Red Willow Summer

We’re celebrating 35 years of the Red Willow Trail System in St. Albert! Covering 22 km, the system stretches down the Sturgeon River connecting the city's major parks to several neighbourhoods and urban areas. Everyone can enjoy the trails by walking, wheeling or running. The Sturgeon River in St. Albert is historically referred to in Cree as mihkwapemak, which translates to Red Willow.

Meet Me on the Trail

Run, walk, or wheel the Red Willow system! As part of celebrating 35 years of the Red Willow Trail system, we’re putting on a virtual race. The race kicks off on June 3; you can begin tracking your distance right after you sign up. Distance can be tracked manually or by syncing a fitness tracker.

Participation is easy:

Sign up for the event
Track your distance,
Then pick up your commemorative medal and T-shirt on September 19!

Please note: Registration and tracking for the race are through a third-party platform called True North.

Remember, this is a virtual race that you can complete anywhere, anytime and at any pace once you’ve signed up.

Race Timeline:

June 3 – September 19, 2026

Distance Options:

Run the Red Willow: 22 km
- Complete the full distance of the Red Willow Trail System
Run the City: 128 km
- Complete the full distance of the trail system in St. Albert

Race Fees, Sign-up and Important Dates:

Race fees are $30, which includes a commemorative medal and T-shirt.
Registration closes August 31, 2026
Sign up online
If you’re on the competitive side, make sure you enter your distance by September 15. Participants with the fastest times will get a shoutout at the Celebrate Red Willow event on September 19.

Celebrate the Red Willow

A complete loop for the whole group. Join us to celebrate 35 years of the Red Willow Trail System on Saturday, September 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be four event sites at different locations along the trail with activities for the whole family to enjoy, including a scavenger hunt, guided walks and artists. Each site will have different activities and entertainment for a full afternoon of fun. Are you a virtual race participant? Pick up your commemorative medal and T-shirt at MacMillan Park!

Event date: