Calgary Marathon parking safety updates and road closures
Calgary Marathon parking bans and road closures
Create space for a safe race during the race weekend
The Calgary Marathon brings thousands of runners, volunteers and spectators into our city. Temporary parking bans help keep the route clear and everyone safe.
You can help by:
- Watching for temporary parking ban signs
- Moving your vehicle before the listed clearance time
- Sharing this information with neighbours and visitors
Parking Safety and Compliance Officers validate parking bans while they are in effect.
Whether you live near the route, you’re coming downtown to cheer or you’re trying to get across the city, this page helps you check if your street is affected, when vehicles must be moved and where to park instead during the Calgary Marathon weekend. The event takes place on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Quick actions
If you're short on time, start here:
Race morning checklist
If you do only five things, do these:
- Check your street in the parking bans list below.
- Move your vehicle by 3:00 a.m. on both race days.
- Follow posted on-street signage as it is the best source of information for your block.
- Plan your route early using the interactive map and road closure information.
- If you’re driving near the route, park outside restricted areas, then walk, wheel or take transit for the final stretch.
If you forgot to move your vehicle and it hasn’t already been ticketed or moved, relocate it to a nearby location outside restricted areas as soon as you safely can.
Temporary parking bans and detours
If your street is listed below, you must move your vehicle before 3 a.m. on May 23 and 24, even if you normally park there. Vehicles left in a no‑parking zone during an active ban may receive a ticket and may be moved to support race safety.
If your street is not listed below, parking is not affected for the marathon.
If you’re driving downtown for race weekend:
- Park outside restricted areas
- Arrive early if you're parking near the route
- Walk, wheel or take transit for the final stretch when possible
You can also park at one of our parking lots and parkades and check access timing, as some facilities may have limited entry or exit during race operations. Remember:
- Temporary parking ban signs are posted in advance.
- Clearance times may differ by street — always follow posted signage.
- Leaving a vehicle in an active ban zone may result in a ticket or the vehicle being moved.
Saturday, May 23
Ramsay
- Macdonald Avenue S.E. (entire street)
Downtown East / Inglewood
- 11 Avenue (4 Street S.E. – 14 Street S.W.)
North & south curb lanes - 9 Avenue S.E. (6 Street – 12 Street S.E., to Inglewood Bridge)
Temporary parking signs begin appearing up to 12 hours ahead
Sunday, May 24
Ramsay
- Macdonald Avenue S.E. (entire street)
Kensington
- Kensington Road (14 Street – 10A Street N.W., south side)
Northwest communities
- 19 Avenue N.W. (42 Street – 51 Street N.W.)
- 17 Avenue N.W. (50 Street – 52 Street N.W.)
- Bowness Road (61 Street – 67 Street N.W., west curb lane)
- 69 Street N.W. (both sides)
Tickets, towing and what to do next
If a vehicle is parked in an active no‑parking zone:
- A parking ticket will be issued
- The vehicle may be moved (short towed) to a nearby legal parking location
-
If you recieve a ticket
Pay your ticket online early to avoid higher penalties
-
If your vehicle is moved
It will be relocated to a nearby location outside restricted areas. To confirm where your vehicle was moved, contact City Wide Towing at 403-287-9111.
-
If you believe a ticket was issued unfairly
Request a review or appeal. Appeals are only accepted for unpaid tickets.
| If paid within | Fine |
|---|---|
| 10 days | $40 |
| 10-30 days | $50 |
| After 30 days | $68 |
Visiting Calgary for race weekend
If you’re coming from out of town:
- Navigate safe, convenient and affordable parking options
- Check parking bans near your accommodation
- Review route maps before travelling
- Expect construction and detours during special events
Planning your trip will help you enjoy the event with less stress.
Use the MyParking app
Frequently asked questions
If I live along the route, can I still get in or out of my neighbourhood?
Short answer: Usually yes, but it may take extra time.
During race windows, access is managed for safety. Police and course marshals pause traffic to let runners pass, then reopen crossings when it’s safe. This can mean short waits, especially in the morning. If you need to leave early, plan your trip and move your vehicle outside restricted areas before the event starts.
Many complaints come from surprise delays — not full closures.
Will my car be towed right away if I forget to move it?
In most cases, no — most vehicles are ticketed, not towed.
Towing is only used where tow‑away signage is posted and where a parked vehicle would block the race route, emergency access or safety operations. These signs are placed in advance so people have time to move their vehicles.
Big picture: Towing isn’t about punishment — it’s about keeping people safe and the event moving.
Why do parking bans start so early?
I parked legally the night before — why did I still get a ticket?
Temporary event restrictions can override normal parking rules. Even if you parked legally earlier, temporary signs and event notices become the rule once they’re posted.
That’s why checking event notices the day before — especially near major events — can help avoid surprises.
Can I park nearby and walk in, or do I need to avoid the area completely?
You usually don’t need to avoid the area — you just need to park safely and legally.
Parking is typically available outside the restricted streets, and nearby parkades and public parking are often the easiest options. Walking a few extra minutes is usually faster than trying to drive through active event routes.
Tip: This works well for visitors, spectators, and local businesses.
What happens if plans change or something is different on race day?
Large events are dynamic. Weather, safety needs or race flow can cause real‑time adjustments. That’s why official maps and notices are treated as live information and why City staff on the street may redirect traffic or parking differently than expected.
Following posted signs and staff direction on race day always takes priority.
I’m just passing through Calgary — how would I even know this is happening?
That’s a fair concern. The City and event organizers use multiple tools — signage, digital maps, apps, media and navigation services — but not everyone will see every notice.
If you’re visiting or driving unfamiliar routes, checking navigation apps, watching for temporary signs and allowing extra travel time during major events can help prevent tickets or delays.
Help or concerns?
If you need assistance regarding parking rules, tickets, or appeals, our customer service team is ready to help. You can reach us by calling 403-537-7000 or by sending an email to parking@calgary.ca.
Our staff will provide information and support for your parking-related questions and concerns.
