The 21st yearly edition of the Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon, Two-Person Relay, and 5K race is scheduled for this coming Sunday, May 5. It is anticipated that more than 2,000 participants will join in.
The event, which starts and finishes in Assiniboine Park, marks the beginning of Manitoba’s spring running season and serves as a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. This year, proceeds will go toward research focused on children affected by brain cancer.
The half marathon and two-person relay will commence at 8:00 a.m., with the 5K race starting ten minutes later at 8:10 a.m. Both events get underway close to where Conservatory Drive meets Park Boulevard North.
In its third decade now, this event has amassed over $2.8 million to assist Manitobans impacted by cancer. Numerous runners participate either in honor of a deceased loved one or to back those currently receiving treatments, turning the event into both a communal ritual and an individual mission for many.
Viewers are invited to applaud the participants as they run through the course or celebrate them at the finishing line. The Winnipeg Police Service will showcase their AIR1 helicopter, alongside an Armoured Rescue Vehicle and classic police cars from the WPS Museum.
Similar to previous years, temporary road closures and parking restrictions will be implemented.
The westbound section of Wellington Crescent, stretching from Elm Street to Assiniboine Park, will be shut down between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
The northbound lane of Park Boulevard from North to Wellington Crescent will be shut down between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
From 2:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., parking will not be permitted along the eastbound curb lanes of Portage Avenue between Woodhaven Boulevard and Douglas Park Boulevard.
The race route will guide runners south out of the park via Conservatory Drive, north on Park Boulevard, and east along the westbound lanes of Wellington Crescent to Elm Street before looping back. Runners will continue over the train footbridge at Empress Street, west along Wolseley Avenue West, and onto Assiniboine Avenue via Riverbend Crescent. A relay exchange will occur near Portage Avenue and Overdale Street.
From there, participants will head west on Portage Avenue and onto the Charleswood Parkway using pedestrian paths, turning around near Roblin Boulevard. The return loop will guide runners through Woodhaven and back along Portage Avenue into Assiniboine Park, finishing near the frisbee fields.
The event is coordinated with support from Winnipeg Police, volunteers, and traffic control to ensure runners’ safety and minimal disruption for motorists.
The event is expected to conclude by early afternoon.
