Edmonton Marathon Faces Air Quality Concerns

As runners gear up for the Servus Edmonton Marathon this Sunday, the lingering smoke from wildfires in western Canada is a primary concern. This year, the marathon will see over 6,500 participants, making it the largest in its 33-year history.

Brian Torrance, a key member of the marathon’s organizing team, acknowledged the challenges posed by the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) during a press conference. He mentioned that they would provide updates on Friday, keeping the safety of everyone involved as their top priority.

The current AQHI in Edmonton is at a very high risk level of 10-plus, prompting Environment Canada to issue air quality advisories. They recommend limiting outdoor activities and avoiding outdoor sports, activities, and events if possible.

Despite the smoky conditions, Torrance remained hopeful. He recalled past events where smoke cleared in time for the races. The organizers have partnered with health officials to navigate this situation and will adhere to federal guidelines to ensure safety.

Participants can look forward to a unique experience, as this is the first time Jasper Avenue will be completely closed for the marathon. The event will also feature a variety of races, including a 42.2-kilometre marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, and a fun run for kids.

Among the participants is Shelby Travers, who will be running the 5-kilometre race with her service dog, Pepsi. Travers faced a life-altering health challenge when a stroke took most of her vision at a young age, leading her to rely on her guide dog for safety and independence while running.