops
Drop-in sessions to try pottery, screen-printing and jewelry making—materials included.
Date: Monday, August 18, 2025 · 2 p.m.–5 p.m.
Location: The Art House (10526 122 Street NW)
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://exploreedmonton.com/event/craft-popups

Heritage Storytelling in the Park
Traditional Cree and Métis storytellers share tales of the river valley’s past under the old oak tree.
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 · 1 p.m.–2 p.m.
Location: Rundle Park (East Picnic Area)
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://edmontonheritage.ca/event/storytelling-rundle

5. Family Activities & Kid-Friendly 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Free Nature Investigators at Miquelon Lake
Kids discover tracks, nests and animal signs with a park interpreter—nets, guides & fun included.
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 · 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Miquelon Lake Provincial Park
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://familyfun.edmonton.ca/event/free-nature-investigators

Riverdale Farm Animal Meet & Greet
Pet goats, lambs and chickens while learning about farm life on the riverbank.
Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 · 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Riverdale Farm (4820 84 Ave NW)
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://edmonton.ca/event/riverdale-farm

Kids Comic-Making Workshop
Create your own comic strip with professional illustrators—supplies provided.
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 · 3 p.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Stanley A. Milner Library (Downtown)
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://yeglibrary.ca/event/comic-workshop

LEGO Free-Play Drop-In
Build, engineer and collaborate on huge LEGO projects in the maker zone.
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 · 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Highlands Community League
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://exploreedmonton.com/event/lego-dropin

Family Flicks at Londonderry Pool
Daytime screening of “Coco” on the lawn—perfect for little ones and a picnic lunch.
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 · 12 p.m.–2 p.m.
Location: Londonderry Pool Green Space
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://cityofedmonton.event/family-flicks

6. Night Life🌜

Jazz on Jasper: Sax & Soul
Live jazz ensembles spin smooth melodies on Jasper Ave - no cover, dance floor optional.
Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 · 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Location: Jasper Avenue & 102 Street NW
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://exploreedmonton.com/event/jazz-jasper

Full Moon Night Hike
(See Outdoor & Nature #4)
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 · 9 p.m.–11 p.m.
Location: Terwillegar Park
Cost: Free

Night Market on 124 Street
Stroll artisan stalls, sample global street food demos and catch live DJs - evening vibe guaranteed.
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 · 6 p.m.–11 p.m.
Location: 124 Street NW (100 Ave to 99 Ave)
Cost: Free admission
Click for details: https://124stmarket.ca/night-market

Pop-Up Comedy Night
(See Shows & Entertainment #3)
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 · 8 p.m.–10 p.m.
Location: Last Chance Comedy Club
Cost: Free

Stargazing Rooftop Social
Grab a blanket, snacks and peer through telescopes at Edmonton’s highest public rooftop deck.
Date: Monday, August 18, 2025 · 8:30 p.m.–10 p.m.
Location: Rice Howard Way Parkade Rooftop
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://edmontonastronomy.ca/event/rooftop-stargazing

7. Sports⚾

River Valley Run Club
Weekly free 5 km loop run—paced for all levels, followed by a casual stretch.
Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 · 6 p.m.–7 p.m.
Location: Rundle Park Loop
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://edmontonrunclub.ca/event/river-run

Community Pool Night at Kinsmen
Open-swim plus water-games and music—lifeguards on duty, no pre-registration.
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 · 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Location: Kinsmen Aquatic Centre
Cost: Free admission
Click for details: https://edmonton.ca/event/kinsmen-pool-night

Public Solar Observing
(U of A Observatory) Drop-in solar telescope viewing to learn about sunspots and flares.
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 · 12 p.m.–1 p.m.
Location: U of A Observatory Lawn
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://astro.ualberta.ca/event/solar-observing

Downtown Yoga & Smoothies
45-minute Vinyasa followed by complimentary fruit smoothies—bring a mat & water.
Date: Monday, August 18, 2025 · 6 p.m.–7 p.m.
Location: City Hall Plaza
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://exploreedmonton.com/event/yoga-dtn

Slackline Meetup at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
Try balancing on a slackline rigged between trees—coaching provided for beginners.
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 · 5 p.m.–7 p.m.
Location: Laurier Park (south lawn)
Cost: Free
Click for details: https://yegsportsnet.ca/event/slackline-meetup

8. Meetups👬

Secret Little Hack

To find free parking in downtown Edmonton, look for residential areas just a few blocks away from the main streets and park there for free.

Comfortable days and cool nights
This Week's Weather

This stretch brings mild, comfortable days in the low-20s, cool nights near 10 °C, and mostly sunny conditions at the beginning and end of the week. Mid-week cloudiness and a few showers or thunderstorms call for flexible planning, but the sun returns by Friday, wrapping up the period on a bright note.

Monday, August 18, 2025
Expect clear skies and plenty of sun, with daytime highs around 23 °C and a cool overnight low near 11 °C. There’s only a 20 % chance of a passing shower, so it’s a great day for outdoor plans.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025
The sun remains dominant, though a stray afternoon shower can’t be ruled out. Highs will reach about 22 °C, dipping to 10 °C once the sun sets. Keep an umbrella handy just in case (15 % chance of rain).

Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Cloud cover increases, and the risk of scattered thunderstorms climbs to around 30 %. Temperatures will peak near 21 °C and fall to about 9 °C. Plan indoor backup activities for late afternoon.

Thursday, August 21, 2025
Showers or thunderstorms are possible throughout the day (40 % likelihood), with cooler highs near 20 °C and lows around 8 °C. If you have evening outdoor events, watch for breaks in the rain.

Friday, August 22, 2025
Skies clear back up for a mix of sun and clouds, with a light breeze. Highs rebound to around 24 °C and lows climb to 11 °C, with only a 10 % chance of precipitation. A lovely finish to the week.

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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Edmonton was named the "Most Romantic City in Canada" based on the sales data of romance novels.

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