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Looking for volunteers

Woody’s RV World Marathon set for May 17

May 7, 2026 | 3:07 PM

The 26th running of the Woody’s RV World Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K races is less than two weeks away.

On Sunday, May 17, they’ll welcome hundreds of athletes who will compete for the title through Red Deer’s park and trail system.

Treasurer of the event, Curtis Marquart, said, like every year, the marathon will be 42.2 kilometres, followed by the half-marathon at 21 kilometres. There will also be the 10-kilometre race and the kids’ fun run.

“It’s a good time. Even if you’re not running, if you come down to support the runners, you know when they finish, it’s great,” Marquart said.

Those who take part in the marathon will get to experience the paths along the Red Deer River. The long-running event is repeatedly ranked among Alberta’s best races.

The marathon and half-marathon begin at 8 a.m. at Ecole Camille J. Lerouge School, followed by the 10K race at 8:15 a.m. and the kids’ races at 10:30 a.m.

The award ceremony takes place in the school at 1 p.m.

Typically, the marathon can be used as a qualifier for the Boston marathon, but this year that won’t be the case.

“It’s for everybody,” Marquart added. “I always say it’s a race for the everyday runner, and there is a spot for our elite. Every year, we do get elites who come in because they’re in it to win it. There are cash prizes for them… We do have the super-fast skinny guys who run like the wind, and then we have guys who look like your neighbours. They just want to be fit, want to be healthy, want to run, and they want to do an event with their kids, family, and friends.

They’re currently looking for volunteers, including those who would like to be course marshals who help direct the runners in the right direction on the course. They’re also looking for volunteers to help set up, be at the finish line, and work at the t-shirt pickup table, among other roles.

To register for the race, visit reddeermarathon.ca. As part of a partnership with the Red Deer Food Bank, those who register can also choose to donate to the food bank, which will go directly to them, whether it be $5, $10, or more.

“We have a committee of about 10 volunteers, and we start this whole process in September to put this event on,” he said. “It’s a labour of love.”