Bison Run 2026

This page is kept as a past race archive for the Apr 19, 2026 edition in Wainwright, AB. Use the links below to find upcoming races in the same area or distance category. You can also browse the 2026 race calendar.

Bison Run 2026 takes place on April 19, 2026 in Wainwright, Alberta and is organized by the Wainwright Runners. This spring road-and-trail event brings together local club members, families and visiting runners for a single-day community race on the Ascot and Area Recreation Trail beside the Bud Cotton Buffalo Paddock.

The event offers multiple distances to suit a range of paces: a 10 km race, a 5 km run, a 5 km walk and a 2 km kids run. Race day follows a compact schedule — welcome at 9:50 a.m.; the 2 km kids race starts at 10:00 a.m.; the 10 km race and 5 km walk start at 10:30 a.m.; the 5 km run follows at 10:40 a.m.; and awards are scheduled for noon. Packet pick-up takes place the day before at Jack's Place (218 10 St) from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., with morning-of pick-up from 9:00–9:40 a.m.

What sets Bison Run apart is the setting and the small-community touches. The paved out-and-back course runs alongside a working buffalo paddock and features rolling terrain rather than long flats, plus on-site refreshments (fruit, muffins, bagels). Top finishers receive a handmade ceramic Bison Run mug, and early registrants who sign up before April 1 are guaranteed a free handheld soft flask while supplies last. The club partners with a 12-week to 5K training program that offers a discount for participants, and Ellis Timing provides manual timing with printed times on-site and results posted online.

Registration follows tiered pricing with early-bird, regular and late windows; participants can register via the official event registration link and contact Wainwright Runners at wainrunners@gmail.com with questions. Volunteers and club members receive additional registration benefits — check the organizer's information for details.

• Start/finish area at 402 4 Ave S, Wainwright; participants are asked to park at Davco (402 4 Ave S) and walk to the start/finish.
• Paved, out-and-back multi-use trail (Ascot and Area Recreation Trail RR#70) running beside the Bud Cotton Buffalo Paddock.
• Course features rolling terrain with short hills; an elevation graph is provided by the organizer.
• Finish-line refreshments include fruit, muffins and bagels; participants are encouraged to bring their own cup or bottle for refills.
• Manual timing by Ellis Timing with official times printed on-site and posted online after the race.

• Scenic buffalo-side course: Paved out-and-back along the Ascot and Area Recreation Trail beside the Bud Cotton Buffalo Paddock with rolling terrain.
• Guaranteed early-bird swag: Register before Apr 1 to be guaranteed a free handheld soft flask (while quantities last).
• Handmade awards: Top finishers receive a handcrafted ceramic Bison Run mug.
• On-site timing & printed results: Ellis Timing provides manual timing; official times are printed at the finish and posted online.
• Family-friendly options: 2 km kids run plus strollers and leashed dogs are welcome, making it easy to bring the whole family.