Every runner brings a story to the start line. From national champions to lifelong friends sharing the course, the Edmonton Marathon is shaped by the moments, memories and meaning behind every finish.
PARTICIPANT STORIES
Running for Alicia: Bryan Fountain’s marathon journey to support MS research
Bryan Fountain
Marathon| 2026
For Bryan Fountain, the 2026 Servus Edmonton Marathon is not only about completing his first marathon, but also a chance to support his wife, Alicia, and raise awareness and funds for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
His connection to running began in 2020 when he and Alicia signed up for a half marathon. When COVID-19 changed the way the event was held, Bryan ended up running the route at a later date with Alicia biking alongside him.
“At that point, I thought running hurts and it’s hard,” he laughed. While Bryan stepped away from running, Alicia continued to run recreationally.
However, in the spring of 2025, their lives changed. In May, Alicia began experiencing the first signs of MS and was diagnosed in July. Her main symptom has been fatigue, making everyday activities, like running, more challenging.
Last August, Bryan found himself inspired to run again, partly after seeing social media posts from people participating in the Servus Edmonton Marathon. When he saw that MS Canada was one of the charities supported through the Charity Challenge, he knew it was an opportunity to combine his return to running with a cause close to home.
A strength and conditioning coach, Bryan has spent the last year training for his first marathon. Many kilometres have included his dog, Mabel, by his side.
His goal is to complete the marathon in under four hours, but he’s looking forward to experiencing the energy of race day. He'll be joined on the course by his brother-in-law, Calvin, Alicia's brother.
Bryan initially set a fundraising goal of $2,000, thinking it was an ambitious target. After sharing his goal on social media, he raised $2,400 in just one day. He’s now raised nearly $4,000.
“Truthfully, I’ve been blown away by how generous people are,” Bryan said. “I’ve also been hearing comments from people sharing their own stories and how MS has impacted them.”
Through his first marathon, Bryan hopes to support MS research, honour Alicia’s journey, and show the impact a community can make.
Proving Possibility at Every Age
Mervyn Higgs
10K | 2026
At 83 years old, Mervyn Higgs is preparing for a milestone moment at the Servus Edmonton Marathon. This year marks the first time the race is introducing an 80-plus age category, and it will also be Higgs’ 10th time taking part.
Running wasn’t always part of his life. Higgs didn’t start until he was 73, encouraged by his daughter Linda to give it a try. His first race was the Edmonton 10K in 2016, which quickly became a yearly tradition.
“The first competition run I ever did was the Edmonton 10K at the age of 74,” Higgs said. “I did it in one hour and six minutes. I thought that was not bad for my age.”
Since then, he has taken part every year. In 2019, he pushed himself further and completed the full marathon in Edmonton, finishing in just over five hours.
One of his most memorable moments was in 2021, when he took part in the 5K alongside his daughter, granddaughter, grandson and great-granddaughters, turning race day into a true generational run.
“Being out there across four generations is something special that I’ll never forget.”
With his 84th birthday coming shortly after race weekend, Higgs is looking forward to once again lining up at the start line. Higgs lives in Fort Saskatchewan and enjoys getting out to run whenever he can.
Pushing Toward A Shared Dream
Debra Kasowski & Larry Adams
5K | 2025
For Debra Kasowski, the Edmonton Marathon had always been about showing up year after year. This time, however, race day carried an even deeper meaning.
Debra ran the 5K alongside her close friend Larry Adams, pushing him in his wheelchair so he could experience every part of the race. Larry, 86, lives with cerebral palsy and had once been told he would not live past the age of 25. Decades later, he proved those expectations wrong by taking part in one of Edmonton’s most celebrated race days.
For Larry, the 5K was more than a distance. It was the fulfillment of a long-held dream to be part of the Edmonton Marathon atmosphere, including the crowds, the cheers and the moment of crossing the finish line. For Debra, it was a chance to share the event she loved with a friend and help make that dream a reality.
Together, Debra and Larry’s run served as a powerful reminder that the Edmonton Marathon is for everyone.
WATCH: Edmonton man with cerebral palsy set to race in marathon with help from a friend (CityNews)
WATCH: Record-high attendance for Servus Edmonton Marathon (CityNews)
A Run For Her Father
Marlee Hutchings
Healthcare Solutions Half Marathon | 2025
When Marlee Hutchings took to the course on August 17, every kilometre carried deep personal significance.
Marlee ran the Healthcare Solutions Half Marathon exactly 21 years to the day after her father, David Hutchings, passed away from cancer. As she moved through the course, each kilometre represented one year since his passing, transforming her run into a living tribute to his life.
Inspired by her father’s kindness, active lifestyle and commitment to community, Marlee also used her race to raise funds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation in his name. Through her efforts, she helped support others facing cancer and offered hope to families navigating similar journeys.
Surrounded by the encouragement of fellow runners, volunteers and spectators, Marlee’s run reflected the heart of the Edmonton Marathon, where personal stories, community support and resilience come together, one step at a time.
WATCH: Woman marks 21 years since father’s death as Edmonton Marathon breaks several records (Global Edmonton)
A Familiar Finish Line
Kip Kangogo
Men’s Marathon Winner | 2025
Kip Kangogo claimed victory at the Edmonton Marathon for the second time, winning the men’s marathon in a time of 2:29:16. The Lethbridge runner previously won the event in 2022, adding another Edmonton title to his resume.
Following his win, Kangogo reflected on his long-standing connection to the race and the province. “The Edmonton Marathon has been a good friend and I’ve been coming here many years,” he said. “Alberta is home. It’s always good to win at home.”
His repeat victory highlighted both consistency and experience, as Kangogo once again proved himself in front of a familiar community.
A Win She Didn't Expect
Kristen Spady
Women’s Marathon Winner | 2025
Kristen Spady of Red Deer captured the women’s marathon title with a winning time of 2:53:25, a result she described as a surprise.
“It was very unexpected to win,” Spady said.
For Spady, running was both competition and personal time. As a mother of four boys, she found motivation throughout the race from messages of encouragement sent by her family.
“Running is my quiet time,” she said. “I have four boys at home and they were texting me, giving me encouragement along the way.”
Her victory was a testament to balance, resilience and determination.
WATCH: Red Deer woman wins Edmonton Marathon (Red Deer News Now)
A Sprint To The National Title
Rory Linkletter
Health Care Solutions Half Marathon Winner & Canadian Half Marathon Champion | 2025
Rory Linkletter delivered a thrilling performance at the Health Care Solutions Half Marathon, winning both the race and the Canadian Half Marathon Championship title.
Originally from Calgary, Linkletter secured the victory in a dramatic sprint finish, crossing the line just one second ahead of Cameron Levins.
.jpg)
“It was a showdown because Cam is a super tough guy to beat,” Linkletter said. “Doing it in Alberta was pretty special.”
The narrow win capped off one of the most exciting finishes of the day and showcased elite Canadian distance running on home soil.
WATCH: Rory Linkletter wins Canadian Half-Marathon Championships in sprint finish (Canadian Running)