The 45th Annual HSBC Calgary Marathon will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2009, featuring a new date, a new course, and a new venue, Race Director Helen Kolodziejzyk announced on October 10, 2008.

The race weekend will include a two-day fitness expo as well as six events on race day: a marathon, half-marathon, 10k, 4x10k team event, and a brand new Family 5k Walk & Run. All courses are new for 2009 with the marathon and half-marathon featuring a scenic tour of Calgary, from the start in Bridgeland, past the zoo, the Saddledome, down the Red Mile then on to Memorial Drive. The 10k and 5k are flat and fast on Memorial Drive.

The decision to change the date was based on runner feedback and feedback from the community at large. Rather than run the event during one of the busiest times of the year, Stampede, which conflicts with summer vacation and Stampede-related activities, organizers decided to bring the race back to its roots and run it in May.

One of our goals is to build the Timbits Kid's Marathon up to one of the biggest kids' races in Canada. By holding it during the school year, organizers anticipate increased participation.

"Our charity of choice is the Canadian Diabetes Association and their national activity fundraising program Team Diabetes. Our goal is to promote healthy and active lifestyles while raising funds for diabetes research, education, and advocacy programs. Obesity and childhood obesity are escalating problems in our society and together with the CDA we want to battle this serious issue head on. The Family 5k Walk & Run was created as a direct fundraiser with five dollars from every registration going directly to the CDA. In 2008, our race weekend raised over $44,000 for our charity. We hope to surpass this in 2009," said Kolodziejzyk.